Golf courses are great places to spend your free time with family and friends, especially in Southern California where the weather’s nice all year round, even in winter. But when it comes time to choose which course to visit, how do you pick the best one? That’s why we’ve compiled this list of a few of the best golf courses in Southern California so that you can go straight to the source and enjoy your time on the greens without worrying about which course is best for you.
5. Rancho Park Golf Academy
Rancho Park is one of the best golf courses in southern California. It’s located in the city of Los Angeles and was built on the site of an old dairy farm back in 1931. Rancho Park Golf Academy, the only one of its kind, has four indoor practice areas, a pro shop, and an outdoor driving range. The course has undergone more than 50 years’ worth of evolution to become one of the most challenging courses around. As a par 70 course with six sets of tees ranging from 3,600 yards to 7,200 yards long, it can be considered an old school design – meaning that it’s not easy by any stretch!
4. Pelican Hill Golf Course
Pelican Hill Golf Course is a beautiful seaside course in Newport Coast. It is well-maintained and offers a challenging experience for all levels of golfers. The scenery is breathtaking, and the clubhouse has great food as well. For golfers who want to feel at home, this is the place for you. The views are amazing; you can see white sand beaches, green fairways, and palm trees waving in the distance from any part of the course! The 18th hole overlooks the Pacific Ocean and is just about perfect for finishing up your round.
3. Mountain Course at La Quinta
No matter what type of golfer you are, there’s a course for you in Southern California. But if you’re looking for the best course near Palm Springs, look no further than La Quinta’s Mountain Course. You’ll be treated to the most scenic views of the valley and can even see all the way to San Gorgonio Mountain. The Mountain Course is a par 71, with six sets of tees to provide a challenge for golfers of any skill level.
2. Aviara Golf Course
Aviara Golf Course is a public course that is located in Carlsbad, just outside of San Diego. It offers two 18-hole courses, one for the more experienced golfer and one for those who are just learning how to play. There are also driving ranges and short game areas for those new to the game. Aviara has four sets of tees on each hole so that golfers at all skill levels can enjoy their time on the course. The course has wide fairways, rolling hills, and well-placed bunkers to challenge players of all levels. The par 72 golf course spans 6,710 yards from the professional set of tees with a slope rating of 144 and measures 4,300 yards from the forward set of tees with a slope rating of 118.
1. Torrey Pines Golf Course
Torrey Pines is considered by many to be the best golf course not only in Southern California, but the entire United States. It was designed by Alister MacKenzie, who also designed Augusta National. The course was first opened to the public on January 1st, 1937, and from then until now has hosted many world-class events. All golfers must follow the rules laid out before they can play on this prestigious course. To enter this course, you must book a tee time well ahead of time or purchase a membership. But it’s well worth it; if you do not have either option, don’t fret because they offer public clinics on Fridays at 11:30 am (weather permitting). So, if you are looking for an experience that will make any golfer feel like Tiger Woods playing in his own backyard then look no further than Torrey Pines Golf Course.
Even Closer to Home
If you’re looking to practice your swing even closer to home, several of our communities have either a golf simulator, driving range, or putting green available to residents. You can invite your friends over for a few practice sessions before visiting one of the incredible courses in Southern California.
Honorable Mentions
There are so many incredible courses in Southern California. It was tough to choose just five! We’ve included some of our other favorites here so you can decide which one is best for you.