Seven Golf Courses in Southern California That You Have to Play






by Jake Cole


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 lots of excellent golf courses in Southern California, that choosing the best seven is a chore for anyone. However, with much consideration, I picked the following as some of the best in the lower half of the Golden State.

1. Pelican Hill Golf Club

Situated just to the south of Newport Beach, Pelican Hill houses some of the best golf in Southern California. The club was made by Tom Fazio (who has more courses rated in the top 100 than any other golf course architect) in the early 90's and showcases two impressive courses: Ocean North and Ocean South. While both courses offer amazing views of the Pacific Ocean, each one has their own unique feel, so that golfers can get 2 different experiences. In 2005, Fazio returned to Pelican Hill to redesign the two courses as a way to restore the excellent design of the golf club.

Regardless of your handicap, Pelican Hill is among the most satisfying golf courses in Southern California. If you are a golfing fanatic, you'll have to 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 incredible views along with an superb course design, Torrey Pines presents goflers with the perfect experience. If you are in the area, or if you are thinking about planning a trip, you should put this destination on 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.

In addition to being among the top golfing destinations in Southern California, La Quinta is also a excellent place for newbies to be taught the sport. This is because the resort hosts the Jim McLean Golf School, which was rated among the top teaching facilities in the United States by several sources, such as: U.S. News & World Report, CNN, & Travel & Leisure.

So, whether you're searching for a great place to develop your skills, or if you simply want to vacation and enjoy a good day on the course, La Quinta is one of 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 a couple of distinct courses that players can test their abilities on. Both courses were ranked in Golfweek's Top 20 "Best Courses You Can Play" in California. So, no matter what course you select, you know you'll get a premier golfing experience.

5. Red Hawk Golf Course

Redhawk Golf Course is probably among the finest courses in Southern California for the price. It is very well-kept and maintained and was rated 7th amongst 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 has a couple of unique courses: the North Course, as well as the South Course. The resort was made by Dick Wilson and, since it opened up in 1965, the course has hosted 37 PGA Tour events. Throughout the years, the last four holes of the South Course have played so tough that they have gained the nickname of "The Longest Mile in Golf" by several professionals.

The course was renovated in 2011 to help maintain the resorts incredible feel. With all of the features and the incredible golf that La Costa delivers, it definitely should be on the list of the best golf courses in Southern California.

7. Strawberry Farms Golf Course

Strawberry Farms was made in 1997 by James W. Lipe Jr. The course winds through 6,700 yards of canyons and wetlands and provides golfers with excellent panoramas. With a well-maintained facility, and many difficult holes, Strawberry Farms is the perfect place to go for Southern California golfers.

There's a large list of great golf courses in Southern California that golfing fanatics can play. No matter if you're a rookie, or you have been playing for some time now, there's a course out there to suit your needs. So, for anybody who is in the mood, go ahead and check out these amazing Southern California golf courses.

For a list of the best courses in Northern California, click this link to continue reading.




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