Lost Holes Reborn
In 1999, the resort reintroduced two original George C. Thomas holes that had disappeared after World War II, giving today’s golfers a true glimpse into the golden era SoCal design.
Golf Course Review & Scouting Report
Ojai Valley Inn
Ojai, California
Established
1923
Architect
George C. Thomas Jr. & Billy Bell; later modifications by William F. Bell, Jay Morrish
Access
Resort
Par
Par 70
Length
5,211 – 6,292 yds
Green Fees
$$
The verdict
Historic Resort, Strategic Layout
Ojai Valley Inn combines nearly a century of California golf heritage with an artful, position-driven test in an unforgettable valley setting. It's regionally elite, with real pedigree and history, yet approachable and fun for visitors seeking a strategic, walkable round. Expect a polished but relaxed SoCal golf experience with more substance than just celebrity lore.
Course DNA
Difficulty
70
Scenery85
Conditioning83
Shot Variety77
Walkability73
Green Complexity74
Wow Factor78
Design Quality81
Don't miss
Ask a staffer about the "Lost Holes" restoration—the story behind these Thomas originals adds special flavor to your round.
At a glance
Quick facts
Original layout by
George C. Thomas Jr. & Billy Bell (1923)
Number of par 3s
Five (5)
Number of par 5s
Three (3)
Historic events hosted
7 Senior PGA Tour, 2 EMC2 Golf Skills Challenge
Atmosphere
Classic, laidback California resort
Historical celebrity guests
Bing Crosby, Bob Hope, Clark Gable, Judy Garland
Notable restoration
"Lost Holes" restored in 1999
The design
The architecture
Ojai Valley Inn gleams with the subtle genius of George C. Thomas Jr. and Billy Bell—a compact, engaging parkland routing that uses the valley terrain and elevation changes without brute force. The design rewards sharp angles, precise placement, and clever course management, especially around contoured greens and varied bunker sets. Five par 3s and three par 5s give the layout a distinct pulse, mixing scorable short holes with demanding long shots and unforgettable valleyside views. Strategic options abound: from drivable par 4s where restraint is as useful as aggression, to risk/reward par 5s where decision making trumps distance, all in Thomas’s quintessentially artful Southern California style.
George C. Thomas Jr. is renowned for crafting masterpieces like Riviera and Los Angeles CC—his talent for strategic, aesthetically grounded courses shines through Ojai’s classic California feel.
Defining features
- Unusual three par 5, five par 3 routing
- Genuine classic parkland movement
- Restored original 1923 'Lost Holes'
- Historical bunker style and valley vistas
- Position-play drivable par 4s
- Subtly contoured, strategic greens
Hole by hole
Signature holes
Hole 11
Long Iron Gauntlet
PAR
3
YARDAGE
227
Stretching to a daunting 227 yards, this par 3 demands full commitment—only a perfectly struck long iron or hybrid will find a green guarded by both distance and subtle slopes. It's a picturesque, nerve-testing highlight in the heart of Ojai’s back nine.
Play it smart
Favor a reliable long-iron shape, and aim for the safe side—missing short is often less punishing than ending up long or left.
Where it bites
Watched by wind, with punishing up-and-downs for missing the wrong spot, disaster lurks for the overly aggressive.
Course management
Shots to think about
Tee shot on par 4, hole 4 (297 yards)
Resist the urge to bomb driver—a hybrid or iron to the right zone sets up a better angle and eliminates risk.
Approach to the par-5 9th green
Only attack in two if you’re confident; lay back for a full wedge if in doubt—hazards tighten near the green.
Long iron on par 3, hole 14
Take extra club and play toward the center; missing short or left is safer than flirting with bunker trouble.
Tee shot on par 4, hole 18
Aim for the left-center fairway to open up your second and avoid being blocked by trees on the right.
Second shot on par 5, hole 12
Play to your ideal yardage—don’t get greedy with water or bunkers pinching the landing area.
Short wedge into par 4, hole 6
Focus on spin and distance control—the green is subtle and missing long brings a tough recovery.
On the day
What to expect
Conditions
Polished, consistent resort turf and fast but receptive greens.
Pace
Leisurely resort pace; plan for a four to four-and-a-half hour round on busy days.
Vibe
Laidback luxury meets classic SoCal heritage—upscale, but welcoming to visitors.
Before you tee off
Your game plan
01
Pack Versatile Clubs
With five par 3s and several short 4s, make sure you have confidence from 100–200 yards—precision trumps power.
02
Book Early Morning Rounds
Ojai’s valley mornings mean soft light, lighter winds, and the best pace on the front nine.
03
Walk If Possible
The routing is walkable with only moderate effort and you’ll better soak in the classic SoCal scenery.
04
Check Green Speeds
Resort greens run true but can vary in speed—get a feel on the practice green before your round.
The lore
How it came to be
- 1923
Course opens as Ojai Valley Country Club, designed by George C. Thomas Jr. & Billy Bell
- 1952
Renovation by William F. Bell
- 1999
Restoration of original "Lost Holes"
Stories & legends
What makes it special
Hollywood On The Tee
Countless legends—from Bing Crosby and Bob Hope to Judy Garland—have walked Ojai’s fairways, infusing every round with a sense of cinematic history. The grounds even starred as Shangri-La in Frank Capra’s Lost Horizon.
Senior Stars Duel in Ojai
Arnold Palmer, Lee Trevino, and Gary Player all teed it up at Ojai during the era when it hosted seven Senior PGA Tour events, cementing its status as a regional championship venue.
For the group chat
Fun facts
1
Frank Capra filmed part of Lost Horizon on Ojai’s golf grounds, linking the property to Hollywood legend.
2
The earliest version of the course opened as Ojai Valley Country Club in the Roaring Twenties.
3
The 1999 restoration of the 'Lost Holes' let modern golfers play holes designed and lost since the 1920s.
4
Seven Senior PGA Tour events brought golfing greats and TV exposure to the Ojai fairways.
Build the trip
For a SoCal valley-and-coast golf trip
CourseAccessWhy it's on the listTrip
Soule Park Golf Course
Public
Affordable, walkable, strong shot values just minutes from Ojai Valley Inn
River Ridge Golf Club
Public
36 holes of public-access golf near Oxnard, with a variety of layouts and value booking
Sandpiper Golf Club
Public
Stunning ocean-side test north in Goleta—perfect coastal pairing for an Ojai trip
Olivas Links
Public
High-value, links-style municipal in Ventura, praised for variety and accessibility
Ojai Valley Inn is the ideal base, blending on-site luxury with close access to other public gems in Ojai, Ventura, and Santa Barbara.
Course DNA
If You Like Ojai Valley Inn
Courses with the most similar DNA profile — matched by deviation shape across all eight playing characteristics.
Strong DNA Match7.5
The Greenbrier Meadows Course
White Sulphur Springs, West VirginiaScenery
Why it matches: There is real overlap here. The Greenbrier Meadows Course a comparable balance of challenge, variety, and character, making it a compelling counterpart to Ojai Valley Inn.
Strong DNA Match7.5
Dorset Field Club
Dorset, VermontWhy it matches: There is real overlap here. Dorset Field Club a comparable balance of challenge, variety, and character, making it a compelling counterpart to Ojai Valley Inn.
Strong DNA Match7.6
Warwick Country Club
Warwick, Rhode IslandScenery
Why it matches: What links these two? A comparable balance of challenge, variety, and character — a familiar feeling, expressed in Warwick Country Club's own setting.
Community Sentiment
See something inaccurate in this listing?