San Diego is an idyllic golf destination throughout the year.  With year-round, near-perfect climate featuring mostly sunny skies and average daily temperatures around 70 degrees, golfers can take advantage of the region's golf-friendly weather on many outstanding courses. 

Many of these courses are designed by a “Who's Who” of golf course architects like Tom Fazio, Rees Jones and Ted Robinson, and they offer diverse settings, ranging from the stunning Pacific Ocean to picturesque meadows, hillsides and valleys. 

San Diego is also home to world-renowned golf manufacturers, luxury golf resorts and internationally recognized annual events. 

EXCITING TOURNAMENT PLAY  

Every year, the Farmers Insurance Open, formerly the Buick Invitational, returns to the stunning Torrey Pines Golf Course located on the coastal bluffs in La Jolla.  The event consistently boasts the world's top players. Along with Tiger Woods and San Diego native Phil Mickelson, previous winners include Bubba Watson, Ben Crane, Johnny Miller, Jack Nicklaus, Mark O'Meara, Arnold Palmer and Tom Watson.

TOP COURSES BY TOP ARCHITECTS

Many world-renowned golf course architects have left their marks on San Diego links; following are just a few of the region's top courses and their noted architects.

Renowned for his ability to create distinctive courses, Tom Fazio is one of America's most sought-after golf course architects.  The Grand Golf Club, a par 72 course with over 7,000 yards of greens playable from a variety of tee locations, is strategically nestled in Del Mar's meadows, hillsides and valleys. The course showcases Fazio's unique style of bunker use with many deceptive bunkers hiding in the rolling hills. Fazio's exceptional designs are tailored to maximize the natural beauty of the setting, while creating golf holes that are both challenging and enjoyable for golfers of all skill levels.

Famed for renovating courses prior to major championships, a skill that has earned him the nickname “Open Doctor,” Rees Jones has been designing courses for over 30 years. Jones brought his skill to Torrey Pines Golf Course's legendary South Course in 2001 in preparation for the 2008 U.S. Open. A complete renovation was done in which all greens, tees and fairway features were rebuilt, and many greens were relocated to the edge of the canyon, which is a prominent feature of the landscape. Golfers can marvel at the views of the coastline atop cliffs towering above the Pacific Ocean just north of La Jolla. Long recognized as one of the nation's foremost municipal golf facilities, Torrey Pines is truly a "golfer's paradise."

The only Arnold Palmer signature golf course in San Diego, the course at the Aviara Golf Club in Carlsbad winds through rolling valleys with ocean views. The 7,007 yard, par 72 golf course is sculpted around the resort's natural topography with water hazards positioned as visual extensions of the nearby Batiquitos Lagoon. The Golf Club includes a two-story Spanish-Colonial clubhouse with a complete golf shop, locker facilities and fine-dining steakhouse restaurant.

Pioneer landscape architect Robert Muir Graves teamed up with PGA Tour player Johnny Miller to design the innovative Maderas Golf Course of Poway in San Diego's North County. Named the top rated course in San Diego for six consecutive years, the challenge of the course is matched by its beauty as it winds through cliffs, creeks, lakes and forests. After a memorable day on the 40 acre, par 72 course, visitors can relax in the Italian villa style clubhouse while enjoying breath taking views and award winning cuisine.

The 18-hole championship golf course at Rancho Bernardo Inn Golf Resort and Spa was designed in 1962 by visionary architect William F. Bell. The par 72 course was recently renovated to ensure that it will continue to present a modern challenge for today's Golfer. Players of all skill levels can find reward among the beautiful tree lined fairways that have hosted a multitude of professional tournaments including the PGA and LPGA tours, or visit the fully stocked pro shop which is managed by PGA professionals.

LUXURY COURSES AND RESORTS

World-class resorts complement San Diego's championship golf courses; most resorts include award-winning restaurants, spas and other special amenities to pamper their guests. 

At the Torrey Pines Golf Course, duffers can retire to the Lodge at Torrey Pines, situated on the 18th hole, to relax and unwind amid Craftsman-style elegance.  The resort's 170 luxury guestrooms complement the pristine beauty of the area's pines and sandstone formations.  The resort also offers a full-service spa and the acclaimed restaurant, A.R. Valentien, where fresh farmer's market-based cuisine is served. 

Just to the south, the Hilton La Jolla Torrey Pines also overlooks the legendary Torrey Pines Golf Course.  Each of the 394 newly renovated guest rooms offers a private balcony or patio with ocean, garden or golf course views. Award-wining fine dining is offered at the Torreyana Grille with a menu by San Diego's own celebrity chef, Larry Banares.

The Grand Del Mar Resort and Spa is built on the serene Los Penasquitos Canyon Reserve next to rolling fairways and manicured greens of the lush Grand Golf Club.  The 249-room resort offers luxury accommodations, including 31 suites, a 21,000-sq. ft. full-service spa, four sparkling pools and the highly acclaimed restaurant, Addison, San Diego's only AAA Five Diamond restaurant.

For almost 40 years, the Rancho Bernardo Inn Golf Resort and Spa has been providing guests with impeccable service and unforgettable experiences. Having recently upgraded each of its 287 guestrooms in a $25-million renovation, the resort continues to improve upon its splendor. Along with an 18-hole championship golf course, the resort boasts award-winning cuisine at the El Bizcocho restaurant and a world-class spa comprising of a fitness center, outdoor heated treatment cabanas and a 2,500 square-foot salt water pool.

SAN DIEGO GOLF MANUFACTURERS

San Diego's North County region is home to more than 20 world-renowned golf equipment manufacturers that offer a variety of services for duffers of all skill levels.

Callaway Golf, located in Carlsbad, creates products and services designed to make every golfer a better one.  The company manufactures and sells golf clubs and golf balls, and sells golf accessories under the brands Callaway Golf, Top-Flite, Odyssey and Ben Hogan.

Cobra Golf, producer of the famed King Cobra, manufactures full sets of clubs including their signature metal drivers and fairway metals at their facility in Carlsbad.  

TaylorMade Golf, also located in Carlsbad, produces clubs, accessories and balls used by professionals and amateurs worldwide.

Titleist Golf, world-renown manufacturer of balls, clubs and accessories, has their club research, development and assembly facility in Carlsbad.

Happiness is calling in San Diego. For more information on San Diego's offerings, visit the San Diego Tourism Authority's website at www.sandiego.org.