Premier Golfing Courses in Southern California






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 many superb golf courses in Southern California, that choosing the best 7 is a chore for anyone. Nevertheless, with much consideration, I chose the following as some of the best in the lower half of the Golden State.

1. Pelican Hill Golf Club

Situated just south of Newport Beach, Pelican Hill hosts some of the best golf in Southern California. The club was designed by Tom Fazio (who's got more courses ranked in the top 100 than any other golf course designer) in the early 90's and offers a couple of amazing courses: Ocean North and Ocean South. While both courses provide awesome views of the Pacific Ocean, each one has their own unique feel, to ensure that golfers can get two unique experiences. In 2005, Fazio returned to Pelican Hill to revamp both courses in order to renew the beautiful dynamics of the golf club.

Irrespective of your handicap, Pelican Hill is one of the most enjoyable golf courses in Southern California. If you are a golfing enthusiast, you must play a round at Pelican Hill Golf Club.

2. Torrey Pines Golf Course

Torrey Pines is often viewed as one of the highest regarded municipal courses in all of California. With amazing 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, where Tiger Woods overcame Rocco Mediate after 19 holes of playoff golf.

With awesome views and an superb course design, Torrey Pines supplies goflers with the perfect experience. If you are in the area, or if you are looking at planning a trip, you need to put this destination at the 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.

Along with being among the premier golfing destinations in Southern California, La Quinta is also a excellent place for newbies to learn the sport. This is because the resort is home to the Jim McLean Golf School, which has been regarded as among the top teaching facilities in the United States by several sources, including: U.S. News & World Report, CNN, & Travel & Leisure.

So, whether you are searching for a excellent place to hone your skills, or if you would like to vacation and enjoy a good day on the course, La Quinta is among 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 2 different courses that players can test their skills on. Both of the courses were rated in Golfweek's Top 20 "Best Courses You Can Play" in California. So, no matter what course you decide on, you know you'll get a premier golfing experience.

5. Red Hawk Golf Course

Redhawk Golf Course is perhaps among the best courses in Southern California for the price you pay. It's very well-kept and managed and was rated 7th among California's public golf courses.

The course is also one of the hardest 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 is sure to 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 designed in 1997 by James W. Lipe Jr. The course winds through 6,700 yards of canyons and wetlands and provides golfers with excellent views. With a well-maintained facility, and a lot of difficult holes, Strawberry Farms is the perfect destination for Southern California golfers.

There is a long list of excellent golf courses in Southern California that golfing fanatics can play. No matter if you're a rookie, or you've been playing for some time now, you will find there's course out there for you. So, for anybody who is in the mood, go ahead and check out these amazing Southern California golf resorts.

For a list of the best courses in Northern California, follow the link to keep reading.




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