California boasts some of the finest golfing destinations in the world. This is especially true in the southern half of the state, where the weather conditions are hot all year round. Whether or not you favor the services that accompany a high-class golf resort, or you enjoy playing reasonably priced, yet difficult courses, Southern California delivers the golfing experience for you.
There are numerous outstanding golf courses in Southern California, that picking the best seven is a chore for anybody. However, with much consideration, I picked the following as the best in the lower half of the Golden State.
1. Pelican Hill Golf Club
Situated just south of Newport Beach, Pelican Hill hosts some of the best golf in Southern California. The club was designed by Tom Fazio (who\’s got more courses ranked in the top 100 than any other golf course designer) in the early 90\’s and offers a couple of amazing courses: Ocean North and Ocean South. While both courses provide awesome views of the Pacific Ocean, each one has their own unique feel, to ensure that golfers can get two unique experiences. In 2005, Fazio returned to Pelican Hill to revamp both courses in order to renew the beautiful dynamics of the golf club.
Regardless of your handicap, Pelican Hill is among the most satisfying golf courses in Southern California. If you\’re a golfing fanatic, you have to play a round at Pelican Hill Golf Club.
2. Torrey Pines Golf Course
Torrey Pines is often viewed as one of the premier municipal courses in all of California. With great views of the Pacific Ocean, this Southern California golf course is home to the PGA Tour\’s Farmer\’s Insurance Open each year. However, the course has held its fair share of major PGA events too, including the unforgettable 2008 U.S. Open, in which Tiger Woods overcame Rocco Mediate after 19 holes of playoff golf.
With awesome views and an superb course design, Torrey Pines supplies goflers with the perfect experience. If you are in the area, or if you are looking at planning a trip, you need to put this destination at the top of your list.
3. La Quinta Golf Resort
Located only a couple of hours outside Los Angeles in the golfing haven of Palm Springs, La Quinta Golf Resort houses 6 outstanding courses, which includes PGA West. The resort is so well-liked, that it was awarded the Golf Resort of the Year by the International Association of Golf Tour Operators.
In addition to being among the premier golfing destinations in Southern California, La Quinta is also a great place for newbies to learn the sport. This is because the resort hosts the Jim McLean Golf School, which was rated among the best teaching facilities in the United States by various sources, such as: U.S. News & World Report, CNN, & Travel & Leisure.
So, whether you are searching for a excellent place to hone your skills, or if you would like to vacation and enjoy a good day on the course, La Quinta is among the best golf resorts in Southern California to do so.
4. Indian Wells Golf Resort
If you watched the last season of Big Break on the Golf Channel, you\’ve already noticed how well-designed the Indian Wells Golf Resort is. Similar to the La Quinta Golf Resort, Indian Wells is situated just a couple of hours outside of Los Angeles, in Palm Springs.
The resort has 2 different courses that players can test their skills on. Both of the courses were rated in Golfweek\’s Top 20 \”Best Courses You Can Play\” in California. So, no matter what course you decide on, you know you\’ll get a premier golfing experience.
5. Red Hawk Golf Course
Redhawk Golf Course is perhaps among the best courses in Southern California for the price you pay. It\’s very well-kept and managed and was rated 7th among California\’s public golf courses.
The course is also one of the toughest in California, too. With a course rating of 75.7, a slope rating of 149, and one of the only island greens in Southern California (the par three 8th hole) this golfing destination will surely keep you challenged all day long.
6. La Costa Golf Resort
The La Costa Golf Resort supports 2 different courses: the North Course, as well as the South Course. The resort was designed by Dick Wilson and, since it opened in 1965, the course has hosted 37 PGA Tour events. Through the years, the last 4 holes of the South Course have played so rough that they have received the nickname of \”The Longest Mile in Golf\” by various professionals.
The course was redesigned in 2011 to maintain the resorts incredible feel. With all of the amenities and the incredible golf that La Costa offers, it definitely should be on the list of the best golf courses in Southern California.
7. Strawberry Farms Golf Course
Strawberry Farms was created in 1997 by James W. Lipe Jr. The course winds through 6,700 yards of canyons and wetlands and provides golfers with fantastic surroundings. With a well-kept facility, and plenty of tough holes, Strawberry Farms is the perfect destination for Southern California golfers.
There is a long list of great golf courses in Southern California that golfing enthusiasts can play. No matter whether you\’re a beginner, or you\’ve been playing for some time now, you will find there\’s course out there for you. So, if you\’re in the mood, go ahead and check out these amazing Southern California golf resorts.
For a list of the best courses in Northern California, follow the link to keep reading.
Learn more about the best courses in Southern California by following the link provided.