California
Top Choice: PGA West, Palm Springs
9.8/10
Why it's Spectacular
Designed By: Nicklaus, Norman, Palmer, Weiskopf
There are few other places that rival PGA West when it comes to the diversity and quality of courses in such a condensed area. It's famous for a reason and unlike some courses where the photos don't do the course justice, this is the opposite way around. You are certain to see things you have not seen anywhere else and the mixture of abstract shaped sand traps (there seem to be millions of them), water hazards, severe undulations and vibrant green grass against the majestic hills in the distance make for a truly unforgettable golf experience and one that you must put towards the top of any priority list.
Other Top Courses
Torrey Pines
South
Pros: Stunning coastline views along some of the holes and a rich history of the game that makes you feel like one of the pros.
Cons: Pretty expensive if you're not a San Diego resident and frankly some holes that are not that interesting once you get away from the water.
Score:
9.6/10
Indian Wells
Celebrity Course
Pros: Much like PGA West, you know you have arrived in a true golf community that lives and breaths the sport. The expansive grounds, sprawling green grass, and interesting course layout make for a great experience and while it's a bit pricey, it's worth it.
Cons: A little on the expensive side.
Score:
9.6/10
La Quinta Mountain
-
Pros: Pretty cool course and the experience generally lives up to the hype although the ariel drone shots do give you a bit more perspective than you will see on the course.
Cons: Slightly dated in design but also holds up relatively well-we played in summer and more moderate temps would have improved the experience. Still a great course!
Score:
9.4/10
Fairmont Grand Del Mar
-
Pros: Actually a really great course and in awesome shape. You're not very close to the water as some photos may show but there are several holes that utilize the natural features of the hills which do give you some perspective shots and interesting elevation changes.
Cons: None really worth noting although it is private.
Score:
9.5/10
SilverRock
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Pros: The IG hype was real on this one and while the front nine was nice, the back nine was stunning. Given tough Palm Springs competition this still emerged towards the top of the list.
Cons: Relative to the back nine, the front is actually a bit underwhelming, but since you don't know that going in, its a nice escalation throughout the round.
Score:
9.5/10
Arrowood
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Pros: This is actually a total sleeper and one of the most interesting and best designed courses in all of San Diego County. Very cool holes and well kept. It doesn't have the prestige as some of the other courses on the list but amazing relative value.
Cons: Other than being a bit out of the way this is a real score.
Score:
9.4/10
Omni La Costa
-
Pros: A very cool course that seems to go unrecognized more than it should. A very prestigious vibe and the course was in tremendous shape.
Cons: Because the course is a bit dated the holes are narrow and it can be challenging in places. It does feel like an older course but is well worth the challenge given how nicely its kept.
Score:
9.4/10
JW Marriott Palm Desert
Valley Course
Pros: Incredible common areas and clubhouse, nicely formed fairways and greens, enough water to keep things interesting with a few really nicely designed holes.
Cons: A bit expensive, some holes that don't "wow" and no serious elevation changes or dramatic holes.
Score:
9.2/10
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Score:
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Other Notables
Ojai Valley Inn
A totally memorable and amazing golf experience including a few spectacular holes.
Pros:
In addition to being a really great golf course with some really cool and unique holes, the entire grounds around Ojai are spectacular. It feels like you are surrounding by celebrities and the service and amenities are incredible.
Score
9.0/10
Cons:
Really none to note. With a slightly lower profile, this is a great course to sneak onto your priority list, especially if you are to stay on-site and enjoy the rest of the benefits.
The Crossings
Actually a pretty cool course that spans a lot of distance and provides some great elevation changes and interesting prospectives.
Pros:
Cool course that doesn't have too many houses around it and takes you on a very expansive track through various mountain features. Well designed and a very good overall experience.
Score
8.7/10
Cons:
Nothing in particular. A little out of the way and a couple sections of holes that are less interesting than others but still worth doing!
Torrey Pines (North)
The little step-brother to the South Course there are still some awesome holes to experience (particularly on the front-9) and the recent facelift on the back has made it more consistent.
Pros:
Still some very cool holes on the front and really how can you complain playing any golf along the coast of Southern California. The back-9 is better after the recent reconstruction and if you're a San Diego resident it's worth every penny.
Score
8.7/10
Cons:
The back-9 always felt out of place compared to the front, and especially to the South Course but is now more in-line with the rest. It is still a bit flat and uninspiring in places and the price tag is high if you aren't local but it's still an experience worth having.
Quail Lodge
This course feels ritzy from the moment you show up and the lineup of fancy cars that is likely parked along the drive to the clubhouse and along the first couple holes is enough to make anyone take notice.
Pros:
Definitely a high-end experience and the course was quite cool. I was young when I played so the specifics are a bit cloudy but was absolutely worth doing!
Score
8.4/10
Cons:
Going to venture that this one is a bit expensive and pretentious. Still a cool course and in great shape.
Alisal Ranch
Really a cool experience because this course is essentially on a horse ranch and feels very remote. No houses at all on the course which is always a plus and there are some great mountain views in the distance.
Pros:
Private feel and great service at the entire resort. Course was well kept and had some interesting holes with water and elevation changes that make it a good challenge.
Score
8.2/10
Cons:
You can tell that golf was not the central emphasis of the property and so the course could be a bit more interesting in terms of layout. That said, still a cool spot and worth playing, especially if you are looking to couple golf with the other activities.
The Crosby
A cool private course that might require some finessing to get on (I played at a fundraising event) but definitely high-end and and enjoyable while you're out there.
Pros:
If you are lucky enough to get on you will be wowed with the service and amenities especially around the clubhouse which is very swanky. The course is great and there are some very cool water features that you play around throughout the round.
Score
8.2/10
Cons:
It's a private course so unless you are a Member or can get out for a charity event like I did, it's unlikely you will be able to get on.
Barona Golf Resort
Really a pretty solid course and a reasonable value given that you're so far isolated.
Pros
Actually a really cool casino course that was in fantastic condition and had it's fair share of interesting holes.
Score
8.1/10
Cons
A little bit of a hike to get to and once you are out there the only other thing to do is gamble--not that that's a bad thing.
Coronado Municipal Golf Course
For a muni this is actually about as good as it is going to get. A decent number of scenic holes including several that give you views of the impressive Coronado Bridge and about half of the course is on the water.
Pros
For the price, it's probably the best deal in San Diego County and throughout the round you will enjoy the sites and overall vibe. It's reasonably priced and relatively well kept so really nothing to complain about other than it's popularity.
Score
8.1/10
Cons
The one knock is that the course is always EXTREMELY busy which leads to slow pace of play and a constant risk of being hit into from groups on other holes. It's a bit of a hurry of a hurry up and wait scenario but if you can just enjoy the atmosphere it's still worth it.
Riverwalk
For ease of access, overall course quality, and a few interesting holes on each of the three-9 hole courses Riverwalk is not a bad value for its money.
Pros
Probably the most accessible and affordable quality course in San Diego county and not a bad track, all things considered.
Score
8.0/10
Cons
It can be a bit busy and it won't necessarily be a course to write home about, that said, it's pretty solid and worth getting out to check out as an alternative to driving way out of the city.
