San Diego Golf Courses

Learn all about San Diego’s golf course options including: the best golf courses, ideal times to go golfing and tips to maximize the fun during your outing.
Todd Sarouhan
Some of the links in this article are affiliate links. This means if you make purchases through them, I may be compensated at no extra cost to you. All opinions remain my own.
San Diego Golf Courses
Golf Courses Guide
Ideal Tee Time
Featured Activity
Best Courses
Types of Golfing
Save on Gear
Top Golfing Tips
Where to Stay

Your Guide to San Diego Golf Courses

Torrey Pines Golf Course in San Diego, CACart Path at Torrey Pines Golf Course

The modern game of golf began in 15th century Scotland. But the earliest forms of the game have been traced back to as early as 100 BC with the Roman game known as paganica. During paganica, players used a bent stick to hit a leather ball that was stuffed.

Now, golf is played and spectated throughout the world with San Diego boasting some of the most beautiful and challenging courses in the United States. There are international golf tournaments that are broadly watched like the British Open, PGA Championship, Dubai World Championship and WGC-HSBC Championship.

The Farmer’s Championship as it has been called since 2010 is an annual PGA Tour event on the ‘West Coast Swing’ held at one of San Diego’s most beloved golf courses, Torrey Pines Golf Course. The course is located in one of San Diego’s most popular neighborhoods, La Jolla.

Ocean Cliffs Next to Torrey Pines Golf Course
Ocean Cliffs Next to Torrey Pines Golf Course

If you’re looking to stay near the action in Torrey Pines, consider The Lodge at Torrey Pines. This beautiful five-star resort offers many high-end accommodations including a wonderful spa and views that are unmatched for golf lovers of all types.

Whether you’re a seasoned expert, interested in PGA Tour events or just beginning, golf is a great activity to connect with family or friends. Individuals have the option to join in on the game or they can spectate. Either way, the game of golf is exciting, competitive and exhilarating for those playing and those watching.

Visitors to San Diego who are looking for a peaceful day on the green or some friendly competition can easily find that on the course. Whether you’re an avid golfer or a newbie, San Diego has a variety of courses ready for you to tee off on.

Ideal Tee Time

Practice Green at Torrey Pines Golf Course
Practice Green at Torrey Pines Golf Course

Golf can be played all year as long as the weather permits. San Diego, California offers a unique advantage to golfers because the temperature is known to be mild year-round which means ideal golfing conditions!

While visitors can golf in San Diego any season of the year, fall may be the best time to head out to the green. Spring and summer months are the most popular times for visitors in San Diego and winter months are known to have a bit more clouds and rain, but still can be suitable for a wonderful round of golf.

Golfing in San Diego during the fall means there will be less crowds and the possibility for some great deals. In addition, the weather averages from the mid-60s to 70s and the golf courses are still in great shape.

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Best Golf Courses in San Diego

San Diego has numerous golf courses to choose from. Each course has its own benefits and distinctive scenery that is sure to make the experience memorable. Torrey Pines Golf Course, Balboa Park Golf Course, Aviara Golf Club, Colina Park Golf Course and Oaks North Golf Course are a few popular choices amongst golfers.

Foursome Playing Golf at Torrey Pines Golf Course

Torrey Pines Golf Course

Torrey Pines Golf Course can be found positioned on cliffs above the Pacific Ocean in La Jolla. The course is widely known by amateur and professional golfers because of its yearly hosting of the PGA Tour’s Farmers Insurance Open event.

Golfers will have the option to choose between two 18-hole golf courses that overlook the beautiful coast of California at the beautiful Black’s Beach. In addition to playing a game of golf, visitors have the ability to take private lessons with qualified PGA and LPGA professionals.

For those looking for even more excitement beyond the links, look up and enjoy the gliders and paragliders that leave from Torrey Pines Gliderport, which is located just south of the course.

Balboa Park Golf Course

Balboa Park Golf Course gives golfers views of Balboa Park, Point Loma and the Pacific Ocean. This course is convenient due to being the closest golf course to Downtown San Diego and is situated by the state Route 94 and Interstate 5 freeway.

For golfers looking for a challenge, this might be the perfect course. Balboa Park Golf Course has a par 72 designed to test your skills. In addition, there is an 18-hole golf course and a nine-hole executive golf course.

Aviara Golf Club, Carlsbad

Aviara Golf Club located in Carlsbad at the beautiful Park Hyatt Aviara. This 18-hole golf course is a par 72 course. With lagoon views and native wildflowers around the course it is the perfect place to relax while playing a round of golf.

The Aviara Golf Club is open to the public and it also offers Golf Memberships as well.

Colina Park Golf Course

Colina Park Golf Course can be found in City Heights and is open to the public seven days a week. For visitors looking for the perfect course to bring the entire family, Colina may be for you as it offers options for all-levels of golfers.

The park has 18-holes that are all less than 110 yards and meant to challenge a golfers’ short game. In addition, Colina Park Golf Course is the headquarters for Pro Kids which is dedicated to helping the underserved youth excel by combining life skills and the game of golf.

Oaks North Golf Course

To the north of the neighborhood of Scripps Ranch and not far from I-15, you will find the beautifully kept Oaks North Golf Course. Offering 27 perfectly manicured holes as well as a driving range and chipping area, the course is yet another wonderful San Diego golf course option that is open to stroke play.

The Oaks North Golf Course also offers lessons for those that need to sharpen up their game.

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Types of Golfing in San Diego

Views of Torrey Pines Golf Course from the Lodge at Torrey Pines
Views of Torrey Pines Golf Course from the Lodge at Torrey Pines

The game of golf is generally played on outdoor golf courses. However, there are also indoor golf facilities that offer a virtual experience as well.

Traditional Golf Courses

Golf courses are made up of a series of holes, usually consisting of 9-hole courses or 18-hole courses. San Diego features some of the most picturesque and sought-after courses in Southern California. A little about the course and courses in general is below.

Each hole on a golf course consists of the following: a tee box, fairway, green, rough and hazards with nine or 18 holes that make up the entirety of the course.

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Golfers start at the tee box and continue to play until their ball is hit into the hole on the green or putting surface. During the game, each hole has a par three, four or five. On a par three golfers try to hit the ball onto the green from the tee box, and on a par four or five golfers attempt to hit the fairway with their first shot, chip to the green next and finish out by putting to the hole with their next shot.

Every golf course is laid out differently to make it unique and enjoyable for golfers. San Diego has around 90 golf courses that boast views of the ocean, desert mountain or inland valleys.

Virtual Golf Courses

Indoor golf courses, also known as virtual golf courses, often include amenities like: an indoor driving range, chipping areas and putting greens.

Virtual golf is quite different than going to an actual golf course because everything is done through a simulator. The simulators are programmed to examine an individual’s swing while showing them playing a computerized version of a real golf course.

Going to a virtual golf course is a great idea if you are looking for some light-hearted, competitive family fun. Virtual golf courses are also a great way to get some practice in during a rainy day.

A few of our favorites are Full Swing Golf Inc in Carlsbad and Stadium Golf Center and Batting Cages, only a short drive to the north from Downtown San Diego.

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Top Golfing Tips

Beautiful Scenery at Torrey Pines Golf Course
Beautiful Scenery at Torrey Pines Golf Course

Before heading out on the green here’s some tips to take into consideration to ensure an enjoyable experience.

Scheduling a Tee Time Online

It’s important to be aware of tee times at your chosen golf course. Most courses have options online where you can schedule your tee time.

Weather

Golfers should always be aware of the weather. While San Diego is full of sunny days, if the forecast is showing rain then it might be best to reschedule your tee time for a different day.

All Courses are Not Created Equal

A game of golf starts at a teeing green where players aim their ball towards an area where the hole is located. The length between the teeing green and hole will vary between each course with many being tough to expert level. In addition, these holes may or may not be visible from the teeing green to increase the difficulty of the drive.

Be patient but also select a course that fits your skill level to maximize your chances of a great round of golf during your trip to San Diego.

Gear You Will Need

To get started playing golf you will need a set of clubs, golf balls and a golf bag. Bring your own for your golf outing at one of the San Diego courses or rent a pair when you arrive.

The Most Popular Style of Game in San Diego

Stroke is the most popular game of golf that is played in San Diego. It’s pretty simple really, the number of strokes taken to complete the game determines the outcome of your score!

Have Fun

The game of golf can be very challenging. San Diego offers courses for all levels of golfers to enjoy a day with friends, family or colleagues on the course. With some of the best weather in the US, enjoy a day in the sunshine and do the best you can!

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