Best Public Golf Courses in San Diego County

San Diego is known as 'America's Finest City' and with great weather all year long, it's also a dream trip for golfers from all over the world. The city offers some terrific layouts and plenty are very affordable to play. 

 

Torrey Pines is the best known course in the area and located just 20 minutes up the coast from San Diego. With 36 holes, including the famed South Course, which holds the annual Farmers Insurance Open and host of the 2008 U.S. Open. The North course is much more affordable and an easier layout, but for those looking for a dream golf trip, playing the South is worth every penny.

 

For those looking to play on a budget, but get a great golfing experience, just drive over the bridge and play Coronado Municipal. With several holes along the water and some great views of the bay, this course offers a good track that is very playable, but easy on the pocket with green fees just $35 on weekends. Tee times are not easy to get for obvious reasons, but the course holds two spots open every hour for walk ups and if your an early bird, just place your ball in the holder at the office door and getting on the course at the crack of dawn is very easy.

 

One of the newer golf course in the area that is receiving great reviews is the Barona Creek Golf Club. Located on tribal land with a casino located at the same location, this 18 hole championship golf course offers great value and one of the top layouts in the state of California. Playing the black tees will challenge any low handicap golfer, but the the forward tee boxes makes for an enjoyable experience for golfers of any level.

 

Cottonwood is El Cajon has two 18 hole course that offer affordable golf, green fees at $35 on the weekend, but picturesque views and tranquil settings. Ivanhoe has long been home to many Mini-Tour events and you will need some length off the tee to have a good round, but the new redesigned Lakes course is a bit more playable. Both courses have fantastic greens and shot value and the best part, it's easy to get a decent tee time on both venues.

 

For those looking for stunning views and don't mind some mind boggling holes, Steele Canyon is the place to play. Designed by Gary Player, several of the 27 holes have dramatic elevation changes and some of the best canyon views n the area. Located just 30 minutes from downtown, visitors won't be disappointed with the scenic drive or the pristine layout.

 

Another area favorite is Sycaun Golf Resort in nearby El Cajon. With three different courses to choose from, one a challenging par three layout, this place has something for every golfer. All three course have great greens and a park like setting, Green Fees are a bit high, somewhere in the $80 range, but great twilight rates makes it affordable golf for anyone and playing in the late afternoon makes for a beautiful end to a great day in San Diego County.