These golf courses offer the best in value and quality in San Diego
San Diego is a golfer’s paradise, and its great weather much of the year means golfers have the chance to sample from the abundance of public course choices year-round. From the high-end and scenic Maderas Golf Club to the scruffy but uniquely night-lighted Mission Bay Golf Course and Practice Center, San Diego County has a plethora of choices that suit any skill level. However, golf can be an expensive hobby; thus, if you are looking to play on a quality and challenging course, San Diego public golf courses provide exceptional value.
1. Torrey Pines Golf Course in La Jolla
This is the San Diego public golf course everyone desires to play—renowned as a PGA Tour stop for the Farmers Insurance Open, it hosted the 2008 U.S. Open and is one of Tiger Woods’ favorite courses. Torrey Pines Golf Course is San Diego’s version of Pebble Beach (the famous golf course in Big Sur, California).
Torrey Pines Golf Course consists of two distinct courses: the North and the challenging South. Moreover, Torrey Pines offers a good value if you possess a San Diego city resident card. If not, expect to pay a premium for green fees, but the views make it worthwhile if you can secure a tee time.
11480 North Torrey Pines Road
La Jolla, CA 92037
2. Sycuan Golf Resort in El Cajon
The Sycuan Golf Resort is nestled in the hills of East County in El Cajon. Sycuan comprises three courses: Willow Glen, Oak Glen, and the par-three Pine Glen. Willow Glen and Oak Glen are challenging yet playable and well-kept, while Pine Glen offers a quick 18 holes. The tree-lined fairways and rolling hills create a serene golfing experience.
Furthermore, Sycuan’s practice areas, including practice greens, driving range, and short game areas, are some of the best open to the public in the region. Green fees vary depending on the day of the week and whether you are walking or riding, with considerable discounts available during twilight hours.
3007 Dehesa Road
El Cajon, CA 92019
3. Coronado Golf Course in Coronado
If you’re seeking a golf course that offers affordability, scenery, challenge, and enjoyment, Coronado Golf Course is unbeatable. This course features a layout along the shores of San Diego Bay, showcasing panoramic views of the downtown skyline and the Coronado Bay Bridge, making it ideal for the recreational golfer. Despite being municipal, this course is kept in immaculate condition, with excellent greens.
The course presents a challenge without being overly complicated, providing considerable enjoyment, with reasonable green fees that increase on weekends and holidays. Nevertheless, securing a tee time for 18 holes can be quite competitive.
Coronado Municipal Golf Course
2000 Visalia Row
Coronado, CA 92118
4. Balboa Park Golf Course in Downtown San Diego
While it may lack the allure of Torrey Pines, Balboa Park features a commendable course. Although it appears short on the scorecard and often receives less attention than other San Diego golf courses, the canyons and elevation changes provide surprising challenges, and several holes present excellent city views.
In addition, those with a city resident card benefit from unbeatable green fees, although rates do increase on weekends.
2600 Golf Course Drive
San Diego, CA 92102
5. Oaks North Golf Course in Rancho Bernardo
Despite being of executive length, Oaks North plays like a full-length golf course. This 27-hole layout features exceptional greens and ample challenges. It’s among the finest courses in San Diego, ideal for those who prefer a shorter time commitment on weekends.
Notably, this shorter course is still demanding; the par 3s are substantial, while the par 4s require accurate drives and precise approaches. Consequently, unless you’re exceptionally long off the tee, every club in your bag is necessary here—making it a great value.
12602 Oaks North Drive
San Diego, CA 92128
6. Cottonwood Golf Club in El Cajon
Cottonwood Golf Club may be overshadowed by flashier neighbors like Sycuan and Steele Canyon; however, it represents a far better value. Featuring two courses, Ivanhoe and the Lakes, Cottonwood, challenges players more than its seemingly flat layout suggests.
Ivanhoe remains a lengthy challenge, while the Lakes course incorporates eight water features. Rates are very affordable during weekdays without a cart (though they increase on weekends with a cart)—plus, their hot dogs are notably good!
3121 Willow Glen Dr
El Cajon, CA 92019
7. Bonita Golf Course in Bonita
Bonita Golf Course comprises another San Diego public course located in a river valley. Often overlooked by regional golfers, it features a straightforward, classic William Bell design (notable courses include Torrey and Balboa); emphasizing shot-making without being overly punishing.
Weekends can be quite busy, but the course typically maintains decent conditions. Therefore, Bonita represents an attractive option for its quality of golf.
5540 Sweetwater Road
Bonita, CA 91902
8. The Vineyard at Escondido
The Vineyard is Escondido’s municipal golf course. This typical modern layout can be somewhat gimmicky yet is often more challenging than expected.
However, it is situated in a pleasant location and typically remains in good condition, making it a relative bargain for residents of North County seeking a nearby golfing option.
925 San Pasqual Road
Escondido, CA 92025
9. Chula Vista Golf Course in Bonita
Chula Vista Golf Course also lies in a river valley, providing a solid, old-school course designed by golf legend Billy Casper—rather flat, featuring numerous trees yet lacking significant variation. Although sometimes its condition may be subpar, it still offers a solid golfing experience for its price.
The prevailing onshore wind in the afternoons can make the back nine feel longer than anticipated; nonetheless, rates for 18 holes are reasonable, with even cheaper rates for Chula Vista residents.
4475 Bonita Road
Bonita, CA
10. Mission Trails Golf Course in San Diego
Mission Trails remains neither the best nor the worst golf course around, but it deserves recognition due to its excellent value, despite some shortcomings. Some holes feature unusual layouts, making the front nine one of the quirkiest, while the back nine presents a more traditional playground.
7380 Golfcrest Place
San Diego, CA 92119
Keep in mind that rates fluctuate, and tee times during regular hours may differ from those during twilight. If you are open to early tee times, you can save even more!
