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Praised by Golf Digest as one of the top 50 golf destinations in the world, the San Diego regions boasts more than 70 courses, from the beaches to the mountains and deserts. Here are seven of the most elite links — some with PGA pedigree and all with spectacular surroundings and amenities.
Hotel guests at the Fairmont Grand Del Mar get exclusive access to this Tom Fazio masterpiece, set within the spectacular landscape of Los Peñasquitos Canyon. The 18-hole, par-72 course stretches across 7,160 yards of lush fairways, dramatic elevations and strategically placed bunkers. Warm up your game at The Grand Golf Club’s award-winning driving range, complete with premium TaylorMade TP5x practice balls and FLAGD GPS yardage displays. The Grand also offers club and shoe rentals, as well as a traditional forecaddie program that helps golfers strategize and elevate their games. Green fees include golf carts with Visage GPS systems, practice facilities and forecaddies (excluding gratuity).
Where: 5200 Grand Del Mar Way, San Diego, CA 92130
This municipal golf course, owned and operated by the City of San Diego, features two of the most scenic 18-hole championship courses in the world. Perched atop dramatic cliffs overlooking the Pacific, Torrey’s North and South courses offer sweeping views of the coastline and its native (and namesake) Torrey pine trees. More notably, Torrey Pines Golf Course is a regular stop on the PGA Tour and home to the annual Farmers Insurance Open. The course also played host to the 2008 and 2021 U.S. Open Championship. In addition to its famed greens, golfers love to enjoy the 19th hole at The Grill at Torrey Pines, which serves the beloved Drugstore Burger, arguably one of the best burgers in San Diego.
Where: 11480 N Torrey Pines Rd, La Jolla, CA 92037
Introduced in 1964, the Golf Course at Rancho Bernardo Inn is a heritage course with contemporary flair. This William Bell-designed course has played host to both PGA and LPGA events. After a $4.5 million renovation, golfers of all skill levels can enjoy scenic fairways, challenging bunkers, refreshed greens and new Club Car golf carts with GPS technology. The award-winning pro shop offers the latest equipment and apparel, along with lessons, regripping, club fitting and more. Don’t miss its signature hole, the undulating 18th.
Where: 7550 Bernardo Oaks Drive, San Diego, CA 92128
Coronado Municipal Golf Course unfolds at the base of the magnificent San Diego-Coronado Bridge and is bordered on one side by nothing but water and sand. Opened in 1957, the course has been consistently touted as one of the nation’s top public courses and is ranked No. 5 in the U.S. by Golf Digest for delivering the best golf value. Locals and visitors alike love its affordable rates, beautiful harbor and downtown views, the Feast and Fareway restaurant, and so much more.
Where: 2000 Visalia Row, 2000 Visalia Row
Swing into action at Aviara Golf Club, the only course in San Diego designed by golf legend Arnold Palmer. Ranked No. 1 in Southern California by Condé Nast Traveler and hailed as one of the country’s best by Golf Digest and Golf Magazine, this prestigious public course welcomes golfers of all skill levels. Its ambitious, par-72 layout winds through rolling hillsides adorned with native wildflowers, offering scenic challenges with ample bunkers and water features across its 7,007 yards. Aviara is also home to the award-winning Kip Puterbaugh's Aviara Golf Academy and TaylorMade Aviara Performance Center, a premier fitting location hand-selected by TaylorMade to deliver the most advanced fitting experience in golf.
Where: 7447 Batiquitos Drive, Carlsbad, CA 92011
There’s an old golf saying that goes: “Luxurious golf does not necessarily entail spending the most money.” Case in point: The Lomas Exec, where rates range from $21 to $38 (not including cart). Called “a hidden and under-used jewel” by the San Diego Union-Tribune, this 2,431-yard, par-56 executive course was designed by William Bell in 1973 and is located just 20 minutes from downtown San Diego. It features country-club conditions with smaller-than-average multitiered greens, 29 deep bunkers, two water hazards, ocean views, and cool coastal breezes for a consistently pleasant, yet challenging experience every time.
Where: 1580 Sun Valley Road, Solana Beach, CA 92075
Designed by renowned architect Greg Nash, The Crossings at Carlsbad offers a challenging 18-hole championship course for golfers of all skill levels. The course spans 400 acres, seamlessly integrating with the natural coastal habitat and offering golfers distant views of the Pacific. Its name reflects the five bridges strategically incorporated into the layout, preserving the existing environment and topography. Post-round, grab a seat at The Crossings Clubhouse, a 28,000-square-foot, castle-like space with a full-service restaurant, players lounge and sunset patio.
Where: 5800 Crossings Drive, Carlsbad, CA 92008
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