Trips we can’t plan for you: San Diego

Consider this sunny destination as an alternative to your winter getaway to Florida or Palm Springs—and not to play Torrey Pines.

The beach in La Jolla, California

We may not be in the business of planning golf trips to the US, but we can still suggest some ideas for cool trips we hope everyone takes at some point. Today: San Diego.

The (increasing) problem with Palm Springs

Writing this from a rainy Vancouver that is expecting ~80mm of rain this weekend, and having received two separate group chat messages asking about the willingness to go somewhere warm for golf this winter, my thoughts are drifting towards winter golf trips at the palatial ESGC HQ.

I went down to Palm Springs last March with a group of 8, and was maybe not surprisingly the one in charge of booking golf. I was blown away by the movement in prices since I was last there in February 2022. A round at PGA West Stadium was $408 USD!

Even two years ago it was apparent that it is difficult to find value in the desert. There are solid $130 courses to be found but the $100 courses are dire. That trend seems to have accelerated over the last couple years, and the cheap and cheerful course I thought I found for our 2nd round on a 36-hole day did not go over very well.

It was a very fun trip, as all golf trips with good friends are, but as I daydream about playing golf in short sleeves I’d propose San Diego instead.

The view of downtown San Diego from Torrey Pines State Beach

Why I’d choose San Diego instead—and where I would golf

There is expensive golf to be found in San Diego—and the Omni La Costa North Course’s recent renovation by Gil Hanse has added yet another top-tier course to the region. 

Torrey Pines South is a worthwhile outing for anyone obsessed with Tiger Woods, and it’s cool to see a course that hosts an annual PGA Tour stop and has hosted two US Opens (Tiger in ‘08, Rahm in ‘21) up close.

However, course work over the years has pushed much of the course away from the cliffs. For the $306 USD green fee I’d rather play the North course favoured by locals ($155) and leave the difference in my pocket for another round of golf (or two).

For that other round (or two), here are some suggestions.

More coastal views in La Jolla, California

San Diego courses to add to your winter itinerary

Balboa Park

A 1933 Billy Bell original (right-hand man of George Thomas, who designed LACC, Riviera, and Stanford, among many others), Balboa Park has been altered over the years and is scruffy in some parts. But for $65 for a non-resident on a weekend it’s tough to beat. It’s a sporty ~6300 yards from the back tee and it’s a worthwhile addition to a trip.

Coronado Golf Course

More known for its location than the architecture, Coronado is nevertheless a worthwhile add to a San Diego golf trip for the setting alone. Essentially placed on an Air Force base and overlooking the San Diego Bay, there are certainly worse places to spend (likely) 4 hours and 45 minutes. For under $100 and ~10 minutes from downtown San Diego, it’s another very solid add-on.

Goat Hill Park

Since taking over the management of Goat Hill in 2014, John Ashworth (of Ashworth Golf and later Linksoul) has turned this 18 hole short course into one of the most important community hubs of golf on the west coast.

It’s a very high calibre short course with very fun shots (that you can hit in flip flops if you’re so inclined) that is also home to a top tier junior program, a driving range that gives hundreds of kids their start in golf (as well as a 3-hole kids course called The Playground).

It’s not the centrepiece of a golf trip, but you won’t be sorry you saw it and spent $35 to walk it.

Where to stay in San Diego

Pacific Beach is a vibrant beach neighborhood that is relatively convenient to head to La Jolla if Torrey Pines or Oceanside/Carlsbad courses like La Costa or Aviara are on your itinerary. It can be a little bit college-y, but there are lots of bars and restaurants and the beach is beautiful.

You have questions about a San Diego golf trip? (Or do you want to debate the merits of Torrey Pines with me?)

We may not plan trips to the US, but we’d be happy to share some more ideas and help you plan your own. Get in touch!