But the natural beauty of this SoCal city doesn't stop at the blue Pacific coast. Reset Search Filter . Our community loves the value and experience at these popular and affordable military facilities and even book online. Torrey Pines offers a good value if you have a San Diego city resident card. Highest-Owned Golfers. There are also only a few straight holes, but this doesnt seem to bother most players. And finally, there are some municipal courses with coastal views that fly under the radar a bit. Top 20 Best San Diego Golf Courses. The par-four 365-yard 16th was Mackenzie's favorite hole in golf, with its blind drive and its challenging approach to a three-tiered green. And because it's a members-only club, the pace of play tends to be superb. It has earned a reputation as arguably the best value golf course in America, but scoring a tee time here isn't easy. The links play just a whisker over 6,800 yards from the tips but, at 146, boast one of the sternest slope ratings in the Golden State. Get Rates. Ever found yourself wanting to play golf in San Diego? According to Billionaire.com, the two most exclusive golf courses in California are Cypress Point Golf Club and Los Angeles Country Club. This previously private, member-built classic that dates back to 1895 is a must-play for any golf enthusiast or student of classic design and club architecture. Experience The Best Championship Golf California Has To Offer . There is a strong military presence in San Diego of active personnel, retirees and vacationing veterans. Torrey Pines South, home of the 2008 and 2021 US Open, is on everyone's list. Park Hyatt Resort Aviara (home of the LPGA Kia Classic), the Troon managed Maderas Golf Course, the JC Resorts group of courses: Rancho Bernardo Inn, Encinitas Ranch and others, Singing Hills Golf Resort at Sycuan, Steele Canyon and The Crossings are but a few of the newly created or redesigned upscale daily fee resort courses now available to . Departures is a lifestyle resource for U.S. issued American Express Platinum Card and Centurion Members. The little negative feedback received stems from course construction, where temporary holes were created to make up the numbers. Aviara is designed by Arnold Palmer who is one of the greatest golf players who ever lived. Signature Hole: 15th hole which is 253 yards. Brandon Tucker is the Sr. A respite at the Resort at Paws Up in Greenough, Montana, thats equal parts rugged and relaxing. That's the hardest shot in golf, the 40-yard bunker shot, because you can skull it over the green or catch it fat." The 14th hole, left, and 10th hole, right, of the Torrey Pines South Course . Bayonet Golf CourseThe best-kept secret in "The Kingdom" (in other words, the Monterey area) is a stern course located on the grounds of defunct Fort Ord, off Highway 1, built in 1954 by a southpaw general. 20 Clubhouse Road, Santa Cruz; 831-459-9155; www.pasatiempo.com. Generous, often times bowled fairways designed by Arnold Palmer wind up and down hillsides full of colorful flora. Greens fees: $225-$250. The 10 Toughest Golf Courses In America. Crossings (Carlsbad) LaCosta Champions Course (Carlsbad) DrTee 1 year ago. It is also one of the hardest golf courses in the world to get a tee time. Not only considered one of the best golf courses in San Diego, its also one of the best bargains so tee times arent easy to get, but well worth the effort. The two courses the Champions and the Legends Course have undergone renovations in recent years as part of a $50 million dollar overall improvement program at this storied resort. The Willow Glen and Oak Glen courses are fairly similar in quality and style, but if you only have time for one round, Willow Glen has a few more standout, picturesque holes. He's a modern master, and Pelican Hill stands as one of his best. Acme, Mich. The Stadium Course at . Alister Mackenzie built this storied nine-holer amid the towering redwoods and massive firs in 1928. 18. Players should aim slightly to the right as the natural slope will cause your ball to roll to the middle. https://www.youtube.com/mightygoat/join If you enjoyed this video be sure to hit that THUMBS UP, . There is a pond situated on the right and just before the green. Bodega Harbour Golf Links greens fees: $60-$90. Lane, Hall of Fame boxing referee, dies at 85. Oct. 30, 2019 6:35 AM PT. Del Monte Golf CourseAnother antique gem, which recently celebrated its centenary and is reputed to have been the first golf course built west of the Mississippi, this meandering inland layout was recently touched up by Rees Jones and should be on your list of courses to check out while in Monterey. Pacific Grove Municipal Golf LinksFinally, the true "poor man's Pebble," a thoroughly engaging muni linkslands, set on a priceless hook of rock in view of the more famous (and expensive) courses of the Monterey Peninsula, and designed by Jack Neville, the same man who created Pebble Beach Golf Links. Plenty of width with a small pool just short of the green. Aviara Golf Club, home of the LPGA's . Words by T. Cole Rachel, Illustration by Josef Minor, Essential destinations and transformative discoveries, Culinary experiences and eclectic flavors, Elevated expressions of exceptional craft, Rituals and practices for a healthier, more mindful life, Captivating culture and inspiring entertainment. Many claim Maderas Golf Club has the best views of any course in the area. 5. All rights reserved. 1 77 Asilomar Boulevard, Pacific Grove; 831-648-3175. Torrey Pines North, extensively renovated in 2016 by Tom Weiskopf, co-hosts the first two rounds of the Farmers Insurance Open with the South Course. You could spend a lifetime collecting perfect golf experiences here. Dr. Alister Mackenzie, a military expert in the art of camouflage and the famed architect of Augusta National and Cypress Point Club, wrought something truly wonderful at Pasatiempo: a smallish (just 6,400 yards) golf course that plays like anything but, meandering up and down gentle hills, with fairways cinched by huge trees and nearly perfect greens. Hurry.our best deals go fast. A sail through one of the worlds wildest places to see blue-footed boobies, penguins, and sea lions wrestle starfish. Ravines, barrancas, and small glimpses of the Pacific through the dense vegetation lull you into a complacent reverie if you're not careful. Not to mention a killer ice plant, magnificent sand dunes, and the photogenic lighthouse. . Signature Hole: 3rd hole which is 149 yards. 17. Fortunately, this little slice of Southern California heaven also offers an impressive portfolio of courses. Tiger Woods defeated Rocco Mediate here back in 2008. New Mexico beat Creighton 4-0, lost 1-12 to No.4 Oklahoma State, fell 0-15 and 0-1 to Nebraska, and lost to WAC affiliate New Mexico State 6-7. Its adjacent to Glorietta Bay and its certainly one of the most picture-perfect holes on the course. Those criteria make these facilities the toughest to tackle. There are also a handful of highly reputable military golf courses. In Carlsbad, theres La Costa Resort & Spa, which has played host to numerous LPGA and PGA Tour events over the years. Copyright 2023 GolfPass. Architect: Mike Strantz. A handful of elevated tees prod golfers to swing for the mountainsides. 11. The course conditioning was spectacular when I visited; I wished I had more time to play the attractive Lake course as well. America's 20 Toughest Golf Courses. Greens fees: $55-$60. Omni La Costa Champions and Legends, Carlsbad, The Grand Golf Club Del Mar at the Fairmont Del Mar, Rancho Bernardo Inn Golf Course, San Diego, Golf Digest's list of America's 100 Greatest Public Golf Courses, What To Do (When You're Not Playing Golf). Its 522 yards in total with a pond on the left, a tree line on the right, and a small creek before the green. CNN calls it the second-toughest golf course in the entire world and PGA Tour professionals have called "Carnasty" the . America's 50 Toughest Golf Courses. #1 HARDEST COURSE EVER MADE! Gil Hanse has been tapped to extensively renovate the property prior to the 2024 NCAA Men's and Women's National Championships. The TPC Stadium Course has several memorable holes, with the famous 17th island green, arguably outdone by the largely unrecognized 16th . It's possible this little ditty finds you scooping up the last bit of cranberry pie crumbs out of the tray. Ponants Le Commandant Charcot breaks the ice for an unparalleled polar cruising experience. Some say it borders on the unfair, like most stadium courses, which are designed to inflict maximum pain on the pros and entertain mere mortal spectators at golf tournaments. Cinnabar Hills Golf ClubA newcomer to the San Jose area, this engaging two-year-old 27-hole public course has quickly become the pride of the Silicon Valley golf scene. Torrey Pines South Course. PGA West (TPC Stadium Course) Designed by Pete Dye to be the toughest golf course in the world, this Palm Springs area legend is actually hacker fun. Several of the holes on the back nine are inspired (especially 14 through 17), and you'd better not count on achieving your handicap on this closing run. Words by Elissa Polls, Photography and video by Stebs Schinnerer. Despite its pedigree, La Costa has added family tees and was named the No. Pelican Hill Golf ClubPelican Hill aficionados like to say that this Newport Coast club, featuring a pair of spectacular Tom Fazio layouts, is southern California's answer to Pebble Beach. Copyright 2023 GolfNow. Bay Hill's par 3s might be the toughest on Tour (and they have a huge impact on the Arnold Palmer Invitational) Jason Lusk. Its right on the water next to the Coronado Bridge with sailboats and downtown San Diego in the background. . Finishing holes border the lake, and the par-threes are especially challenging and memorable. Carmel Valley Ranch Resort, Carmel Valley . Playing just 6,339 from the back tees, Del Monte's luscious fairways and greens and directional bunkering give you a blissful break from the nerve-racking accuracy required at places such as Spyglass and The Links at Spanish Bay. 12. The South Course At Torrey Pines Golf Course San Diego. Just down the road from La Costa is Aviara Golf Club at the Park Hyatt Aviara Resort. San Diego golf courses count: 69 Showing: # of #. Steel Canyon Golf Club. A former local, who discovered her deep love for food and hospitality in this Our editors weigh in on their most satisfying dining experiences. A bargain for locals (who pay a fraction of what out-of-towners pay), Torrey Pines, located along the bluffs above the Pacific just north of San Diego, is the host of the PGA Tours Farmers Insurance Open, and was the site (South Course) of Tiger Woods 14th major win, the 2008 U.S. Open, in which he beat Rocco Mediate in a playoff. Fazio used his signature bunkering to frame holes and protect greens. The club is complemented by the presence of the nearby Four Seasons Hotel Newport Beach. Always in top condition, and with newly redone greens, RBI is fairly open and short (6,587 yards from the back), which makes it a great option if you're traveling with less experienced players, yet it's challenging enough for mid- to low- handicappers. Much more than golf, La Costa incorporates the wellness philosophy of Dr. Deepak Chopra, has an outstanding teaching fitness programs, and wonderful accommodations and dining. Today we will be rating the best golf courses in San Diego according to real playerswith help from TheGrint. Three courses (Canyon, Lake, and Mountain) provide distinctly different challenges. 17 c) 4. Barona Creek is another course that doesnt need the ocean to be great. You won't soon forget it. . 4. Food is hit or miss but compared to other private clubs, it is certainly on . Greens fees: $175-$225. Take a caddie and enjoy the walk. Tot Hill Farm Golf Club. Call for details 858-289-8208 or book online info@casinoconcepts.net. This story was published before Summer 2021, when we launched our new digital experience. 9. This previously private, member-built classic that dates back to 1895 is a must-play for any golf enthusiast or student of classic design and club architecture. PGA Tour 2K21BECOME A SPONSOR! It's a short hop from downtown, right over the Coronado Bridge. The total package here, highlighted by Fazio's delightful shaping of rugged terrain and generous playing corridors, along with lots of beautification on the perimeter, sets the standard for San Diego resort golf. Torrey Pines (South Course) Southern California has a well-deserved reputation as one of the best golf destinations in the country. It is one of the hardest golf courses in the world to get a tee time. Going into Round 3 . Aviara Golf Club. It features large undulating greens and wonderful views of the adjoining lake, enough open spaces to be forgiving to the resort player, and a handful of holes where trees and difficult doglegs require long and accurate tee shots and approaches. Not only did it receive the highest player rating on TheGrint with 97 out of 100, but it also has numerous accolades from golf companies. California GC . With huge undulating greens and generous landing areas that tempt the long player to go for broke, you'd think lugs like me would fall instantly in love with this extremely popular golf course. Licking your wounds on the patio of the Lodge at Torrey Pines with dinner and drinks at sunset is a worthy consolation prize no matter your score. The only negative: During the busy summer season it can be difficult to get on. Coronado Golf Course. Learn all about disc golf in San Diego. Torrey Pines, South Course - San Diego, CA. Coronado is just a 6,500-yard layout tightly squeezed onto the eastern side of the island beside the Coronado Bridge. The course offers a good challenge, with one of the toughest holes being the par-3 seventeenth hole. Also, part of the Covenant of Rancho Santa Fe, it's famous for being one of the most challenging courses off the tee in Southern California. Par: 72. Believed to be more . There is a collection of reputable San Diego golf resorts, but the municipal roster is also one of the best in the country. AP The Farms Golf Club. Why wouldnt you? Tops in the San Diego area, this pretty golf course is situated in the heart of golf's Silicon Valley, near the manufacturing complexes of Callaway and Taylor Made, among others. Here is what's new and the best ones to consider to improve your golf. A lot depends on conditions. San Diego is a sublime year-round golf season, but course conditions and overall ratings vary greatly month to month. Built on the Barona Indian Reservation in 2001, Barona Creek was designed by Todd Eckenrode, who really did craft the course around all handicap levels. The only issue is that the course is reserved for those who are staying at the Fairmont Grand Del Mar. 20. 23600 McKean Road, San Jose; 408-323-5200; www.cinnabarhills.com. The North is just as scenic as its neighbor but wider, shorter and its greens are more receptive to all playing abilities. Edgewood Tahoe Golf CourseAnother California beauty although technically just yards over the Nevada line, the redoubtable Edgewood has been quite nicely spruced up by Tom Fazio, the nephew of George Fazio, the course's original designer. 6. Yardage: 7,107. Northwood Golf ClubWhile you are loitering on the Sonoma coast you have to check this outa true artifact of golf history. Vermejo is over 550,000 acres of wild New Mexico land and a natural home for the reinvigorated, majestic North American bison. 22651 Pelican Hill Road South, Newport Coast; 949-760-0707; www.pelicanhill.com. And urban golfers have several great options just minutes from downtown. Poppy Hills Golf CourseI have a painful history with this course, which is undoubtedly why I place it far down my favorites list. 131 reviews of Balboa Park Golf Course "Balboa Park Golf Course is a true muni gem. Torrey Pines South Golf Course - Most Famous. On the South, the PGA Tour pros have put together a combined score of 201 over par. With excellent views, amazing staff, and a forecaddie for each group, the Grand Golf Club has one of the best golf courses in San Diego, no doubt. One of the ultimate municipal golf experiences in the United States, Torrey Pines South is a big and brawny PGA Tour and U.S. Open venue. Bodega Harbour Golf LinksUp the coast highway in the village of Bodega Bay, where Alfred Hitchcock filmed The Birds, is one of the state's treasures, a marvelously conditioned resort course that, just like a Hitch character, has two distinct personalities. Its courses are famous the world over for their lush greenery, dramatic oceanside vistas, majestic elevation changes and nearly perfect . Golf was meant to be an Everyman game, and at Torrey Pines that's the name of the game. Don't worry, we can get you one. For general questions and media related requests, including interviews, film shoots and still photos, please email askparks@sandiego.gov. The Bayonet is long and difficult, and a must-play course while you're waiting for your tee time at Pebble. Greens fees: $130-$145. Admiral Baker features 36 holes and is open to civilians. A plethora of semi-private clubs from San Diego up through Oceanside await those willing to put on a few miles. Marine Memorial features a regulation 18 holes and a 9-hole par-3 course. Greens fees are a bargain too: $42-$57. Operated by Troon, Maderas is one of the great member-for-a-day experiences in the west. From here you can expect frequent elevation changes which will test your skills. CARLSBAD, Calif. - It's been dubbed the Silicon Valley of golf and compared to Detroit for the auto industry or to Akron, Ohio, the rubber capital of the world. Golf Digest course panelists comment on America's 20 toughest golf courses. We have booked more tee times at Torrey Pines than [] Google Maps . Greens fees: $70-$96 (includes cart). Built into the canyons of Balboa Park, the course is challenging and fun. One of San Diego County's most dramatic golf course settings, Mt Woodson Golf Club is set amidst towering ancient oaks, huge granite boulders and sparkling lakes. Greens fee for guests: $155. This article couldve literally been written without setting foot on a golf course in San Diego. The longest golf course in the world at 8,548 yards, Jade Dragon Snow Mountain includes a 711-yard par-five (and two more that measure over 680 yards), a 525-yard par-four and a 270-yard par-three. Located in Poway, this Johnny Miller-Robert Muir Graves design has five waterfalls, three lakes and more than 40 acres of wildflowers and one elevated tee after another. For some cutting-edge fun, rent one of the course's new GolfBoards for your round. For many years, there were only a few well-recognized courses in the area. It seems the quality of the course has unfortunately declined a little in recent years. This is probably the hardest course in San Diego with amazing vistas. So before we begin, a big thanks to TheGrint! San Diego is also home to 11 leagues and 3 stores that sell disc golf gear. 17. 19. Answer (1 of 6): I don't think you can name one single course that is hardest at all times. 5. 2. The par 3s are particularly strong, offering a great variety and one of the toughest holes on the course, the par-3 17th, which can play as long as 242 yards over water. Greens fees: $80-$100. Narrow fairways and carries over native areas make it a test, but with six sets of tees, you can pick your poison. Region: East County. Not all of the best golf courses in San Diego are within view of the coast, however. Like its sister course, the North is a gem, with spectacular views and immaculate conditioning. (The Barona Valley Ranch & Resort casino has 80 gaming tables and is known for blackjack.) 23. Overlooking the Batiquitos Lagoon just a hundred yards or so from the Pacific Ocean, the course moves up and down hills and around seven lakes, presenting an unforgettable variety of lies and scenery. While all the courses on the U.S. Open rotation are challenging, the South Course at Torrey Pines is among the most . The back nine, meandering through the stately Monterey pines, can soothe and haunt you, especially when the fog rolls in and the deer come out to feed at dusk. San Francisco GC San Francisco (No. The course was built in 1921 by William Bell of Torrey Pines fame, and Sam Snead still holds the course record. 17700 Arnold Drive, Sonoma; 707-996-0300; www.sonomamissioninn.com. But that's what makes it fun. The golf course is also a Bronze Signature Sanctuary Course of Audubon International, and you certainly get that sense of nature when playing it. The walking culture is quite strong as long as the property isn't too mountainous. The cascading-waterfall finish adds to the wow factor. Pine Glen, located in the Singing Hills Golf Resort at Sycuan in San Diego's East County, is an 18-hole par-three golf course that will help you fine tune your game. Plus, there might not be a prettier par 3 than Torrey South's No. Phoenix-Scottsdale Golf Courses Worth The Green Fee, Sanctuary Golf Course: Colorados Most Elusive Round Of Golf. Let's take a look at the best public and private golf courses San Diego has to offer. There are also a handful of highly reputable military golf courses. And last, but not least, theres the popular Coronado Golf Course, which is just minutes from San Diego International Airport. June 15, 2021 9:31 am ET. Marked by staggered and stacked bunkering and tight fairways lined with mature trees, it plays more than 7,000 yards from the tips. Resort guests at The Inn at Spanish Bay or The Lodge at Pebble Beach get a slight break. Pasatiempo's only snags can be slow play, due to the course's growing popularity, and a somewhat indifferent attitude in the pro shop. The coursea walker's paradise roams just 6,500 yards up and down the lovely eucalyptus-covered hills of the Presidio, but dramatic elevation changes, smallish greens, and narrow fairways make it a much sterner challenge than it appears on the card. stands Mission Trails Golf Course, 6,000 yards, par 71 . Pine Glen Golf Course. The experience is certainly grand at this exclusive Tom Fazio design that's open only to resort guests and members. 1 week ago Black Course at Bethpage State Park. Greens fees: $85-$125. From U.S. Open venues to ocean-view resorts and courses with spectacular elevated tees, the best golf courses in San Diego area hasyou covered. However, the back 9 are much better. June 16, 2021 at 7:58 p.m. EDT . Player sentiment toward this course is very high. It's often played by members of the nearby Bohemian Club and guests who have a sense of history and taste for adventure. By Chuck Culpepper. Coming it as the best golf course in San Diego is the Maderas golf course. This saw the course extended to a sizeable 7,800 yards. So that summarizes the 9 best golf courses in San Diego according to fellow golfers. Racing legend Derek Bell discusses the life skills required to get behind the wheel. The iconic Omni La Costa Resort features two championship 18s, the Champions and Legends Courses. The Inn's large outdoor verandah overlooks the course and is a favorite gathering spot for aprs-golf. With its private club feel, excellent conditions and exceptional customer service, it's no wonder Maderas is on. Designed in 1975 by William Bell Sr, Torrey Pines South is the most famous San Diego golf course. Aliso Viejo Golf ClubTeam Nicklaus (Jack and son Jackie) has done some engaging and, in places, brilliant design work here, producing a trio of creative and not overly long nines that make for one of the best golf experiences in the entire Orange County area. The course is a true target-style design offering shot-making challenges you will never forget. A tricky downhill par 3. words by Sophie Mancini, illustration by ahonen & lamberg. Also, in several cases, a golf course will be listed as a redesign or remodel by Dye, rather than as an original design. Today the best of the desert are still La Quinta and PGA West, 13 miles southeast of Palm Springs, featuring a bevy of designer courses by Dye, Palmer, Nicklaus, Weiskopf, and Norman that will knock your socks off. Green fees: $42-49 non-resident walking (plus $18 booking fee 3-14 days out), The most exclusive resort course in San Diego, typically only Fairmont Grand Del Mar members and guests of the hotel or on a partner golf package can access the sparkling Tom Fazio design that tumbles through the hillsides of Carlsbad. DrTee 1 year ago. We can get you one. The Coronado Golf Course overlooks the San Diego Bay and features over 6,000 yards of space. Why pickleball is the feel-good game craze we all need right now. Location: 7447 Batiquitos Drive, Carlsbad. During the round, you'll see boats going by, with navy planes and helicopters buzzing overhead. Each has its own unique look and feel which helps to provide a nice rounded playing experience. A wide-left approach is the safe play. Players are treated to views of the bay, the marina, the Sand Diego skyline and the historic Hotel del Coronado. 14. I've ranked these courses by considering not just architecture but the total package: the design, conditions, green fee, facilities, and convenience of location. Considering what you pay in the area to play courses half as challenging, you may blink in astonishment at the $60 weekday rate ($85 on weekends). To many, this will be advantageous over some of the more isolated courses. Earlier this season, the Lobos swept CSU Bakersfield 8-2 and 10-3, and split with . The Grove is an absolute joy to play. 8), and a tough finishing holea dogleg par 4 that wraps around water. From the 1st hole, it offers up beautiful views of the city. Signature Hole: 16th hole which is a par 3. Our course is a pleasure for golfers of any skill level to play. Spyglass Hill Road, Pebble Beach; 831-625-8563; www.pebblebeach.com. San Diego certainly makes a compelling case. (We left it out of this Top 10 to avoid any confusion with those not familiar with the lay of the land). At 6,590 yards, the course is long enough for big hitters, and fairly open. This will be even more pronounced in tomorrow's slate, with winds looking to be brutal as the day progresses. In our GolfPass World Top 100 Destinations, it's no surprise San Diego ranks highly. Golf Courses. With San Diegos toasty temperatures and calm conditions, its a great place to play golf. It hosted the 2008 and 2021 U.S. Open Championships. Military golf in San Diego. What is the hardest golf course in the United States? Amateur qualifying rounds have been held here. Forget your score and remember the views. It begins narrow but really widens at the fairway. Northwest of downtown in Lakeside on Barona tribal reservation, the Barona Creek golf course, designed in 2001 by Todd Eckenrode, made Golf Magazine's most recent Top 100 North American Public Courses thanks in part to wide and firm fairways that are tougher to find closer to the coast. 10 Best SoCal Golf Courses. Plus, it's in good shape for the number of rounds played annually. Maderas Golf Club - Best Overall. The length of a golf course is an important factor in scoring. Its no secret that San Diego has arguably the best weather for golf in the continental United States. Greens fee: $115. This resulted in a bloody card, proof that creative and thought-provoking shotmaker courses like this deserve your full time and attention. 25002 Golf Drive, Aliso Viejo; 949-598-9200; www.alisogolf.com. If you can't get on the grass at Olympic or San Francisco Golf Club (the city's two most elite and wonderful courses), fret not. The Champions, dating to 1965, is an historic tournament venue that has hosted 37 PGA Tour events. It's pricey ($229 on weekends) and requires some advance planning to procure a tee time (go to sandiego.gov for details), but it's worth it for the magnificent views, top conditions and championship history. So in just a few minutes, you can get to the hub of the city. The Aviara course features unusually large greens. Hole 18 in particular, is one of the most enjoyable. The Jayhawks have won six in a row in the sport's toughest conference and lead the country . The emphasis is clearly on your short-game skills, with approaches over water and handsome bunkering that force you to think hard before you pull the trigger, and menacingly sloped putting surfaces that can make you three-putt in the blink of an eye. San Diego is a cracking area to play golf. Green fees: $129-149 non-resident. Goat Hill Park, Oceanside. Visit website. Our course guide has 109 golf courses within 30 miles of Carlsbad. It is also one of the hardest golf courses in the world to get a tee time. Graveyard of the Champions. Really fun, never dull. Architect John Harbottle III has deftly blended rolling terrain with handsome directional bunkering and ultrafast greens to produce a truly memorable outing. Phone: 619-522-6590. In both cases the views of the ocean and the Sonoma hills are inspiring. This is most apparent on the front 9 which are not up to the conditions we would expect of such a course. By Anngmesa. For dinner, to briefly escape Pebble's madding crowds, consider a 25-mile jaunt down Highway 1 to Big Sur's magnificent restaurant Cielo (at the venerable Ventana Inn). 4h Jeff Passan. Words by T. Cole Rachel, Photography by Yagazie Emezi and Joshua Sanchez. Carved through the pine-covered Sierras at a top altitude of 6,500 feet, featuring tight tree-bordered fairways, beautiful turf, and glorious occasional glimpses of nearby Lake Tahoe, this "mountain" golf course became one of my favorites the first day I played it.