Top 10 Public Golf Courses in San Diego, California

Top 10 Public Golf Courses in San Diego, California

San Diego. Sunshine, beautiful coastline, and some of the best public golf you’ll find anywhere in the country. Whether you’re chasing ocean views, tough elevation changes, or looking to squeeze in a valuepacked round with your buddies, this city delivers. From laid-back municipal tracks to PGA tour stops with a history of hosting legends, there’s something here for everyone. In this video, we’re counting down the top 10 public golf courses in San Diego. Everything from underrated local gems to worldclass layouts that should be on your bucket list. Ready to see where your next round should be. Let’s dive right in. Number 10, Balboa Park Golf Course. Starting our countdown at number 10 is the historic Balboa Park Golf Course. Opened in 1921, this municipal treasure sits just minutes from downtown and delivers something rare in Gulf, authentic character and serious value. The course stretches to just over 6,300 yd, but don’t let that fool you. Narrow fairways and small sloping greens make scoring tough. The Back 9 offers some of the best skyline views in the city, especially as you play the signature par 315th with downtown as your backdrop. What makes Balboa special isn’t fancy amenities or perfectly manicured conditions. It’s the accessibility for budget conscious golfers or those wanting to squeeze in a quick round. There’s also a 9-hole executive course next door. It’s pure San Diego golf. Unpretentious, enjoyable, and drenched in California sunshine. Number nine, Riverwalk Golf Club. Coming in at number nine is Riverwalk Golf Club in Mission Valley. This 27hole facility offers three distinct nines, the Prescidio, Mission, and Friars, allowing for varied playing experiences each time you visit. What immediately stands out about Riverwalk is how the San Diego River weaves through the property, bringing water into play on 13 of the 27 holes. The layout is relatively flat and forgiving off the tea, making it approachable for mid to high handicappers. While you’re playing, you might notice planes approaching nearby San Diego International Airport. It’s part of the unique urban golf experience here. The course conditions are consistently solid, particularly the smooth greens. Riverwalk isn’t trying to be the toughest test in town. Instead, it delivers accessible, enjoyable golf with enough strategy to keep you engaged. It hits that sweet spot of quality and value that makes public golf great. Number eight, Rancho Bernardo Inn. Number eight on our list takes us to Rancho Bernardo Inn Golf Course. This classic layout designed by William Bell in 1962 offers a quintessential Southern California resort golf experience. What immediately impresses about Rancho Bernardo is the mature landscaping. Towering pines, eucalyptus, and palm trees frame fairways that demand accuracy rather than distance. The course measures just over 6,600 yd from the back tees, but plays longer thanks to subtle elevation changes and strategically placed bunkers. The history here runs deep. It hosted PGA and LPGA tournaments in the 1960s and ‘7s with winners including legends like Chi-Chi Rodriguez and Joan Carner. today. While maintaining that classic feel, recent renovations have modernized the irrigation and improved playing conditions. The exceptional service, beautiful setting, and the opportunity to cap your round with a meal at their acclaimed restaurant make it worth a visit for a special golf day. Number seven, Mant Woodson Golf Club. At number seven, we find one of San Diego’s most unique golfing experiences, Mount Woodson Golf Club in Ramona. If you’re tired of playing courses that all feel the same, this is your antidote. Ment Woodson is set among massive granite boulders and oak trees about 30 minutes inland from the coast. The course is short by modern standards, just 6,000 yd from the tips, but it more than compensates with dramatic elevation changes and tight twisting fairways that demand precision. The signature feature has to be the famous wooden cart bridge connecting the second and third holes. It’s about 200 ft long and rises 50 ft above the canyon floor. A perfect spot for that Instagram moment. Almost every hole here has its distinct personality. The par 37th features a 100 ft drop from tea to green, while the par414th wraps around an ancient boulder field. This mountain gem is one of the best values in the county, but just bring plenty of golf balls. You’ll likely need them. Number six, Singing Hills Golf Resort at Sikuan. Our number six spot belongs to Singing Hills Golf Resort at Sikuan in El Cahon. With 54 holes of golf, two championship 18-hole courses, Oak Glenn and Willow Glenn, plus the fun Pine Glenn Par 3 course, this resort offers a variety that few facilities can match. The Oak Glenn course is the slightly more challenging of the two fulllength layouts with more elevation changes and water hazards. Willow Glenn features wider fairways but defends itself with strategically placed bunkers and multi-tiered greens. Both courses share a parkland style with mature trees framing fairways. What elevates Singing Hills is the consistent quality and pace of play. The resort manages tea times effectively and conditions remain solid year round thanks to dedicated maintenance staff. The practice facilities are equally impressive with extensive short game areas and multiple putting greens. Number five, Steel Canyon Golf Club. Halfway through our countdown at number five is Steel Canyon Golf Club in Jaml. This 27hole Gary player design showcases the Black Knight’s commitment to creating courses that harmonize with their natural environment. The three nines, canyon, ranch, and meadow, each offer distinct personalities. The Canyon 9 is the showstopper carved through rocky terrain with elevation changes that will take your breath away. The par4 9inth hole features a 175 ft drop from tea to fairway, offering some of the most dramatic views in San Diego Gulf. The Ranch 9 flows through oakstudded hills with more subtle challenges, while the Meadow 9 provides a slightly gentler experience with wider landing areas. Though the water comes into play on several holes, the player’s design philosophy is evident throughout. Challenging but fair with multiple ways to approach each hole. The course demands thoughtful strategy rather than just grip it and rip it power golf. The exceptional design, impeccable conditioning, and the chance to play a Gary Player signature course make it a mustplay for serious golfers. Number four, Coronado Golf Course. At number four, we find what might be the best value in American public golf, Coronado Golf Course. Set on the scenic Coronado Peninsula, this municipal gem offers milliondoll views. The course itself is straightforward. A classic 1957 design stretching to 6,600 yd. What elevates Coronado to legendary status is the setting. As you play, you’re treated to panoramic views of the San Diego Bay, the iconic Coronado Bridge, and the downtown skyline. The layout is walker friendly with minimal elevation changes, though strategic bunkering and bayside winds provide plenty of challenge. The signature par 4/3 hole runs right along the water, offering a riskreward opportunity for those brave enough to challenge the bay with their drive. This is possibly the best golf value in California. Number three, Aviara Golf Club. Our bronze medal position goes to Aviara Golf Club at the Park Hyatt Aviara Resort in Carlsbad. This Arnold Palmer signature design raises the bar for resort golf with its botanical garden-like setting and impeccable attention to detail. Aviara is coastal North County luxury at its finest. The course winds through rolling hillsides featuring colorful landscaping with over 7,000 plants and flowers that create a visual feast on every hole. Streams, small waterfalls, and several lakes enhance both the beauty and the challenge. Playing at just over 7,000 yds from the championship te’s, Aviara is no pushover. The par 3/3rd hole demands a precise shot over water to a well-guarded green, while the par 518th offers a dramatic riskreward finish with water threatening the entire right side. As host of the LPGA Kia Classic, the course condition is consistently tournament quality. The five-star service, GPS equipped carts, and immaculate presentation deliver a truly premium experience from the moment you arrive. Number two, Maderas Golf Club. The silver medal in our San Diego public golf countdown goes to Maderas Golf Club in Powe. This Johnny Miller and Robert Muer Graves design opened in 2000 and quickly established itself as one of Southern California’s elite public venues. Madera’s feels worlds away from the coastal hustle set among rolling hills with ancient oak trees, natural rock outcroppings, and strategic water features. The designers worked with the natural topography to create a course that feels like it’s always been there. The layout is as challenging as it is beautiful. Playing at over 7,200 yds from the back tees with more than 40 bunkers and significant elevation changes, Maderas demands your complete attention and best game. The par4 18th is a fitting finale. A dog leg right that plays uphill to a wellprotected green with the clubhouse as a backdrop. What truly distinguishes Maderas is the near private club experience. The practice facilities are extensive. The service is attentive without being intrusive and course conditions are consistently exceptional. For serious golfers looking for a premium experience without private club dues, Madera’s delivers remarkable value. And there you have it, the top 10 public golf courses in San Diego. Have you played any of these tracks? Got a favorite we missed? Drop it in the comments and let us know. Don’t forget to hit that like button. Subscribe for more golf course countdowns from cities across the country.

Top 10 Golf Courses in San Diego, CA – Best Public Golf Courses You Need to Play ⛳🌊

San Diego, California, is a golfer’s paradise with its stunning coastline, perfect weather, and world-class courses. In this video, I count down the top 10 public golf courses in San Diego, highlighting each course’s unique features, breathtaking views, and must-play holes. Whether you’re a scratch golfer or just looking for a scenic day on the links, this guide has you covered.

📌 Please note: Some footage in this video may not be of the actual courses mentioned but is included to enhance the viewing experience.

Courses Featured:
🏌️‍♂️ Torrey Pines Golf Course
🏌️‍♂️ Coronado Golf Course
🏌️‍♂️ Aviara Golf Club
🏌️‍♂️ Maderas Golf Club
🏌️‍♂️ The Crossings at Carlsbad
🏌️‍♂️ La Costa Resort & Spa
🏌️‍♂️ Encinitas Ranch Golf Course
🏌️‍♂️ Rancho Bernardo Inn Golf Course
🏌️‍♂️ Balboa Park Golf Course
🏌️‍♂️ Steele Canyon Golf Club

Why You’ll Love These Courses:
✅ Breathtaking Ocean Views
✅ Championship-Level Layouts
✅ Year-Round Golf Weather
✅ Courses for Every Skill Level
✅ Iconic California Golf Experience

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