Did you know Southern California has over 600 golf courses? That’s a lot of places to play golf! You can find courses by the ocean or in the desert. Whether you’re a pro or just play for fun, there’s a course for you.
Imagine playing at PGA West Stadium Course. It’s a 7,300-yard challenge with a 150 slope rating. Or, picture yourself at Aviara Golf Club, the #1 golf resort in Southern California. It offers 7,007 yards of golfing joy.
Pelican Hill Golf Club has 36 holes with amazing ocean views. It’s a mix of challenge and beauty. Monarch Beach Golf Links in Dana Point is great for playing all year, thanks to its mild winter temperatures.
Southern California golf is more than just the courses. It’s about the experience. From the Classic Club in Palm Desert, which has hosted PGA Tour events, to Rustic Canyon Golf Course in Moorpark, each place has its own story.
Are you ready to plan your golf trip? Let’s look at the green fees and how to book these Southern California gems. Whether you’re looking for a cheap round or a luxury experience, there’s a course for you.
Key Takeaways
- Southern California has over 600 golf courses, catering to all skill levels.
- PGA West Stadium Course offers a 7,300-yard challenge with a 150 slope rating.
- Aviara Golf Club is ranked #1 golf resort in Southern California.
- Pelican Hill Golf Club features 36 holes with stunning ocean views.
- Monarch Beach Golf Links provides year-round play with mild winter temperatures.
- Many courses offer unique designs and have hosted professional tournaments.
Golfing Paradise: Southern California’s Diverse Landscapes
Southern California is a golfer’s dream, with a variety of terrains. From Los Angeles to San Diego, you’ll find everything from coastal golf courses to desert golf and mountain courses. Each offers stunning scenic views.
The weather is perfect for golf all year, with winter highs in the mid-60s. This makes Southern California a top spot for golf lovers who want to play whenever they want.
Coastal gems like Pebble Beach Golf Links and Cypress Point Club are among the world’s best. They offer amazing ocean views. For those who love desert golf, PGA West Stadium Course and The Quarry at La Quinta are must-plays.
Mountain courses, like Pine Mountain Lake Golf Course, show off Yosemite’s peaks. These varied options mean golfers can try different styles and see new sights on one trip.
California has some unique golf spots. For example, Furnace Creek Golf Course in Death Valley is 214 feet below sea level. It’s a round you’ll never forget. Coastal courses like Half Moon Bay Golf Links have holes right on cliffs, combining beauty with challenge.
| Course Type | Notable Examples | Unique Features |
|---|---|---|
| Coastal | Pebble Beach, Torrey Pines | Ocean views, cliff-side holes |
| Desert | PGA West, The Quarry at La Quinta | Arid landscapes, unique hazards |
| Mountain | Pine Mountain Lake, Lake Tahoe | Elevation changes, forest surroundings |
| Unique | Furnace Creek, Links at Terranea | Below sea level, 9-hole oceanfront course |
Top 8 Golf Courses in Southern California
Southern California is home to some of the best golf courses in the country. You’ll find stunning coastal views and challenging desert layouts. These courses provide unforgettable experiences for golf lovers.
The area has a mix of public and resort courses. Famous architects like Pete Dye, Tom Fazio, and Arnold Palmer designed them. We will look at eight top golf courses in Southern California.
PGA West in La Quinta is known for its 108 holes across six courses. The Stadium Course is one of America’s 100 Greatest Public Courses by Golf Digest. Torrey Pines in San Diego, with its two U.S. Opens, offers stunning coastal views.
Pelican Hill in Newport Beach has 36 holes designed by Tom Fazio. Rustic Canyon in Moorpark challenges players with its large, contoured greens. The Classic Club in Palm Desert adds excitement with its water hazards.
| Golf Course | Location | Designer | USGA Rating/Slope |
|---|---|---|---|
| PGA West Stadium Course | La Quinta | Pete Dye | 75.8/148 |
| Torrey Pines Golf Course | San Diego | William F. Bell | 78.2/144 |
| Pelican Hill Golf Club | Newport Beach | Tom Fazio | 73.5/137 |
| Rustic Canyon Golf Course | Moorpark | Gil Hanse | 72.5/131 |
| Classic Club | Palm Desert | Arnold Palmer | 74.8/140 |
| La Quinta Resort Mountain Course | La Quinta | Pete Dye | 72.8/135 |
| Aviara Golf Club | Carlsbad | Arnold Palmer | 74.9/138 |
| Desert Willow Golf Resort | Palm Desert | Michael Hurdzan, Dana Fry | 74.1/141 |
These golf courses show the beauty and challenges of Southern California. From coastal bluffs to desert oases, they have something for every golfer. Whether you’re a pro or just starting, these courses are unforgettable.
PGA West Stadium Course: A Legendary Challenge
PGA West Stadium Course is a top spot for golf in Southern California. It was designed by Pete Dye in 1986. It’s known for being tough, even for the best golfers.
Pete Dye’s Masterpiece Design
Pete Dye put a lot of thought into this course. It has Bermuda Grass on the greens and fairways. You’ll find water hazards and up to 30 sand bunkers.
Iconic Holes and Unforgettable Moments
The course has holes that are famous in golf history. It’s hosted big tournaments like the Liberty Mutual Legends of Golf. Its tough reputation is well-deserved.
Accommodating Players of All Levels
PGA West is for all skill levels. You can choose from different tee boxes. There are markers at 200, 150, and 100 yards to help with club selection.
| Tee Box | Yardage | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|
| Black | 7,261 | Championship |
| Blue | 6,739 | Advanced |
| White | 6,195 | Intermediate |
| Gold | 5,763 | Senior |
| Red | 5,087 | Forward |
Playing at PGA West Stadium Course costs between $65 and $215. It’s part of a larger golf community with nine courses. You can also find great golf courses in Wales, but PGA West has its own charm.
Torrey Pines Golf Course: Coastal Bluff Beauty
Located on La Jolla’s coastal bluffs, Torrey Pines Golf Course is a gem in San Diego. It has two championship courses, the North and South, with stunning ocean views.
The South Course is among America’s top golf spots. It hosted the 2008 U.S. Open, where Tiger Woods won. Designed by William Bell Sr and Rees Jones, it’s 7,707 yards long with a par of 72.
The North Course is just as beautiful, with 7,258 yards. Both courses opened in 1957 and have been redesigned to improve their challenge and beauty.
Golfers love Torrey Pines for its amazing views and great play. It has a driving range, pro shop, and practice areas for top-notch amenities.
| Course | Weekday Rate (Resident) | Weekend Rate (Non-Resident) |
|---|---|---|
| South Course | $63 | $252 |
| North Course | $44 | $202 |
The Lodge at Torrey Pines offers golf packages starting at $3,000. These include rounds on both courses and nearby Maderas Golf Club. Book your tee time to enjoy this golf paradise in San Diego.
Pelican Hill Golf Club: Luxury and Ocean Views
Pelican Hill Golf Club in Newport Beach is a paradise for golfers. It has two amazing courses by Tom Fazio. The club’s top-notch quality and stunning ocean views make it a top spot for golf lovers.
Ocean North Course: Wide Fairways and Panoramic Vistas
The Ocean North Course at Pelican Hill is a par-71 gem. It’s 6,945 yards from the back tees, with wide fairways and breathtaking ocean views. Opened in 1993, it challenges golfers with its strategic layout and beauty.
Ocean South Course: Strategic Challenges and Elevation Changes
The Ocean South Course, a par-70 layout, opened in 1991. It has tight fairways and big elevation changes. At 6,580 yards from the back tees, it requires precision and smart play, offering unforgettable views.
World-Class Amenities and Service
Pelican Hill Golf Club offers more than just great golf. The resort has luxurious bungalows, a spa, and fine dining. Golfers get access to putting greens, a pro shop, and golf buggies.
| Course | Par | Length (yards) | Rating | Slope |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ocean North | 71 | 6,945 | 4.6 | 135 |
| Ocean South | 70 | 6,580 | 4.4 | 133 |
Pelican Hill Golf Club is a top choice in Newport Beach, with a 4.4 out of 5 rating from 175 reviews. The courses have Hybrid Bermuda Grass fairways and Poa Annua/Bent Grass greens, ensuring great play all year.
Rustic Canyon Golf Course: Natural Beauty Meets Strategic Play
Rustic Canyon Golf Course is in Moorpark, offering a special golfing experience. It was designed by Hanse Golf Design and fits perfectly into its natural setting. The course has wide fairways and large greens, making it fun for all players.
The course has faced big challenges, like flash floods, common in Southern California. Despite huge damage, it’s still open for play. Now, 14 holes are ready for golfers, showing the team’s hard work.
The design of the course keeps the natural beauty while adding strategic challenges. It feels far away from Los Angeles, but it’s just 50 miles northwest of downtown. This makes it a favorite spot for both locals and visitors.
| Green Fees | Tee Times | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Weekdays: $65 | Book online or call | 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM |
| Weekends: $85 | 7 days in advance | Daily |
Make sure to wear the right clothes, like collared shirts and golf shoes. Whether you’re going for a rare eagle or just enjoying the view, Rustic Canyon is a memorable place for golf.
Classic Club: Arnold Palmer’s Desert Gem
The Classic Club in Palm Desert is a masterpiece designed by Arnold Palmer. It offers a unique layout and breathtaking desert views. Players face a challenge that tests their skills.
Hosting the Bob Hope Chrysler Classic
From 2006 to 2008, the Classic Club was home to the Bob Hope Chrysler Classic. This event made it a top golf spot in Southern California.
Unique Water Features and Challenging Greens
The course features water hazards that add to the excitement. Wide fairways invite players to take bold shots. But, deep bunkers and small greens require precision.
Palmer’s design makes every round thrilling, no matter your skill level.
Accessibility for All Skill Levels
The Classic Club is open to all, from beginners to pros. With various tee options, you can adjust the game to fit your skill. This ensures fun for everyone.
| Tee Time | Weekday Rate | Weekend Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Before 11 AM | $129 | $149 |
| 11 AM – 2 PM | $109 | $129 |
| After 2 PM | $89 | $99 |
The Classic Club is open all year, thanks to Palm Springs’ sunny weather. But, summer can be very hot. So, it’s best to play early in the morning.
La Quinta Resort Mountain Course: Pete Dye’s Desert Masterpiece
La Quinta Resort’s Mountain Course is a top-notch desert golf spot. It opened in 1980 and is a par-72 layout. It stretches 6,666 yards from the back tees, making it fun for all skill levels.
The course is set against the Santa Rosa Mountains, offering stunning views. Wide fairways lead to amazing views, while tiny greens require precision. The slopes on the greens add to the challenge, testing even the best players.
The course’s final six holes are full of risk and reward. The 13th hole is a 183-yard par-3 that requires a long carry over sand. It shows the course’s beauty and challenge.
| Tee Times | Green Fees |
|---|---|
| 7:00 AM – 2:00 PM | $185 (Peak Season) |
| 2:00 PM – Sunset | $135 (Twilight Rate) |
| Off-Season Rates | Starting at $49 |
La Quinta Resort is more than a golf course. It has 620 guestrooms, 98 villas, and lots of amenities. After golf, relax at Spa La Quinta or enjoy live music on weekends. The Mountain Course at La Quinta Resort is the ultimate desert golf experience.
Aviara Golf Club: Arnold Palmer’s Coastal Creation
Aviara Golf Club is in Carlsbad, a city known for its beauty. Opened in 1991, it’s a masterpiece by Arnold Palmer. It combines challenge and beauty along the Southern California coast.
The layout at Aviara Golf Club is a showcase of Palmer’s design. It has wide fairways for confident shots and strategic bunkers for added complexity. The greens are large and undulating, requiring precision and finesse.
Golf lovers in Carlsbad and visitors come to Aviara for its coastal views and top-notch course conditions. The design blends with nature, offering a feast for the eyes as you play each hole.
Aviara is great for all golfers, from pros to weekend players. It has various tee options, making it fair and fun for everyone. Planning a golf trip? Aviara Golf Club is a must-visit for a memorable game.
| Day | Tee Time | Green Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Weekday | 7:00 AM – 3:00 PM | $235 |
| Weekend | 7:00 AM – 3:00 PM | $275 |
| Twilight (Daily) | After 3:00 PM | $175 |
Book your tee time early to play on this beautiful course. Aviara Golf Club offers a mix of challenge and beauty, making it a standout in Carlsbad.
Monarch Beach Golf Links: Oceanfront Splendor
Monarch Beach Golf Links in Dana Point is a top-notch golf spot. It’s a Robert Trent Jones Jr. design that mixes natural beauty with tough play. It’s rated 9.8 out of 10 among Southern California’s best courses.
The par-70 course has amazing ocean views from high bluffs. As you play, you’ll see the Pacific Ocean at every turn. It’s great to play all year, even in winter, because of the nice weather.
Monarch Beach Golf Links is a great deal. For $185 per round, you get a top golf experience without spending too much. It’s good for all skill levels, making it fun for everyone.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Green Fee | $185 |
| Rating | 9.8 |
| Unique Offerings | Golf Board or Phat Scooter Tours |
| Special Package | Drop-In Golf (includes rentals) |
| Family-Friendly | Kids Play Free after 3pm |
Try the Golf Board or Phat Scooter Tour for a special experience. These tours let you see the course in a new way. The Drop-In Golf package is great for travelers, offering clubs, balls, and transportation.
Desert Willow Golf Resort: Oasis in the Desert
Desert Willow Golf Resort in Palm Desert is a paradise for golf lovers. It has several courses, each offering a unique experience. The resort is known for its excellence, earning many accolades.
Firecliff Course: Beauty Meets Challenge
The Firecliff Course at Desert Willow is a golfer’s dream. Ranked No. 23 by Golfweek magazine, it’s 7,056 yards long with a par of 72. It has over 100 bunkers, making it both challenging and beautiful.
The final hole is famous for its creek crossing the fairway. This adds a strategic twist to your game. From the black tees, men’s ratings are 74.1 with a slope of 138. The white tees offer a 60.7 rating and 125 slope.
Mountain View Course: Scenic Desert Golf
The Mountain View Course offers a more laid-back desert golf experience. It’s 6,913 yards long with eight tee selections. The course has stunning views and undulating greens for a fun challenge.
Both courses at Desert Willow Golf Resort are known for their top-notch condition. Firecliff is one of only three courses in California to make Golf Digest’s Top 200 “best conditioned courses” list.
| Course | Weekday Rate | Weekend Rate | Twilight Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Firecliff | $159 | $189 | $99 |
| Mountain View | $139 | $169 | $89 |
The clubhouse at Desert Willow is ranked No. 35 by Club Resort Business. It has a 2,000-square-foot Golf Shop and a Grill for drinks after your game. The resort hosts big events like the Frank Sinatra Celebrity Invitational and “The Prestige at Palm Desert” tournament.
Rancho Park Golf Course
Rancho Park Golf Course is in the heart of Los Angeles. It was built in 1949 and is an important part of the city’s golf scene. The course is 6879 yards long with a par of 71, making it challenging for all players.
Architects William P. Bell and William H. Johnson designed it. The course has Blue Grass fairways and greens. It has a rating of 72.5 and a slope of 129, offering a fun challenge for everyone.
Many golfers love Rancho Park for its value and layout. It has an average rating of 4.1 out of 5 stars from 341 reviews. Ninety-four and a half percent of players recommend it. The course’s tree-lined fairways and well-kept greens make it a great place to play in the city.
| Tee Options | Rating/Slope | Yardage |
|---|---|---|
| Black | 72.5/129 | 6879 |
| Blue | 70.7/124 | 6585 |
| White | 68.8/120 | 6240 |
| Yellow | 66.7/114 | 5733 |
| Yellow (L) | 72.4/120 | 5733 |
Green fees for 18 holes at Rancho Park are about $68. It’s a great deal for golfers in Los Angeles. The course also has a driving range with five practice tees, perfect for getting ready to play.
While you’re around, check out Wilson Golf Course at Griffith Park or Los Feliz 3-Par Golf Course. They offer different golfing experiences in the area.
Oak Quarry Golf Club
Oak Quarry Golf Club in Riverside offers a unique golfing experience. It’s set against Mt. Jurupa, with a 6,600-yard course and a slope of 131 from the Blues tee. The course, designed by Schmidt-Curley in 2000, is built on former marble and cement quarry land.
Your Riverside golf adventure takes you through hills, dry river beds, and ravines. The course uses the natural terrain, creating different hole shapes. Many greens have a center ridge, making them challenging.
Golfers love Oak Quarry for its par 3s and shorter par 4s. The back nine starts with “Limestone Dome,” a 550-yard par 5. This scenic course is ranked among Golfweek’s best and Golf Digest’s top public courses.
| Rating Category | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating | 4.0/5 | 2111 |
| Course Rating | 4.3/5 | 92 |
| Recommendation Rate | 80.0% | All reviews |
Oak Quarry Golf Club has Hybrid 419 Bermuda Grass fairways and Pennlinks Bentgrass greens. Some reviewers mentioned issues with course conditions and pace. Yet, most recommend this unique golfing experience east of Los Angeles.
Coronado Golf Course
The Coronado Golf Course is on Coronado Island. It offers a unique golf experience near San Diego Bay. With views of the San Diego skyline and Coronado Bridge, it’s a top spot for golf lovers.
Since 1957, this par 72 course has been a challenge for golfers. It’s 6,590 yards from the blue tees. The fairways and greens are well-kept, making it fun for all skill levels. The bay’s breeze and views add to the experience.
| Tee Time Booking | Fee |
|---|---|
| Same day/next day (online) | $1.50/player |
| 3-14 days in advance (online) | $18/player |
| Within 2 days (phone/in-person) | No charge |
Coronado Golf Course is easy to get to. You can book tee times up to 14 days ahead. Coronado residents get special rates. Cancel your tee time 24 hours before to avoid full fee charges.
While playing at Coronado, you might want to check out other top golf spots across the U.S. Southern California has a wide range of golf courses. From seaside links to desert courses, there’s something for everyone.
Southern California Golf: Year-Round Play and Perfect Weather
Southern California’s golf scene is thriving thanks to its perfect climate. Temperatures range from mid-60s to low 80s Fahrenheit. This means you can play golf all year without worrying about bad weather. The area’s little rainfall also helps keep the playing conditions great all season.
Coastal courses get cool ocean breezes, while inland ones are warmer. This mix lets you play in different environments all year. Whether you’re at a beach course or in the desert, SoCal’s weather is perfect for golf.
| Course | Yardage | Par | Designer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chester Washington Golf Course | 6,300 | – | – |
| Coyote Hills Golf Course | 6,610 | – | Cal Olson & Payne Stewart |
| Diamond Bar Golf Course | 6,801 | – | – |
| El Dorado Park Golf Course | 6,921 | – | Ted Robinson, Sr. |
SoCal has golf courses for every skill level. You can play at championship courses like Lakewood Country Club or shorter courses like Lake Forest Golf and Practice Center. The variety shows SoCal’s dedication to golf, making it playable all year.
Golf Course Architecture: Legendary Designers in SoCal
Southern California is home to many amazing golf courses. These were designed by legendary architects. They have made the region’s golfing scene both challenging and beautiful.
Pete Dye is a famous name in golf course design. He worked on PGA West Stadium Course and La Quinta Resort courses in SoCal. His designs are known for their strategic challenges and stunning views.
Tom Fazio is another top architect in SoCal. He designed Pelican Hill Golf Club and Oak Creek. Fazio’s courses are famous for their natural beauty and how well they fit into the landscape.
Arnold Palmer, a golf legend, also designed courses in SoCal. He created the Classic Club and Aviara Golf Club. Palmer’s courses are known for being both fun to play and beautiful to look at.
| Golf Course | Architect | Notable Features |
|---|---|---|
| PGA West Stadium Course | Pete Dye | Challenging layout, iconic holes |
| Pelican Hill Golf Club | Tom Fazio | Ocean views, strategic bunkering |
| Classic Club | Arnold Palmer | Desert landscape, water features |
Local architects have also made big contributions to SoCal’s golf courses. Cary Bickler has 50 years of experience and designed the second 18 at Green River Golf Club. Todd Eckenrode, co-founder of Origins Golf Design, is known for his work at Lakeside Country Club.
The history of golf course design in Southern California is rich and ongoing. Architects like Cal Olson and Casey O’Callaghan are bringing new ideas to the region’s courses. Their work, along with that of the legends before them, makes golf in Southern California exciting for everyone.
Planning Your Southern California Golf Trip
Planning a golf trip in Southern California is exciting. The area has many top-notch courses and great weather all year. It’s a golfer’s dream.
Best Times to Visit
Spring and fall are the best times to play golf in SoCal. The weather is mild, and the courses are less busy. Summer can be very hot, and winter might see some rain.
Golf Packages and Deals
Many resorts in SoCal offer golf packages. These include places to stay and tee times. They can help you save money and make planning easier. Look online or call resorts for the best deals.
Transportation and Logistics
It’s smart to rent a car for easy travel between courses. Most big airports in SoCal have car rental places. When booking tee times, think about how long it takes to get there and back.
- Book tee times early, especially for popular courses
- Pack the right golf clothes and sunscreen
- Check the course’s dress code and if they rent equipment
- Plan for extra time in traffic, especially in cities
A golf trip to Southern California might cost about $1,920. This includes airfare, where you stay, getting around, playing golf, and eating out. It’s a luxurious trip for under $2,000.
| Course | Location | Course Rating | Slope |
|---|---|---|---|
| PGA West (TPC Stadium) | La Quinta | 75.8 | 148 |
| Pelican Hill | Newport Beach | 72.0 – 73.5 | Varies |
| Torrey Pines | San Diego | 75.8 – 78.2 | Varies |
| Trump National Los Angeles | Rancho Palos Verdes | 74.6 | 144 |
Improving Your Game: Golf Academies and Instruction in SoCal
Southern California is home to some of the best golf academies and instructors. Singing Hills Golf Club has over 40 years of experience in teaching golf. Their Director of Instruction, Bob Madsen, is a SoCal PGA Teacher of the Year and San Diego PGA Teacher of the Year.
The Rick Smith Golf Academy offers personalized lessons and clinics. Rick Smith has worked with golf greats like Jack Nicklaus and Phil Mickelson. Trump National Los Angeles also provides various instruction packages to improve your game.
Desert Willow Golf Resort’s Palm Desert Golf Academy hosts many golf schools each season. Their One Day Performance School costs $699 and includes video analysis and a round of golf. For a deeper dive, try their 2-Day or 3-Day Signature Golf Schools, with a 3:1 student-to-teacher ratio.
These SoCal golf academies are perfect for all skill levels. With advanced facilities and expert coaches, you’ll find the right program for you. Whether you’re just starting or looking to improve, these academies are here to help.
