With year-round 70-degree weather and an average rainfall of merely 9.9 inches a year, it's easy to see why America's Finest City was named "One of the Top 50 Golf Destinations in the World" by Golf Digest.
San Diego boasts over 90 golf courses that vary in quality and design from green to green and par to par.
Torrey Pines sits on La Jolla cliffs and attracts celesbrity golfers with stunning ocean views. The Golf Course at Temecula Creek Inn elevates the sport with spirits from nearby vineyards. The Sycuan Golf Course raises the stakes with casino gambling and varied entertainment. Steele Canyon Golf Course in Jamul is recognized as one of Southern Califonia's best publicly accessible courses; however, Riverwalk Golf Course, which is located across the way from Fashion Valley Mall, is arguably San Diego’s most centrally located and convenient course. Bob Hope, Frank Sinatra, Tiger Woods; you name a golf legend or Hollywood icon from across the decades, and it’s safe to assume they’ve played at The Golf Course at La Costa Resort and Spa. If your ideal version of Tee Time is at the bar, convince your sporty other half to book at The Crossings at Carlsbad, home to one of the most luxurious clubhouses.
From stunning locations on the water’s edge to sweeping mountain views, highly-acclaimed and perfectly pedicured greens, and challenging championship designs envisioned by former PGA Tour pro's, the array of gorgeous San Diego golf courses offers something grand for players and fans alike. Do us one favor: Never underestimate the importance of a sophisticated clubhouse for pre and post game cocktails. Tee time just got a whole new meaning.
Discover ten stunning San Diego golf courses that should be on every player’s radar.
Torrey Pines Golf Course – La Jolla
The name itself stirs the imagination of golf enthusiasts all over the world. Towering high above the Pacific Ocean atop La Jolla cliffs,Torrey Pines Golf Course offers two of the most picturesque championship 18-hole golf course in the world. Renowned for both its championship play and panoramic setting, Torrey Pines has been honored with awards ranging from Golfweek Magazine's "America's Best Municipal Courses" to Golf Digest Magazine's "America's Top Rated Golf Courses for California." Along with top-of-the-line courses, Torrey Pines offers a golf school with both private instruction and on-course coaching. Full-day schools run for $650 at the North Course and $750 at the South Course, and begin with 90 minutes of private instruction with video analysis from one of the knowledgeable PGA instructors, followed by lunch at the Lodge at Torrey Pines. Half-day schools run for $395 at the North Course and $435 at the South Course and include on-course coaching on all aspects of the game for the first 60 minutes.
Residents of San Diego can book tee times up to 7 days in advance by calling the automated tee time reservation system at: 619.570.1234. Non-residents may also book a tee time 8 to 90 days in advance by calling the advance tee time reservation service number at: 877.5817171. For more information, please visit torreypinesgolfcourse.com.
The Golf Course at Temecula Creek Inn – Temecula
Boasting 27 holes of championship golf in Southern California Wine Country, the golf course at Temecula Creek Inn is surrounded by more than 300 acres of rustic beauty, dramatic elevation changes, and sweeping mountain views. But breathtaking scenery is not the only reason to golf here. The championship course was recently awarded four stars in Golf Digest’s "Places to Play." Golfers have three distinct options for a memorable experience: Creek Course with traditional adjoining fairways that offer increased length, the stunningly scenic, well-bunkered Oaks Course, and the Stonehouse Nine, featuring dramatic elevation changes that demand precision shots.
Temelcula Creek Inn Golf Course also features a full-service driving range with grass and mat tees, oversized putting greens, personalized lessons from PGA golf instructors, a full-service Golf ProShop, and a golf tournament coordinator to help plan and execute your private group golf event.
Head inside to the Temet Gril, where executive Chef Sal Giuliano serves a menu of local dishes inspired by Temecula vineyards. Enjoy a cocktail by the fire at the cozy lounge and take in expansive views of the San Jacinto Mountains.
Find more information, please visit temeculacreekinn.com.
Maderas Golf Club – Poway
One of San Diego's top rated golf courses by Zagat, Golf Digest and San Diego Magazine, Maderas Golf Club is quietly tucked away amidst the rolling hills of Poway. Designed by former PGA Tour player Johnny Miller and acclaimed landscape architect Robert Muir Graves, Maderas offers a unique combination of golf course strategy and design mastery, while taking the concept of upscale golf in San Diego to exhilarating new heights.
Monday through Thursday, standard rates are $170 per person, $135 for San Diego residents, and $85 for twilight sessions. Friday through Sunday, standard rates are $210 per person and $165 for San Diego residents. Madera also offers a three tier Advantage Program of which benefits include access to advance reservations, complimentary rounds of golf, complimentary half hour lessons, complimentary monthly golf clinics, a complimentary round of golf after every 7th paid round, and a Troon Rewards Card. The Silver Plan is $350, the Gold Plan is $625, and for serious golfers, the Platinum Plan is $999.
If you want to take your game to the next level, opt for a golf lesson with Maderas' golf instructor John Darling. He brings over 31 years of experience and was 2006 Southern California PGA Section as well as San Diego Chapter Instructor of the Year.
For more information, please visit maderasgolf.com.
The Golf Course at Rancho Bernardo Inn – Rancho Bernardo
Set against a peaceful valley backdrop complete with tree-lined fairways, the 18-Hole Championship Golf Course at Rancho Bernardo Inn is sought out by golfers in search of a memorable and enjoyable round. Traditionally designed in 1962 and host to many PGA and LPGA events, the golf course was recently renovated to present a greater challenge to modern golfers. The golf course at Rancho Bernardo Inn features golf instruction and golf clinics offered by PGA professionals, as well as a driving range with grass or mat tees, and a complete golf shop with the latest in golf equipment and apparel.
If you truly want to experience all that the Golf Course at Rancho Bernardo Inn has to offer, then the JC Players Card is an exceptional value and a great gift for you or any other golfer you may know. The JC Players Card is an annual program with benefits including 5 free rounds of golf, discounts on green fees, golf merchandise and golf lessons, 9 players rate guest passes, 10 free buckets of balls, and a 2-for-1 Sunday Brunch at Temecula Creek Inn's Temet Grill. Valid from Monday through Friday, the weekday JC Players Card is $259 and the weekend card is $349.
After a tiring day on the green, treat yourself to a trip to The Spa at Rancho Bernardo Inn. The resort's luxurious spa offers a full-service menu, including massages, skincare treatments, nail care, waxing, makeup and more. Spa services are offered in either the spa casitas or the spa garden. Rancho Bernardo Inn is also home to the award-winning restaurant El Bizcocho which is an elegant dining destination for your weekend escape, and the Veranda Grill and Sports Bar, which is ideal for a causal drink and bite to eat.
For more information, please visit ranchobernardoinn.com/golf.
Pala Mesa Resort Golf Course – Fallbrook
The Pala Mesa Resort Golf Course is one of Southern California's most challenging courses. Nestled among hillsides and rolling fairways, this beautifully manicured 18-hole, Par 72, championship course accented with magnificent oaks, sycamores, and elms continues to be recognized as one of the most beautiful golf courses in the area.
Pala Mesa's ProShop offers gift certificates, golfing apparel and custom club fitting. In addition, Pala Mesa boasts the Bird Golf Academy's private 3, 4, and 5 day golf schools with PGA and LPGA instructors.
The Golf & Tennis Club at the Pala Mesa Golf Resort is the perfect retreat for those in the Temecula or Fallbrook area who love the game of golf. Here you enjoy the special benefits of belonging to a club, without the high cost membership you would normally find at a country club. Memberships are designed to accommodate just about any lifestyle and budget, and include unlimited use of the resort swimming pool, fitness center, driving range, practice bunkers and practice putting areas. In addition, memberships also include reserved tee time up to 14 days in advance, inclusive golf cart use, 2-day exclusive previews on sale and reduced merchandise in the Golf ProShop and 10% off on food for banquet or catering events held at the resort. 2010 golf rates start at $375 per month or cost $1,500 upfront for unlimited golf. For Monday through Friday, the unlimited weekday golf rate is $275 per month or a $1,000 initiation fee. Monthly dues are $250 per month for unlimited weekend golf or $500 up front.
For more information, please visit palamesa.com.
Sycuan Golf Course – El Cajon
For those looking for superlative Southern California golf, Sycuan Resort has you covered. Whether you're a seasoned player or first-timer, Sycuan Resort's two challenging 18-hole championship courses and fun 18-hole par 3 course are guaranteed to award you with an unforgettable experience.
Redesigned by Ted Robinson in 1980, Willow Glen is a par 72 course with demanding narrow fairways and strategically placed bunkers. Sweetwater River occasionally runs along the course and comes into play on many holes, providing dramatic scenery and difficult shots. The layout contains several dogleg holes, elevation changes and water crossings that create an incomparable day of golf. Oak Glen, Sycuan's second par 72 course, boasts tight fairways, tricky undulating greens and difficult hazards all set among mature, landscaped surroundings. Sweetwater River runs through the course, so get ready to cross the river with an accurate drive on the beautiful yet treacherous 5th hole – one of the best golf holes in San Diego. Day rates start at $57 Monday through Thursday with twilight rates starting at $35. On Fridays, regular day rates are $62 and $39 at night. Weekends and holidays day rates are $79 and $42 in the evening.
Sycuan's third course is Pine Glen. Its 18 par 3 holes are anything but basic thanks to the course's terrain of mountains, natural rock outcroppings, and aged oaks and sycamores. Golfers of all abilities will find the course to be enjoyable yet tough enough, with natural obstacles and strategically placed bunkers along manicured, hilly greens. You’ll find that Pine Glen is a perfect place to work on your short game or just have a great time. Monday through Friday rates run at $19 for the day and $17 for the evening, whereas weekends run at $26.
If you want to enjoy the ultimate experience, why not splurge? Sycuan boasts a prestigious and respected academy that offers everything from a School of Golf exclusively for women and Junior Golf for your little one to private one-on-one lessons with PGA professionals. Sycuan also offers an all-inclusive Couples Retreat Package that features two nights of lodging, three hours of instruction, golf green fees for two days, unlimited range balls for two days, complimentary on course beverages for two days and a shopping discount.
For more information, please visit sycuanresort.com.
The Golf Course at La Costa Resort and Spa – La Costa
From Bob Hope to Frank Sinatra and Lanny Wadkins to Tiger Woods, celebrities and golf legends have been visiting La Costa Golf Resort & Spa for decades. The two PGA Championship 18-hole courses are nestled within the coastal foothills of Carlsbad, which is located 30 miles north of downtown San Diego. Traditionally designed, the north and south courses ramble through more than 400 acres of lush landscape, and feature sensational vistas, slick putting surfaces, well-positioned bunkers, and beautiful streams and lakes. In addition, there are putting and chipping greens, and a brand new state-of-the-art driving range and short-game area to further practice your game. Weekday rates run at $175 and $185 on the weekend for resort guests. For non-resort guests, fees are $195 Monday through Thursday and $205 Friday through Sunday.
If you want to swing like the pros do, then the Roger Fredericks Golf Flexibility Instruction is the golden ticket for you. A true pioneer in the field of golf instruction and flexibility, Roger Fredericks has helped numerous professionals as well as thousands of beginner and advanced amateurs improve their game by utilizing state-of-the-art video instruction and evaluation combined with a revolutionary and dynamic golf flexibility program. Basic golf instruction with Fredericks and his highly trained staff runs for $175 per hour. But if you're really looking to up the ante on your game then the Golf Swing Analysis and Flexibility Program is $395 per person for a 2 1/2 hour session. Roger will analyze your golf swing on his state of the art digital video equipment at the driving range and explain golf''s true physiological fundamentals to you. Afterwards you will be taken to the Athletic Club to be run through flexibility tests which will explain exactly why you do what you do in your golf swing. Roger will then create a custom tailored flexibility program based on your individual needs.
The world famous golf course is just one of the many amenities at La Costa Resort & Spa. Enjoy cocktails and dinner at one of the renowned restaurants – BlueFire Grill and Legends Bistro – or relax at The Spa for an indulgent Caviar Facial before lounging at the thundering Roman waterfall in the spa’s outdoor courtyard. No need to worry about the kids; this resort is a child’s paradise, with multiple pools and an on-site water park.
For more information, please visit lacosta.com/golf.
The Crossings at Carlsbad – Carlsbad
With the sparkling blue Pacific Ocean to the west and the Peninsular Mountain Range in the distance to the east, this state-of-the-art, 18-hole championship municipal golf course and event facility offers visitors magnificent views and a relaxing natural environment. Voted by Golf Magazine as one of the "Top 10 New Courses You Can Play," the Crossings at Carlsbad is more than your average golf course. Developed and owned by the City of Carlsbad, this public course is nestled among more than 1,000 acres of Carlsbad's coastal terrain and natural habitat. Standard green fees start at $90, $75 for San Diego County residents and $60 for Carlsbad City residents.
For golf aficionados, the Crossings Club is the best way to get the most out of your Carlsbad experience. Benefits of the package include free golf rounds, early bird specials, practice center savings, twilight and late rates, discounts on food and beverage, and even a free Adidas golf shirt.
If you're looking to improve your golf game, the Crossings also offers group or private lessons from a number of PGA certified players. For $149 a month or $25 per class, individuals can partake in the adult group lessons, with classes offered Tuesday through Saturday throughout the month. If your Mini Me wants to be the next Tiger, weekly junior classes are offered on Sundays at 12pm for ages 5 to 10 and at 1pm for ages 11 to 17.
You don’t have to play golf to enjoy The Crossings at Carlsbad. This posh course also offers a 28,000-square-foot clubhouse complete with a golf shop, banquet facilities, a spacious fireplace-lit dining room, full-service kitchen and an outdoor deck with ocean views. Located inside the clubhouse is Canyons, a full-service restaurant and bar open 7 days a week for breakfast, lunch or brunch. Come and experience personalized service, fantastic cuisine and breathtaking views either after a game of golf or a long day at the office.
For more information, please visit thecrossingsatcarlsbad.com.
Steele Canyon Golf Course – Jamul
A recipient of Golf Digest's prestigious "4 1/2 Star Award" and "Best Places to Play," Steele Canyon Golf Course has been nationally recognized as one of Southern Califonia's best publicly accessible golf courses. Located on the outskirts of Jamul, Steele Canyon boasts a 27-hole championship golf course with three different designs, all personally envisioned by professional golfer, Gary Player. From the dramatic elevation changes of the Canyon Nine to the subtle nuances of the Meadow Nine and the total seclusion of the Ranch Nine, any course combination will make for an excellent day of adventure in Jamul.
Once a month Steele Canyon hosts an Invitational Golf Tournament Series, open to all members and guests, that includes continental breakfast, golf with power car, practice facility usage, on course contests, post round appetizers and awards. For golfer enthusiasts, Steel Canyon offers the Preferred Players Club membership at $150 per person. Privileges include preference in book starting times up to 14 days in advance, preferred player rates ($49 Monday through Friday, $79 Saturdays, Sundays and holidays), and monthly golf tournaments and special events.
For more information, please visit steelecanyon.com.
Riverwalk Golf Course – Fashion Valley
San Diego's most convenient and centrally located resort facility, Riverwalk Golf Club, which sits directly across from Fashion Valley Mall, promises an unparalleled golf experience for all levels of expertise. This course was host to the San Diego Open golf tournament in the ‘50s and ‘60s and has welcomed many of golf’s greatest icon players over the decades. Formerly called the Stardust Country Club, the new Riverwalk has been completely redesigned by Ted Robinson Sr. and son Ted Jr., who used more than half a million cubic yards of soil to turn the formerly flat course into 27 holes of undulating fairways, stunning waterfalls and well-protected bentgrass greens.
Standard rates start at $99 and $62 for San Diego county residents. If an evening game is more of your style, twilight rates start at $42 and super twilight rates run at $30.
Riverwalk also boasts a Golf Learning Center that features the FLEXPRogram. At $59 per month you receive four one-hour group sessions per month and unlimited sessions a month for $99. Class topics include, but are not limited to: Swing Path, Body Turns, Alignment, Chip/Pitch Techniques and Video Analysis.
For more information, please visit riverwalkgc.com.
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