Hit the links at San Diego's best golf courses.
Maderas Golf Club
Winding through cliffs, rolling hills and creeks is this gorgeous 18-hole fairway designed by Johnny Miller and Robert Muir Graves. With three lakes, waterfalls and more than 40 acres of native plants and greenery, Maderas takes the concept of premier golf to the next level. 17750 Old Coach Road, Poway, 858.451.8100, maderasgolf.com
The Bridges at Rancho Santa Fe
Thirty minutes north of San Diego, nestled among SoCal’s citrus groves and exuberant foothills, is this private golf and country club, designed by Robert Trent Jones, Jr. First opened in 1999, this upscale course came to prominence through the nationally televised Battle of the Bridges—a series of match play golf challenges featuring PGA Tour professionals Phil Mickelson and Tiger Woods. Those with a membership can enjoy exquisite dining venues, a 10,000-square-foot fitness haven, 3,000-square-foot tennis and recreation center with five lighted tennis courts, plus concierge services and a full-service day spa. 18550 Seven Bridges Road, Rancho Santa Fe, 858.759.7200, thebridgesrsf.com
Rancho Bernardo Inn Golf Club
The golf course at Rancho Bernardo Inn, designed by William F. Bell, and managed by JC Golf Management, is one of San Diego’s most pristine courses. Having hosted both PGA and LPGA events, this 18-hole championship course ensures a challenging, yet gratifying day for golfers of all skill levels. Golf tournament services, instruction and clinics by PGA professionals and the Veranda restaurant guarantee leisure and relaxation both on and off the green. 17550 Bernardo Oaks Drive, 866.901.5547, ranchobernardoinn.com/golf
The Grand Golf Club at Fairmont Grand Del Mar
Fairmont Grand Del Mar’s award-winning 7,160-yard golf club is San Diego’s only Tom Fazio-designed course, boasting dramatic elevations which are enhanced by the ocean breeze from the nearby coast. Winding through Canyon County, the course features six sets of tees. Resort guests, members and villa owners can learn from PGA-certified instructors or decide to lounge in the 50,000-square-foot clubhouse, just past the 18th hole’s cascading waterfall finish. 5200 Grand Del Mar Way, San Diego, 858.314.1930, granddelmar.com/resort/golf
Torrey Pines Golf Course
This stunning 36-hole facility, originally designed by renowned architect William F. Bell, features two championship 18-hole courses with views of La Jolla’s coastline. The South Course was redesigned in 2001 by Rees Jones in preparation for the 2008 U.S. Open. Play a round at this top golf destination, also the site of the 2023 U.S. Open and PGA TOUR’s annual Farmers Insurance Open, with the rolling greens and rugged cliffs of Torrey Pines to keep you company. 11480 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, 858.453.4420, torreypinesgolfcourse.com
Photography by: Jacob Lund/iStock
