Courses, Travel & Tee Times

Seven things to know about golf in San Diego

With an ideal climate and ocean-drowned sunsets that rival any in California, the San Diego area is, well, about as perfect an area as there ever was. The food, the people and the diversity of landscape across not just the region, but its golf courses, keep visitors coming back and the locals staying put. Here are seven reasons why San Diego continues to attract golfers from near and far.

Southern California s La Costa Resort and Spa polished and expanded after a 50 million renovation

La Costa Resort and Spa in Carlsbad, Calif. has been welcoming guests since 1965 when it was touted as the "ultimate international watering hole," known for its great golf and incredible spa. Today, after a $50 million renovation, it's a newly honed and polished La Costa that greets guests. The two courses have been revamped, and the Spa at La Costa has a whole new look with an extensive 15,000-square-foot outdoor courtyard.

Scouting San Diego: Five must-play golf courses

While San Diego arguably has the best golf weather in the United States, it also has a pretty good collection of golf courses to go with it. There are a number of outstanding venues in the area, but we narrowed it down to five must-plays, especially if money is no object. Most of these command healthy green fees, but they are well worth it if you're making the trip.

Take on San Diego's toughest golf courses

San Diego County has over 90 golf courses, and some will prove especially challenging to lower-handicaps off the championship tees. Here's where to test your game in SoCal.

Don't be fooled by short Mt. Woodson Golf Club in San Diego

At just less than 6,000 yards, you might think Mt. Woodson Golf Club wouldn't pose much of a challenge. Not only would that be inaccurate, but also the Schmidt/Curley par-70 design might be one of the most interesting courses you'll come across. Located about a half-hour northeast of San Diego, Mt. Woodson is a visual delight. There are plenty of elevated tees, lakes, ponds, unusual bunkering, quirky greens and a great variety of holes.

The Champions golf course at La Costa Resort near San Diego Bringing Dick Wilson into the 21st century

After more than three decades as a PGA Tour venue, the old La Costa had become dated. So the venerable San Diego-area resort pretty much shut down golf for more than a year for a renovation of 22 of its 36 holes, most notably the North Course, which is now the Champions Course. There's very little not to like about the new version, Mike Bailey writes.

Solace, substance and fun at Barona Creek Golf Club

Mention Barona Creek Golf Club to anyone who's played a lot of golf in the San Diego area and you will most surely get a positive reaction. Rated as one of the top resort courses in California, it's a premium golf course. But Barona Creek is unique. How? Mike Bailey explains.

Great San Diego golf courses for women

With over 90 courses in the county, San Diego's versatility is as good as the area's weather. That means women will have plenty of great golf courses for them. Katie Denbo has some favorites.

Golf at Encinitas Ranch north of San Diego Great location dynamite layout

Encinitas Ranch Golf Course would be a great value, even if it didn't come with ocean views. For far less than you'll pay at some other quality inland, daily-fee courses, you not only get great conditioning, good service and an interesting layout, but you also get views of the Pacific. The most important part of this golf experience, however, is that this Cary Bickler design north of San Diego is well conditioned and fun.

Play these San Diego area golf courses to get the most bang for your buck

Most golfers who visit southern California expect to pay higher green fees, and there are certainly plenty of high-dollar options available. But there is affordable golf in the San Diego area; you just have to know where to look, Mike Bailey writes.