San Diego’s vibrant golf scene is a treasure trove for enthusiasts, offering a rich array of courses to suit every style and skill level. With our comprehensive guide to the best golf courses in San Diego, we’ve unveiled the top spots that promise an unforgettable golfing experience. These courses are not just about the game; they are about enjoying life, embracing challenges, and appreciating the beauty of the outdoors. So grab your clubs, hit the greens, and discover why San Diego stands out as a premier golf destination. Your perfect round awaits in this sunny paradise!
Top 20 Best Golf Courses In San Diego
1. Torrey Pines Golf Course
Features: Overlooking the Pacific Ocean, Torrey Pines is famous for its stunning coastal views and challenging play. The course has been a host to numerous PGA TOUR events.
Holes: This municipal golf course offers 36 holes of championship golf, split between the North and South Courses.
Type: Public
Torrey Pines Golf Course is not just a golfing destination; it’s an experience. With its picturesque setting and world-class design, this course attracts golfers from all around the globe. The South Course, in particular, is renowned for its length and difficulty, providing a challenging round for even the most experienced golfers.
2. Coronado Municipal Golf Course
Features: Known for its well-maintained fairways in golf and affordable rates, Coronado is a favorite among locals. The course offers panoramic views of the San Diego Bay and the downtown skyline.
Holes: This 18-hole course provides a fun yet challenging round for golfers of all skill levels.
Type: Public
Coronado Municipal Golf Course, also known as Coronado Golf Course, is hailed for its playable layout and friendly atmosphere. The course’s proximity to the beach ensures a pleasant breeze during your round, adding to the overall enjoyable experience. With its affordable rates and scenic views, Coronado stands out as a must-play in San Diego.
3. Tecolote Canyon Golf Course
Features: Nestled in a scenic canyon, Tecolote Canyon stands out with its unique terrain and strategic golf course layout. This course is praised for its excellent conditions year-round.
Holes: Offering an 18-hole par-58 course, Tecolote Canyon provides a quick yet challenging round.
Type: Public
Recognized as one of the best public golf courses in San Diego, Tecolote Canyon Golf Course is a true gem in the city’s golf scene. Its design utilizes the natural canyon topography, creating unique and memorable holes. Perfect for golfers looking for a quick round, this course maintains high standards, ensuring a great experience every time.
4. San Diego Country Club
Features: With its rich history and classic design, San Diego Country Club offers a timeless golf experience. The course is known for its superb conditions and traditional layout.
Holes: This exclusive club features a challenging 18-hole championship course.
Type: Private
As one of the best golf courses near San Diego, San Diego Country Club has a reputation for excellence. Since its opening in 1897, the club has hosted several prestigious tournaments, solidifying its place as a premier golfing destination. With its lush fairways and meticulous greens, this private club provides an exceptional round for its members.
5. Aviara Golf Club
Features: Located in a luxurious resort setting, Aviara Golf Club is renowned for its immaculate conditions and botanical beauty. The course boasts over 7,000 yards of play.
Holes: Aviara features a stunning 18-hole, par-72 layout, providing a challenging yet fair test of golf.
Type: Public
When discussing the best golf courses in San Diego, Aviara Golf Club offers an unrivaled golfing experience. The Arnold Palmer-designed course winds through rolling hills, serene lakes, and vibrant flower beds, creating a picturesque backdrop for every shot. Aviara is a must-play for those seeking the best golf course in San Diego amidst natural beauty and luxury.
6. Grand Del Mar Golf Course
Features: Set within a lush valley, Grand Del Mar is celebrated for its meticulous landscaping and challenging play. The course features elevation changes and strategic bunkering.
Holes: This 18-hole, par-72 course spans over 7,200 yards, offering a varied and engaging round.
Type: Public
As a standout among the best golf courses near San Diego, Grand Del Mar Golf Course combines natural beauty with a challenging layout. The Tom Fazio-designed course offers a diverse set of holes, each with its own character and challenges. Whether you’re navigating the undulating fairways or admiring the surrounding hills, Grand Del Mar provides an exceptional golfing experience.
7. Barona Creek Golf Course At Barona Resort & Casino
Features: Barona Creek is celebrated for its commitment to preserving the natural environment, resulting in a course that blends seamlessly with its surroundings. The course has earned numerous accolades for its design and sustainability efforts.
Holes: This award-winning course features 18 holes and stretches over 7,200 yards, providing a comprehensive golfing experience.
Type: Public
Nestled in the rolling hills of San Diego, Barona Creek Golf Course stands out as one of the best golf courses in San Diego. With wide fairways, challenging bunkers, and native vegetation, the course offers both beauty and playability. As part of the Barona Resort & Casino, golfers can also enjoy various amenities, making it a popular destination for both locals and visitors.
8. The Crosby Club At Rancho Santa Fe
Features: The Crosby Club offers a luxurious golf experience with its pristine conditions and exceptional service. The course takes advantage of the natural terrain, providing stunning views and challenging play.
Holes: Golfers will find an engaging 18-hole layout, offering a variety of holes to test their skills.
Type: PrivateAs one of the best private golf courses in San Diego, The Crosby Club at Rancho Santa Fe epitomizes golfing excellence. The course provides a tranquil escape from the city, with lush fairways, meticulously maintained greens, and a layout that challenges golfers of all levels. The Crosby Club is truly a top-tier destination for those seeking the best golf course in San Diego.
9. The Farms Golf Club
Features: Known for its exceptional playing conditions and strategic design, The Farms Golf Club offers a pure golfing experience. The course is set against a backdrop of rolling hills, providing stunning visuals.
Holes: This 18-hole, par-72 course spans over 7,000 yards, offering a diverse range of holes to challenge every aspect of your game.
Type: Private
The Farms Golf Club is recognized as one of the best golf courses in San Diego, providing members with a serene and challenging environment for golf. The course demands precision and strategy, with its undulating greens and strategically placed hazards. It’s a favorite among serious golfers looking for a top-tier private club experience in San Diego.
10. The Grand Golf Club
Features: Set within the luxurious Fairmont Grand Del Mar resort, The Grand Golf Club boasts a meticulously maintained course and first-class amenities. The course features scenic valleys and majestic hills.
Holes: Golfers can enjoy an expansive 18-hole, par-72 layout that stretches over 7,160 yards, offering a balanced mix of challenge and playability.
Type: Private
As one of the premier golf destinations in the region, The Grand Golf Club is often mentioned when discussing the best golf course in San Diego. The Tom Fazio-designed course provides an unparalleled golfing experience, with its challenging holes, breathtaking scenery, and immaculate conditions. It’s a haven for golfers seeking luxury and top-notch golf in San Diego.
11. Miramar Memorial Golf Course
Features: Located within the Miramar Marine Corps Air Station, this course is rich in history and offers a tranquil golfing experience. The layout incorporates numerous water features and mature trees.
Holes: The course provides an 18-hole, par-72 layout, offering a variety of holes to keep golfers engaged throughout their round.
Type: Public
Miramar Memorial Golf Course stands out as one of the best public golf courses in San Diego, providing an accessible and enjoyable experience for golfers of all levels. The course is well-maintained and features a traditional layout, offering a nod to the classic era of golf design. It’s a popular choice for those searching for a peaceful round of golf within the city.
12. Bonita Golf Course
Features: Set in a picturesque valley, Bonita Golf Course is praised for its scenic views and friendly atmosphere. The course features wide fairways and a welcoming vibe.
Holes: Offering an 18-hole, par-71 layout, Bonita provides a relaxing yet challenging round of golf.
Type: Public
Bonita Golf Course is recognized as one of the best golf courses near San Diego, providing a laid-back golfing experience without sacrificing quality. The course is suitable for golfers of all skill levels, making it a favorite for locals and visitors alike. With its beautiful setting and affordable rates, Bonita Golf Course is a gem in the San Diego golf scene.
13. Admiral Baker Golf Course
Features: With its two 18-hole courses, Admiral Baker provides a variety of golfing experiences in a beautiful riverside setting. The facility is known for its excellent maintenance and friendly staff.
Holes: The North Course offers a par-72 layout, while the South Course features a par-71 layout, both providing unique challenges and scenic views.
Type: Public
Admiral Baker Golf Course stands out as one of the best public golf courses in San Diego, offering a tranquil escape from the city hustle. With its lush fairways, mature trees, and the San Diego River running through the property, the course offers a picturesque and enjoyable round of golf. It’s a popular choice for those seeking quality golf without the hefty price tag.
14. Colina Park Golf Course
Features: Known for its commitment to youth golf and community engagement, Colina Park provides a welcoming environment for golfers of all ages. The course is well-maintained and features challenging par-3 holes.
Holes: This 18-hole, par-54 course offers a quick and engaging round, perfect for honing your short-game skills.
Type: Public
As one of the best golf courses in San Diego for beginners and youth, Colina Park Golf Course plays a vital role in the community. The course encourages learning and development in the game of golf, providing a supportive atmosphere for players to improve their skills. With its convenient location and affordable rates, Colina Park is a favorite among locals.
15. Maderas Golf Club
Features: Maderas Golf Club takes the concept of upscale golf to exhilarating levels. With its impeccable course conditions and attention to detail, it stands out as a premium golfing destination.
Holes: Golfers can immerse themselves in a captivating 18-hole, par-72 layout that navigates through the rolling hills of north San Diego.
Type: Public
Maderas Golf Club is often hailed as one of the best golf courses in San Diego, offering a perfect blend of challenge, aesthetics, and service. The Johnny Miller and Robert Muir Graves-designed course provides a variety of elevation changes, stunning views, and strategic play that can be enjoyed by golfers of all skill levels. Maderas is a testament to the quality of San Diego’s golf offerings, ensuring a memorable round every time.
16. Mission Bay Golf Course And Practice Center
Features: Mission Bay offers a unique night golfing experience, with well-lit fairways and greens for a fun round after sunset. The course is renowned for its excellent practice facilities.
Holes: This course features an 18-hole, par-58 layout, ideal for a quicker round or sharpening your short game.
Type: Public
As one of the best public golf courses in San Diego, Mission Bay Golf Course and Practice Center is celebrated for its accessibility and unique offerings. The course provides a relaxed environment for golfers to enjoy a round at their own pace, with the added bonus of night golf availability. Its central location and excellent practice facilities make Mission Bay a popular choice among locals and visitors alike.
17. The Loma Club
Features: The Loma Club is renowned for its historic charm and convenient location, making it a popular choice for a quick round of golf. The course is beautifully maintained and offers a casual, fun atmosphere.
Holes: This 9-hole, par-27 course is perfect for a quick game, offering a variety of challenges that keep things interesting.
Type: Public
Nestled in the heart of San Diego, The Loma Club stands out as one of the best golf courses near San Diego, particularly for those looking for a short and sweet round. With its rich history dating back to the early 1900s, the course has been a staple in the community, providing a welcoming space for golfers of all skill levels to enjoy the game.
18. La Jolla Country Club
Features: La Jolla Country Club is praised for its stunning ocean views and prestigious atmosphere. The course is well-maintained, offering pristine playing conditions year-round.
Holes: This 18-hole, par-72 course provides a challenging yet enjoyable round, with its undulating fairways and strategic bunkering.
Type: Private
As one of the best private golf courses in San Diego, La Jolla Country Club offers an exclusive golfing experience with breathtaking scenery. The course is a true test of golf, requiring precision and strategy to navigate its challenging layout. Members enjoy top-notch amenities and a sense of community, making La Jolla Country Club a coveted destination for golf in San Diego.
19. Enagic Golf Club at Eastlake
Features: Enagic Golf Club, formerly known as Eastlake Country Club, is celebrated for its excellent course conditions and water features. The club offers a welcoming environment and a well-stocked pro shop.
Holes: The course features a challenging 18-hole, par-72 layout that weaves through scenic surroundings, providing an enjoyable round for golfers of all levels.
Type: Public
Positioned in the heart of Chula Vista, Enagic Golf Club at Eastlake stands out as one of the best golf courses in San Diego, providing a delightful golfing experience. With its meticulous maintenance, diverse layout, and stunning water features, the course offers both beauty and challenge. It’s a favorite destination for locals and visitors, highlighting the breadth of quality golf available in the San Diego area.
20. Carlton Oaks Country Club
Features: Carlton Oaks has a rich history and is known for its challenging layout, designed by the legendary Pete Dye. The course features mature trees and water hazards, adding to its character.
Holes: This 18-hole, par-72 course stretches over 7,400 yards, providing a stern test of golf amidst a picturesque setting.
Type: Public
As one of the best golf courses near San Diego, Carlton Oaks Country Club has been challenging golfers for decades with its demanding layout and strategic design. The course requires thoughtful shot-making and precision, offering a rewarding experience for those who navigate it successfully. With its affordable rates and historic charm, Carlton Oaks remains a beloved part of San Diego’s golf scene.
Final Thoughts
Our exploration of the best golf courses in San Diego, it’s clear that this city offers a golfing paradise unmatched in diversity and quality. From the challenging layouts of prestigious private clubs to the welcoming fairways of scenic public courses, San Diego caters to every golfer’s dream. San Diego’s top golf courses provide the perfect backdrop for an exceptional golfing experience. Here’s to enjoying the best that golf in San Diego has to offer!
Frequently Asked Questions
1- How many golf courses are in San Diego?
San Diego County is home to over 72 golf courses, offering a wide variety of options for golf enthusiasts of all skill levels.
2- How to get a San Diego resident golf card?
To obtain a San Diego Resident Golf Card, you need to provide proof of residency with a valid ID and a utility bill at any of the City of San Diego golf courses, along with payment for the card, which is valid for one year.
3- What is the best course at Torrey Pines?
The South Course at Torrey Pines is generally considered the best and more challenging of the two courses, hosting major tournaments including the U.S. Open.
4- Which golfer plays well at Torrey Pines?
Tiger Woods has a remarkable record at Torrey Pines, including multiple wins at the Farmers Insurance Open and a memorable victory at the 2008 U.S. Open.
5- Where does the PGA play in San Diego?
The PGA Tour holds the Farmers Insurance Open annually at Torrey Pines Golf Course in San Diego, showcasing the world’s top golfers on this prestigious and challenging pair of courses.
