Ready to hit the links in America's Finest City?
America's finest city is home to some of the planet's greatest golf courses. Anyone who has seen the local PGA tournaments knows the city is without many rivals. But do you actually know the USGA rankings? Let's look at how San Diego fairways...
6. Tecolote Canyon - 57.6
Coming in at number 6 due to the short course status, Tecolote Canyon is a Par 58 situated 5 minutes from Pacific Beach in San Diego. Despite its low ranking, it is a beautiful course that consistently ranks among the country's best executive courses.
Address: 2755 Snead Avenue
5. Sea 'N Air - 70
Located at the north end of Coronado Beach on Naval Air station North Island, Sea 'N Air is a closed course for members of the Department of Defense and DOD civilians. If you happen to fit into one of those categories, this Par 71 course has breathtaking views of the ocean as well as the incoming aircraft.
Address: Sherman Rd, Coronado, CA 92118
4. Balboa Park Municipal Course - 71.2
This city owned Par 72 is vertically challenging. It does provide spectacular views of Downtown San Diego and the Big Bay during your play. The course also has a 9 hole executive course that is popular with the downtown as well as the Navy hospital crowd.
If you go, don't forget to stop in at Tobey's 19th Hole for some greasy spoon and a pitcher of beer.
Address: 2600 Golf Course Drive, San Diego, CA
3. Miramar Memorial Golf Course - 72
The former home of Fightertown USA, MCAS Miramar also sports a respectable Par 72 centrally located north of Interstate 8. While North Island is closed to the public, Miramar is open to golfers from all walks of life. Do you feel the need? The need, for speed? That's not really golf though, is it?
Address: Bldg. 3750 MCAS Miramar
2. Admiral Baker Golf Course - 72.6
The Navy loves golf. Admiral Baker Golf Course is located just outside Mission Trails Park near Mission Gorge in San Diego. Civilians can book a tee time a week in advance for either of the two courses. If you're a member of the military you can book earlier with your clearance. This is likely a course in San Diego you haven't played, and it is a hidden gem.
Address: 2400 Admiral Baker Rd. San Diego, CA
1. Torrey Pines - 78.8
It is no surprise that Torrey Pines tops the list of golf courses in San Diego. It is absolutely world-class, which is exactly why the PGA holds the Farmers Open here every year. With breathtaking views south to La Jolla and unlimited visibility on a clear day, this is, without a doubt, a destination course.
The best part? It's a municipal golf course. That means residents can play 18 holes at twilight for under $40. That's $128 for those from out of town.
Address: 11480 N Torrey Pines Rd, La Jolla, CA
Conclusion
With so much going on, San Diego isn't always thought of as a world class golf destination. But it should be. Between the federal and local governments, there are some of the best courses in the country within the city limits.
Get out there and shank one.