Golf Courses in the San Bernardino Mountains: A High-Altitude Golfing Adventure
Golfing in the San Bernardino Mountains is a breath of fresh air – literally. At elevations around a mile high (5,000–7,000 feet), your golf ball soars farther, the views are spectacular, and the experience is unlike any lowland course. Whether you’re a beginner just learning the ropes or an experienced player chasing that perfect drive, these mountain courses offer something special. Vacationers flock here to escape the summer heat, local golfers enjoy a unique home-course advantage, and even retirees find their bliss in this alpine golf paradise. In this fun and informative guide, we’ll explore how thin mountain air affects your game, introduce two standout golf courses in the San Bernardino Mountains, and share tips to help you adapt (with a smile on your face) to high-altitude golfing. So grab your clubs – it’s time to tee off in the clouds! ⛳️🏔️
Thin Air, Long Drives: How Altitude Affects Your Golf Ball Flight
In thin mountain air, your ball flies farther and straighter due to reduced air resistance. You can expect 5–10% more distance per shot. For example, a 150-yard shot at sea level might carry up to 165 yards in Big Bear. Trajectories tend to be flatter with more roll on landing. Curves like fades and draws are less exaggerated due to less drag.
Quick tips:
Use altitude to your advantage 😉
Club down for longer shots
Account for more roll
Lake Arrowhead Country Club – Championship Golf at a Mile-High Oasis
Lake Arrowhead Country Club (LACC) is a private 18-hole course designed by William F. Bell. Set at about 5,200 feet, it blends lush fairways with stunning views. The layout features elevation changes, elevated tees, and fast greens, ideal for a wide range of players.
LACC offers more than just golf: members enjoy tennis, swimming, dining, and social events year-round. It’s a refined, scenic escape in the heart of the mountains.
Visit Lake Arrowhead CC
Bear Mountain Golf Course – Alpine Adventure at 7,000 Feet
Bear Mountain Golf Course in Big Bear Lake is a public 9-hole course known for relaxed, scenic play. Open May–October, it’s perfect for beginners and experienced golfers alike. The altitude (~7,000 feet) means longer drives and crisp air. Each hole offers views of the lake and forested mountains.
Combine golf with hiking, biking, or a lakeside picnic for the ultimate mountain escape.
Explore Bear Mountain Golf
Tips for Golfing at High Altitude
Golfing in the San Bernardino Mountains requires a few adjustments – but fear not, these tips will help you play your best in thin air. Here are some handy high-altitude golf tips for local golfers and visitors alike:
Club down: Expect 5–10% longer shots
More rollout: Plan for flatter landings
Hydrate often: The dry air at elevation can dehydrate you
Pace yourself: Especially if you’re not used to high elevations
Altitude boosts your game—but also requires smart adjustments. Play it cool, stay hydrated, and enjoy every swing.
By keeping these tips in mind, you’ll play smarter and more comfortably in the mountains. Many local golfers have learned these tricks the hard way, but now you’ll be prepared from the get-go. High-altitude golf is a blast once you dial in your distances – there’s nothing quite like watching a well-hit ball soar against a mountain backdrop!
From Weekend Trips to the Retired Life on a San Bernardino mountain Golf Course
Golfing in the San Bernardino Mountains is more than a game—it’s a lifestyle. Locals love the fresh air, cooler temps, and tight-knit golf communities. Courses like LACC and Bear Mountain are hubs for social life, friendly competition, and scenic leisure.
Retiring or living near a mountain course offers a year-round vacation vibe. Imagine mornings on the deck, afternoons on the green, and evenings by the fire.
Big Bear homes near golf courses
Tee It High, Watch It Fly – Come Golf the San Bernardino Mountains
Whether you’re a local who plays every week or a first-time visitor planning a weekend escape, San Bernardino Mountain Golfing is an experience you’ll treasure. The combination of altitude and attitude here makes for tons of fun: you get the technical novelty of longer drives and tricky mountain greens, wrapped in an atmosphere that’s as friendly and laid-back as it is breathtaking. From the polished fairways of Lake Arrowhead Country Club to the rustic charm of Bear Mountain’s 9-hole gem, there’s a course (or two) waiting for you up here in the clouds.
So what are you waiting for? Come up and feel the difference in your swing. Enjoy a post-round drink on a clubhouse patio with a view of the peaks. Swap stories with fellow golfers who might just become new friends. And if you find yourself daydreaming about mountain living after a few rounds – well, you wouldn’t be the first! Golf courses in the San Bernardino Mountains have a way of capturing hearts.
Pack your clubs, bring your sense of adventure (and humor), and get ready to tee it up where eagles fly (both the golf score kind and the bald kind). High-altitude golf is calling your name – see you on the first tee at 7,000 feet! 🏔️✨