BEST GOLF COURSES IN WESTLAKE VILLAGE, CA

If you’re looking for top-tier golf around Westlake Village / Thousand Oaks, California, you’ve got several really compelling options. Below is a guide to some of the best courses in that area — public and private — with what makes them special, how tough they are, green fees (or membership costs when available), and the surrounding amenities, views, etc.

I’ll cover:

1. Los Robles Greens (Thousand Oaks, public)

2. Westlake Golf Course (Westlake Village, public)

3. Sherwood Country Club / Sherwood Lake Club (private)

4. North Ranch Country Club (private)

5. Bonus / nearby public courses

1. Los Robles Greens (Thousand Oaks, public)

What makes it a standout

Los Robles Greens is often considered the “go-to” public course in Thousand Oaks / Conejo Valley. It offers a well-maintained layout with classic design features, good course conditioning, and a friendly but challenging experience. 

It is carved into the rolling foothills of the Santa Monica Mountains, giving you elevation changes, oak trees, some water features, and scenic views across the valley.

The clubhouse is modern and supports dining, events, a pro shop, and full practice facilities. 

Layout, difficulty & rating

• Par: 70 

• Yardage (championship/back tees): ~ 6,300 yards (6,304) 

• Course rating/slope (for men’s back tees): ~ 70.3 / 126 

• From more “friendly” tee sets, rating/slope drop (e.g. ~68.9 / 122, etc.). 

In reviews and rankings, Los Robles is often rated “moderate” difficulty. For example, a local Conejo Valley golf writer rated it as difficulty 6 / likeability 7 (on a 1-10 scale) for this area.  Greens and undulations are among the trickier features; many golfers comment on the speed and slopes of the greens, and that the location (holes near freeway) can slightly interfere visually with the front nine. Pace of play is noted as generally 4½ to 5 hours. 

Green fees, cart, specials

• The 18-hole cart fee is $18 per rider. Los Robles Greens

• Twilight cart fee is $12 (begins at 2:00 pm March–October; 12:00 pm November–February) 

• The published “standard” green fee (non-resident) is about $86 (various tee times) according to Golf Digest. 

• The course offers a “resident card” (for Thousand Oaks zip codes) that gives 20 % off posted or online green fees (not cart fees) and allows earlier tee time booking. 

• The course also publishes “average weekend peak rate up to $50” on Greenskeeper’s site (though that may reflect discounted or off-peak windows) 

• Replay rates are available (ask Pro Shop) 

• It is rated/listed on GolfNow with “no booking fees” in some promotions. 

• Resident Golf Card: $15 (valid one year) for qualifying Thousand Oaks zip codes; gives the holder 20% off posted/online green fees (not cart fees) 

Given its amenities and condition, many golfers feel it's good value. 

Surroundings & amenities

• The course enjoys valley and mountain views, oak-lined fairways, and several scenic passages.

• There is a full practice facility: driving range, chipping / short game areas, putting green. 

• The Clubhouse features dining options (casual), event spaces, and a pro shop. 

• Proximity to local amenities: being in Thousand Oaks, you’re near shopping, lodging, and restaurants.

Bottom line: If you want a public course in this area with good challenge, a beautiful setting, and solid amenities, Los Robles Greens is among the top picks.

2. Westlake Golf Course (Westlake Village, public)

Highlights & character

Westlake Golf Course is much more modest in length and difficulty compared to Los Robles, which makes it more accessible for casual golfers, beginners, or those looking for a more relaxed round.

It was designed by Ted Robinson in 1967. 

The course is tree-lined, with water features, and is generally considered quite walkable. 

Layout, difficulty & rating

• Par: 67 

• Length / yardage: approx 5,080 yards from the longest tees (some sources say ~5,005 yards) 

• Course rating & slope: ~63.2 rating with slope 93 (from strongest tees) 

• Because it's shorter and lower rated, it's not especially challenging for more advanced golfers, but it is a fun, fast, approachable layout.

Given the lower yardage and rating, it's ideal for a relaxed round or warm-up.

Green fees & cost

2025 Rates & Specials (as published on their website) Westlake Golf Course

They also offer some specials:

• Seniors (60+) on non-holiday weekdays: $31.50 Westlake Golf Course

• Early (before 8:00 a.m. weekday) & “All Day Tuesday” reduced rates ~ $29.00 

So compared to Los Robles, Westlake is quite affordable for a full round. In addition because it's a smaller public course, rates tend to be quite reasonable compared to full championship courses, but you’d need to contact the pro shop for the current rates.

Surroundings & amenities

• Beautiful setting: tree-lined fairways, lakes and ponds, visual appeal. 

• It is generally easy to walk (less distance between holes), making for a pleasant, leisurely round. 

• It has a driving range and practice area (double deck / multiple tees) as part of its support facilities. WestLake Village California

• Because it is close (in Westlake Village) you’re near many local restaurants, lodging, shopping, etc.

Bottom line: Westlake Golf Course is a solid, local public course for more casual rounds or for folks not seeking a strenuous challenge. It’s ideal if you want to play close, walk, and enjoy a laid-back round with decent scenery.

3. Sherwood Country Club (private)

This is a high-end private club, and likely the most prestigious in the immediate area. 

Layout, difficulty & rating

• Par: 72 

• Maximum yardage: ~7,025 yards from championship tees. 

• Course rating/slope (championship tees): ~75.7 / 146 

• Some alternate tees (blue, gold, red) with lower difficulty: e.g., blue ~6,594 yards, rating ~72.9 / slope ~136. 

This is a serious test of golf: significant length, high slope, challenging holes, water hazards, elevation changes, and top-tier conditioning.

Views & ambiance

• The front nine climbs into the hills, delivering sweeping vistas of the Santa Monica Mountains. 

• The back nine meanders near Lake Sherwood, with water features, ponds, and dramatic landings. 

• The overall design is polished, with attention to aesthetics: large oak trees, rockwork, sculpted bunkers, mature landscaping.

Because Sherwood is a private club, its pricing is less transparent. But here’s what I was able to uncover:

Guest / Stay-and-Play Rates

• In their stay-and-play “package” offerings, an extra round (18 holes + car) is listed at $60 + HST (tax) for “extra round” in some packages. Sherwood Golf and Country Club

• Sherwood’s “stay & play” page shows guest green fees in certain contexts:

  • Weekdays: $89 + tax (with cart)

  • Weekends: $99 + tax (with cart) 

  • When playing with a member: guest rate is $60 (for guest of member) 

Membership / Initiation / Dues

• According to one “Go Private Golf” summary:

  • Non-equity initiation fee: $150,000 (non-refundable) 

  • Annual dues: ~$26,640 (which would be ~$2,220/month) 

• The above figures seem high relative to some local expectations, and may represent top-tier full golf membership; some less premium tiers or partial privileges may cost less.

• Sherwood’s own “Guest Info / Membership” pages don’t publicly list a full breakdown of initiation fees (they require inquiry). 

• From membership documentation: Members may bring a guest for $60 (guest rate) for some tiers. 

Because membership costs can vary (equity vs non-equity, access level, etc.), you will want to confirm directly with Sherwood’s membership office.

Sherwood Lake Club (private / semi-private)

Sherwood Lake Club is a more intimate, perhaps less formal option in the area. 

• It offers golf, tennis, swimming, dining, and family-friendly amenities. Sherwood Lake Club

• The golf course is private. 

• A listed green fee (for guest play) is ~$187 for 18 holes (though that may be for premium tee times or special access). 

• Sherwood Lake Club is more modestly sized and somewhat more accessible (for guests via invitation): Golf play is reserved for members and their guests only. Non-members must play with a member. sherwoodlakeclub.com

Membership fees & structure

• Membership (joining) fee for Class A memberships (for those owning property adjacent to Lake Sherwood): $8,000 (non-refundable) 
• Class B membership (for those owning property in the broader Sherwood Estates but not directly lake-adjacent): $3,000 joining fee, Annual dues for A members: $950 (plus applicable tax) 
• Annual dues for B members: $400 (plus tax) 
• They also require the purchase of one share of capital stock (par value $200), which is refunded when membership is surrendered, assuming the stock is returned. 

Because the golf side is restricted to members/guests, the “cost per round” is embedded in club life rather than paid ad hoc.

In summary, Sherwood and Sherwood Lake are premium private options; if you have access (through membership or invitation), they afford some of the most beautiful routing, challenge, and amenities in the area.

4. North Ranch Country Club (Private)

North Ranch is a local private club in Westlake Village. 

• It features 27 holes (three 9’s) of golf, giving flexibility in routing and play options. 

• Membership includes full access to all club amenities: golf, athletic, racquets, events, etc. North Ranch Country Club

• Because it's private, green fees are not generally published; you’d have to inquire about the guest policy.

• A local real estate/club comparison site says the initiation for “full golf membership” at North Ranch in 2024 was $150,000, and monthly dues were quoted as $2,200 (though this may refer to top-tier or full privileges).

• Given typical private club practices, guest play (if allowed) will likely require an invitation by a member and a guest rate substantially above the member rate.

5. Other nearby / bonus public courses

Because the Conejo Valley area has several public courses, here are a couple worth mentioning:

• Rustic Canyon Golf Course (Moorpark): Known as a strong value and fun layout in the region. Rustic Canyon Golf Course

• Tierra Rejada Golf Club (Moorpark): Another public option somewhat nearby; good setting, moderately challenging. Tierra Rejada Golf Club

• Lake Lindero Golf Course (Agoura Hills, 9 holes): While small (9 holes), it is close by and convenient. 

Comparative summary & picks

Which ones are “best,” and when

• Best public overall: For a public golfer, Los Robles Greens is arguably the best mix of challenge, scenery, and amenities.

• Best for casual / walking rounds: Westlake Golf Course is ideal if you want a relaxed round, less distance, and a more forgiving layout.

• Top private options: If you have private access, Sherwood Country Club is the premium pick. North Ranch is also excellent for private club life.

• Best for variety: With 27 holes, North Ranch offers more routing options for private members.

Additional tips & caveats

• Green fees and rates change seasonally, for weekday vs weekend, and by time of day (peak vs twilight). Always check directly with the course or pro shop before booking.

• Some private clubs allow limited guest access or reciprocal play through memberships—worth asking.

• Conditions (greens, bunkers, rough, pace) can vary based on weather and maintenance schedules.

• Tee selection is key: playing from “friendly” tees can make many of these courses quite enjoyable even if slope numbers seem intimidating.

Summary & Comparison (2025 snapshot)

* Green / guest rates reflect published or reported rates as of 2025; actual cost can vary by time of day, season, and club policies.