7 Best Golf Courses in San Diego: Play Like a Pro at Torrey Pines & Coronado

Best Golf Courses in San Diego

One of the reasons the city of San Diego is so popular with new residents is the climate. Even in winter, the lows rarely get below 50º F. However, summer temperatures are similarly comfortable, with highs seldom exceeding 77º F. Thanks to this beautiful weather, outdoor activities in San Diego like golf are possible year-round. Additionally, plenty of golf course homes and gated community homes are near courses. Read on to discover the seven best golf courses in San Diego, California.

Torrey Pines Golf Course

About 20 minutes north of downtown San Diego in the La Jolla community, Torrey Pines Golf Course is a municipal course located near the Torrey Pines State Reserve. Established in 1957, the facility is open to the public and known for its breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and gently sloping area hills. The 36-hole grounds have hosted the U.S. Open twice and the Farmers Insurance Open annually.

Torrey Pines has two separate courses. The North Course has a par of 72, a course rating of 75.8, and is 7,258 yards with a slope rating of 134. The South Course also has a par of 72 but is 7,802 yards long. The South Course slope rating is 148, while the course rating is 78.8.

New players can take advantage of qualified PGA and LPGA instructors. There is also a golf pro shop where visitors can find souvenirs.

Torrey Pines Golf Course Additional Information

  • Address: Torrey Pines Golf Course, 11480 N. Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA 92037
  • Public or private: Public
  • Facilities: North & South courses, golf shop

Coronado Golf Course

The Coronado Golf Course in the city of Coronado is another municipal course created in 1957, offering incredible background scenes of the San Diego Harbor and the downtown skyline. With a par of 72, it measures 6,590 yards long.

The course has received accolades from Golf Digest, including “Best Value” and “Best Place to Play.” The golf course also offers adult and junior golf instruction by experienced PGA players. Tee times are available year-round, and golfers can also stop at the Feast and Fareway for brunch on the sunlit patio.

Coronado Golf Course Additional Information

  • Address: Coronado Golf Course, 2000 Visalia Row, Coronado, CA 92118
  • Public or private: Public
  • Facilities: One course, restaurant, and rentable venue

Maderas Golf Club

About a 35-minute drive from downtown San Diego in the city of Poway, Maderas Golf Club is further inland. However, golfers at this location experience wonderful views of rolling hills covering the region’s countryside. The course itself is immaculate and surrounded by trees, a waterfall, and three lakes. In addition to the 18-hole course, the facilities also include The Grille restaurant and a local golf shop.

The grounds feature more than 40 acres of land and are available to the public. Golf lessons are available by PGA professionals, or visitors can stop by the restaurant for a Beef Tenderloin Cheese Steak.

Maderas Golf Club Additional Information

  • Address: Maderas Golf Club, 17750 Old Coach Road, Poway, CA 92064
  • Public or private: Public
  • Facilities: One course, restaurant, golf shop, and rentable venue

Aviara Golf Club

Just over 35 minutes north of downtown in the city of Carlsbad, the Aviara Golf Club sits on the edge of the Batiquitos Lagoon State Marine Conservation Area. The 18-hole course was designed by world-famous golfer Arnold Palmer and was honored with the 2004 Gold Medal Resorts Award. It also ranked in Golf Digest as one of the top resorts in the country. Despite this prestige, the course is open to the public and contains about 7,007 yards with a par of 72.

A unique element of the course is that it is part of the Park Hyatt Aviara Resort. While many grounds contain a simple golf shop or restaurant, being part of the resort means nearly endless amenities. The facility has three full-service restaurants, including themes of Italian and steakhouse. There is also a 15,000-square-foot spa, including a world-class fitness center, massage rooms, and packages for facials and body treatments.

Park Hyatt Aviara Additional Information

  • Address: Park Hyatt Aviara, 7100 Aviara Resort Drive, Carlsbad, CA 92011
  • Public or private: Public
  • Facilities: Attached to a resort with spa, restaurants, golf shop, and rentable venues

Barona Creek Golf Course

Located on the Barona Reservation in the Lakeside community, the Barona Creek Golf Course is about 40 minutes northeast of downtown San Diego. It is part of the Barona Resort and Casino, which boasts a steakhouse and cafe. The course has 18 holes but will occasionally reduce to nine in severe droughts. In those cases, players can repeat holes twice.

Set against the scenic grassy hills of the region, Barona Creek was ranked by Golf Digest as one of the top casino courses in the country. The facility was also recognized with an Environmental Green Star Award in 2011. The grounds are only open to tribe members and diamond and platinum club patrons.

The course is open year-round, but morning delays can be possible due to frost during November through March. The Pro Shop offers the best apparel featuring national brands and memorabilia from the resort.

Barona Resort & Casino Additional Information

  • Address: Barona Resort & Casino, 1932 Wildcat Canyon Road, Lakeside, CA 92040
  • Public or private: Public
  • Facilities: Attached to a resort and casino, including restaurants and golf shop

Steele Canyon Golf Club

About 30 minutes east of downtown, one can find the Steele Canyon Golf Club in the Jamul community. The course is immaculately maintained, nestled amongst the green trees and grassy mountains. World-famous golfer Gary Player designed it with 27 holes, which provides a challenge and a great day outside.

The course comprises three separate sections: Canyon, Ranch, and Vineyard. Each offers unique scenic views and obstacles. The par for the entire course is 106, but allowances can be made to provide more or less of a test of skill. Once the game is complete, golfers can stop by the club for striking merchandise from top name brands and local symbols. Club sets can be rented or purchased, and local pros offer golf lessons.

Steele Canyon Golf Club Additional Information

  • Address: Steele Canyon Golf Club, 3199 Stonefield Drive, Jamul, CA 91935
  • Public or private: Public
  • Facilities: Three courses and a golf shop

Singing Hills Golf Resort

Singing Hills Golf Resort is about 30 miles east of downtown in the city of El Cajon. The resort includes a hotel and dining at the tantalizing Red Tail Bar and Grille. The actual course is one of the largest in the area. Set against the picturesque hills of the Dehesa Valley, it includes a 36-hole championship course and an 18-hole, par-three course. The combination provides an afternoon of fun for relaxed players and a powerful challenge for those who want to practice their skills.

The championship run is composed of the Willow Glen and Oak Glen courses. Both are 18-hole and par 72. The final course is Pine Glen, which can present a unique challenge. A golf academy offers lessons for new and growing golfers of all ages. Stop by the club shop for the latest in gear and news from the golfing world.

Singing Hills Golf Resort Additional Information

  • Address: Singing Hills Golf Resort, 3007 Dehesa Rd, El Cajon, CA 92019
  • Public or private: Private
  • Facilities: 54 total holes on three courses, plus a restaurant and golf shop

Play Golf in San Diego

Whether playing for challenges or enjoying a relaxing day on the green, San Diego offers some of the best golf courses in the country. Because of the wonderful weather in the area, local options are open all year. Several include resorts and hotels, making them an excellent idea for travel excursions.