If you’re a golfer looking for your next destination, there is no better place than San Diego. With its stunning ocean-side views and near-perfect year-round weather, it stands out as one of the best golfing cities in the country. Here is your guide to eleven must-play courses that make up this premier golf hub around San Diego and neighboring areas. Whether you are hitting the links on a weekend getaway or planning an extended stay, these courses are guaranteed to leave you with amazing memories and new personal records in scorecards!
Torrey Pines (South Course and North Course)
Torrey Pines is a premier 36-hole municipal golf facility situated on the scenic coastal cliffs, offering breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean. This esteemed golf destination boasts two 18-hole golf courses, North and South, both with their own unique charm and challenges. Known for hosting prestigious events such as the PGA Tour’s Farmers Insurance Open and two U.S. Opens, Torrey Pines holds a special place in the golfing world.
The South Course, which witnessed Tiger Woods’ triumphant victory in 2008, presents golfers with a formidable test, featuring long par 4s, demanding par 3s, and challenging par 5s. With its healthy rough and narrow fairways, this course demands both precision and strategy. On the other hand, the North Course offers a more accessible PGA Tour experience. Its wider fairways, shorter distance, and receptive greens cater to golfers of all skill levels. On top of that, players can revel in the stunning views of hang gliders and paragliders gliding along the cliffs at the south end of the course.
Location: 11480 N Torrey Pines Rd, La Jolla, CA 92037
Maderas Golf Club
Located in the picturesque hills of Poway northeast of San Diego, Maderas Golf Club offers a breathtaking backdrop of southern California terrain. With its steely, tumbling layout, this championship golf course provides a challenging yet engaging experience for players of all skill levels. Maderas Golf Club stands out not only for its stunning natural beauty and dramatic elevation changes but also for its commitment to providing a top-notch practice facility and a solid restaurant menu featuring a wide selection of local beers.
Rated number 6 in the state of California, Maderas Golf Club offers all the amenities of a private country club while keeping its green fees slightly lower compared to the top resorts and Torrey Pines. Spanning 7167 yards and boasting a par of 72, this mature woodland course showcases meandering creeks and vibrant native wildflowers across its meticulously manicured landscape. The signature holes, the 17th and 18th, add an extra touch of thrill and excitement to the golfing experience. If you’re seeking a peaceful and serene golfing retreat, Maderas Golf Club quietly nestles amidst the gentle rolling hills of Poway, offering a truly exceptional golfing experience with its six tees, three lakes, five waterfalls, and captivating natural surroundings.
Location: 17750 Old Coach Rd, Poway, CA 92064
Barona Creek Golf Club
Barona Creek Golf Club offers golf and casino enthusiasts the ultimate experience, combining the thrill of the game with top-notch facilities. Recognized by Golf Magazine as one of the Top 100 North American Public Courses, Barona Creek showcases its wide and firm fairways adorned with boulders, rock outcroppings, and impressive bunkering. Designed to provide a challenging yet enjoyable round of golf, this 7384-yard course caters to players of all skill levels.
Amidst San Diego’s rolling foothills, Barona Creek Golf Club stands out with its natural landscape and captivating beauty. As you make your way through the course, you’ll encounter the grand oak that spreads itself across the middle of the fairway, adding a touch of serenity to the game. Even during times of drought, the course routing adapts, ensuring that golfers can still indulge in a 9-hole layout. Barona Creek Golf Club is committed to delivering an exceptional golfing experience, and it continues to uphold this promise by making 9 holes available, even after the recent record rainfall.
Location: 1932 Wildcat Canyon Rd, Lakeside, CA 92040
Coronado Golf Course
Coronado Golf Course, located tightly squeezed onto the eastern side of the island beside the iconic Coronado Bridge, is an exceptional course that offers a stellar harborfront experience. With its 6,500-yard layout, this course is a favorite destination for local residents and celebrities alike. Not only does it provide breathtaking views of the Coronado Bay Bridge and downtown San Diego, but it also offers something special on holes 2 and 3.
One of the standout features of Coronado Golf Course is its perfectly flat terrain, making it an ideal course to walk. This aspect adds to the overall unique experience of playing on this delightful golf course. With its combination of professional design, scenic views, and engaging layout, Coronado Golf Course is renowned as one of the best value golf courses in America. Whether you are a loyalist or a first-time visitor, this course guarantees an unforgettable golfing experience like no other.
Location: 2000 Visalia Row, Coronado, CA 92118
Steele Canyon Golf Club (Canyon/Ranch)
Steele Canyon Golf Club offers a highly scenic and engaging experience for golf enthusiasts. Designed by Gary Player, this 27-hole facility combines the beauty of low-lying holes around a vineyard with dramatic elevation changes up into the hillsides. With a par of 71 and stretching across 6741 yards, it provides a challenging yet rewarding gameplay.
The best combination at Steele Canyon Golf Club is undoubtedly the Canyon and Ranch nines. This strategic pairing requires golfers to navigate through forced carries, such as the exhilarating Canyon 4th and the demanding Ranch 3rd hole. From the dramatic elevation changes of the Canyon Nine to the subtle nuances of the Vineyard Nine, players will be captivated by the variety of landscapes and challenges. The total seclusion of the Ranch Nine, surrounded by beautiful woodlands, streams, and working vineyards, creates a serene and picturesque setting that adds to the allure of the course.
Location: 3199 Stonefield Dr, Jamul, CA 91935
Enagic Golf Club at Eastlake
Enagic Golf Club at Eastlake, formerly known as EastLake Country Club, offers a remarkable golfing experience in Chula Vista, California. Designed by world-renowned architect Ted Robinson, this 72-par course stretches across 7,101 yards and showcases the stunning beauty of the surrounding landscape. With six lakes, three waterfalls, and nearly 1,000 trees, golfers are treated to breathtaking views of Mount Miguel as they navigate through the course.
The meticulously maintained fairways, featuring a mix of bluegrass and ryegrass, welcome players of all skill levels with their forgiving nature. The course offers different tee settings to accommodate various golfers and provides a variety of distance markers for precise shot planning. Golf carts equipped with the Pro Shot GPS Yardage System enhance the playing experience, allowing golfers to navigate the course with ease. As the official host golf course for the San Diego County Open Championship, Enagic Golf Club at Eastlake exemplifies the highest standards of golfing excellence. In addition to the exceptional course conditions, players will find the challenge of the local climate as an added dimension to their golfing experience at Enagic Golf Club at Eastlake.
Location: 2375 Clubhouse Dr, Chula Vista, CA 91915
CrossCreek Golf Club
CrossCreek Golf Club is a picturesque destination that showcases the stunning beauty of the Temecula Valley. With rolling hills, winding creeks, and groves of age-old oak and sycamore trees, the golf course presents an exhilarating challenge to golfers of all skill levels. The first hole, a captivating dogleg right lined with majestic trees, sets the tone for the unique and engaging golfing experience that awaits players.
As golfers progress through the course, they are treated to the delightful sound of a freshwater creek, adding a soothing touch to the serene surroundings. The first five holes border the meandering Sycamore Creek, enhancing the natural allure of the course. The par 5 7th hole, known as the longest hole on the course, offers an exhilarating test with its firm and hard-to-hold fairways, strategically placed rough-edged bunkers, and firm, fast greens that slope away, challenging players with tricky putts. With its array of natural hazards, CrossCreek Golf Club guarantees a memorable and engaging golfing experience in the heart of the Temecula Valley.
Location: 43860 Glen Meadows Rd, Temecula, CA 92590
Woodson Golf Course
Mt. Woodson Golf Course is a meticulously designed course nestled in the rugged natural setting of North East San Diego County. With its lush green fairways, towering trees, and picturesque canyons, this course offers a truly breathtaking backdrop for golf enthusiasts.
From the dramatic plummeting par 3 hole known as “The Ledges” to the challenging long wooden bridge between holes two and three, every aspect of this course is thoughtfully crafted to provide an engaging and memorable golfing experience. Whether you’re a seasoned golfer or just starting out, a visit to Mt. Woodson Golf Course is sure to leave you with a sense of awe and satisfaction. Don’t miss the opportunity to embark on the Hole Tour, where you can get a sneak peek at unique holes such as “Ledges,” “Tree Tops,” and “The Beach.”
Location: 16422 N Woodson Dr, Ramona, CA 92065
Temecula Creek Golf Club
Located in the stunning landscapes of Temecula, California, Temecula Creek Golf Club boasts a 27-hole course that seamlessly blends natural beauty with engaging challenges. With its three distinct courses – Creek, Oaks, and Stone House – spread over more than 300 acres, golf enthusiasts are treated to a picturesque setting complete with year-round sunshine and the gentle shade of broad oak trees. Rated as a Four-Star destination by Golf Digest’s Places to Play, Temecula Creek Golf Club is renowned for its excellent course conditions, making it a top choice for golfers in the Inland Empire.
At Temecula Creek Golf Club, players of all skill levels can find the perfect experience. The Creek and Oaks courses feature wide-open fairways meticulously maintained for easy navigation, while the Stonehouse demands precision and strategy with its blind holes and elevation changes. Whether you’re seeking a leisurely round or planning a professional tournament, Temecula Creek Golf Club’s dedicated coordination ensures a seamless experience. And don’t forget to keep an eye out for the charming ducks that roam the course, adding to the allure of this exceptional destination. With competitive prices and a unique blend of scenic beauty and engaging gameplay, Temecula Creek Golf Club is a must-visit for golf enthusiasts seeking an unforgettable experience.
Location: 44501 Rainbow Canyon Rd, Temecula, CA 92592
Riverwalk Golf Club
Riverwalk Golf Club is a true gem nestled in the heart of Mission Valley, offering a picturesque landscape that will leave golf enthusiasts in awe. This 18-hole resort-style course boasts spectacular undulating fairways and greens, with eleven holes beautifully accented by lakes, waterfalls, and the stunning backdrop of the San Diego River. As you make your way through the course, you will find yourself surrounded by mature palm, oak, and eucalyptus trees, creating a serene and natural ambiance. With multiple tees on each hole, golfers of all skill levels can enjoy an engaging and challenging round.
Not only does Riverwalk Golf Club provide an exceptional playing experience, but it also offers top-notch amenities. The double-ended, night-lighted driving range allows golfers to practice their swings even after the sun sets, while the tournament banquet space overlooking the golf course provides a perfect setting for events and celebrations. With its central location, Riverwalk is easily accessible for both locals and visitors alike. Whether you’re a seasoned golfer or just starting out, Riverwalk Golf Club promises an unforgettable experience amidst the beauty of San Diego’s nature.
Location: 1150 Fashion Valley Rd, San Diego, CA 92108
Aviara Golf Club
Aviara Golf Club, situated in the lavish environs of Carlsbad, boasts one of the most exquisitely landscaped courses in the western region. With its elegantly designed fairways gracefully winding through the bowled terrain, this golfing nirvana offers a visually stunning experience. The course encompasses undulating hillsides adorned with a vibrant array of flora, providing a captivating sight at every turn. Noteworthy features include several elevated tees that greet players along their journey, along with the distinction of hosting the LPGA’s Kia Classic tournament.
Stretching across 7,007 yards, Aviara Golf Club presents golfers with 18 captivating holes, each presenting a unique challenge. The intricate design, masterfully crafted by the legendary Arnold Palmer, showcases an astute incorporation of water elements, particularly on the par 3s. As one of San Diego’s premier golfing destinations, Aviara Golf Club stands as a testament to the harmonious fusion of nature’s beauty and architectural brilliance. Truly a golfer’s paradise, this remarkable course is ingeniously sculpted around rolling hillsides, harmoniously blending with the native wildflowers that adorn the landscape.
Location: 7100 Aviara Resort Drive, Carlsbad, CA 92011
Conclusion
San Diego is a golf enthusiast’s paradise, offering some of the best courses in the Western region. Whether you’re after an unforgettable experience amidst beautiful scenery or seeking out a challenging round to test your skills, these are among the top 11 courses in San Diego that offer something for everyone. With stunning views, impeccable course designs, and exceptional amenities, each of these premier golf courses is sure to provide you with an unforgettable experience. So, what are you waiting for? Grab your clubs and hit the greens of these top San Diego courses today!
