California is home to some of the finest golfing destinations in the world. This is especially true in the lower half of the state, where the weather conditions are warm all through the year. Regardless of whether you prefer the amenities that come with a high-class golf resort, or you enjoy playing inexpensive, yet tough 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 houses some of the best golf in Southern California. The club was made by Tom Fazio (who’s got more courses ranked in the top 100 than any other golf course architect) in the early 90′s and showcases two awesome courses: Ocean North and Ocean South. While the two courses provide remarkable views of the Pacific Ocean, each one has their own unique feel, with the intention that golfers can get two distinct experiences. In 2005, Fazio returned to Pelican Hill to renovate the two courses in an effort to restore the pristine dynamics of the golf club.
Irrespective of your handicap, Pelican Hill is one of the most enjoyable golf courses in Southern California. If you are a golfing enthusiast, you must play a round at Pelican Hill Golf Club.
2. Torrey Pines Golf Course
Torrey Pines is often accepted as one of the most recognized municipal courses in all of California. With fantastic views of the Pacific Ocean, this Southern California golf course hosts the PGA Tour’s Farmer’s Insurance Open each year. However, the course has held its fair share of major PGA events as well, like the unforgettable 2008 U.S. Open, in which Tiger Woods defeated 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 of Los Angeles in the golfing haven of Palm Springs, La Quinta Golf Resort is home to 6 incredible courses, including 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.
Along with being among the premier golfing destinations in Southern California, La Quinta is also a excellent place for newbies to learn the sport. This is because the resort is home to the Jim McLean Golf School, which has been regarded as among the top teaching facilities in the United States by several sources, including: U.S. News & World Report, CNN, & Travel & Leisure.
So, regardless if you are looking for a good spot to hone your skills, or if you simply want to vacation and enjoy a great day on the course, La Quinta is probably the best golf resorts in Southern California to accomplish this.
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 hardest 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 is sure to 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 renovated in 2011 to keep the resorts amazing feel. With all of the conveniences and the extraordinary golf that La Costa provides, 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 excellent golf courses in Southern California that golfing fanatics can play. No matter if you’re a rookie, or you’ve been playing for some time now, you will find there’s course out there for you. So, for anybody who is in the mood, go ahead and check out these amazing Southern California golf resorts.
For a list of the best courses in Northern California, click this link to continue reading.
For more information on the best courses in Southern California, click the link to continue reading.
Tags: Golf by Jake Cole
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