So Cal golf trip

[nandoal]

Starting early preparations on a golf trip next year to Southern California. Trip is usually 5 days. And most days are 36 holes. 
 

Ideally I’d like to start the trip in Palm Springs and play PGA West, with the trip finishing in Los Angeles area at Rustic Canyon.

 

Thoughts on great places to play along the way to LA from Palm Springs.

Edited February 13, 2021 by nandoal

[Chanceman]

I would recommend a diversion to Rams Hill on the way from Palm Springs to San Diego. A superbly designed and presented course in the middle of a moonscape.

[LesRWilliams]

I second Rams Hill on a day you play your other 18 in Palm Springs.

 

If you can get on at Rustic close to sunrise one day, you can make the 1:15 drive to Sandpiper for twilight. If not, you can swap Sandpiper for Olivas Links or Soule Park

Edited February 19, 2021 by LesRWilliams

[LesRWilliams]

Some other suggestions moving from Palm Springs to the west are:

1. Oak Quarry

2. Industry Hills

3. Glen Ivy

4. Omni La Costa (San Diego) - Can be paired with trips to the TM or Titleist HQ

5. Aviara (San Diego) 

 

If you look, these courses our outside of LA County. You will find nicer courses and wider tee time availability if you play outside of LA. 

[kumu_reitz]

Aviara in san diego is awesome. play the crossings while you are at it. I'd encourage you to skip Omni, but it does carry a big name and reputation. Maderas  in poway is fantastic, but the best bang for buck is Coronado Island (by far). 

[zedster]

You can also make a detour to Temecula, Cross Creek and Redhawk are decent courses.

 

Goose creek is also in between Rustic and Palm Springs

[socalbonzi]

On 2/21/2021 at 8:48 AM, zedster said:

You can also make a detour to Temecula, Cross Creek and Redhawk are decent courses.

 

Goose creek is also in between Rustic and Palm Springs

Interesting you mention the temecula courses, but don't mention Pechenga.  Any reason why? 

[chasethebirdie]

I found Pechanga over rated - Not the best course conditions and wasn’t taken with the layout 

[chasethebirdie]

Rams Hill is definitely a place to play though if time allows. Great condition and fantastic place of play

[markheardjr]

Oak Valley, Oak Quarry, Soboba Springs, Industry Hills.

 

Lower end I always enjoyed Montebello CC.

 

Oddball suggestions, Brookside Koiner course at the Rose Bowl. Not everyday you get to play a course in the shadow of a famous stadium. Course isn't any super special, but Pasadena is pretty cool too for after round festivities.

 

Other, not so great course, I'd recommend is Los verdes. Its busy, long rounds, deep on the peninsula. but the views are fantastic. You can add in the Par 3 course at Terrenea or pay $$$ and play Trump National L.A.  Eitherway you're going to enjoy the sites and eats around the Palos Verdes peninsula.

[Golf10]

A lot of good recommendations here.  Your biggest problem will be securing tee times.  Even dog tracks are hard to get on now.

[daegyu]

I'd avoid the greater LA county area if possible and make a detour to SD county if you can swing it. Like others have mentioned, Rams Hill is a must. Torrey Pines is very overpriced but I would say it's a must play at some point if you're not far away. It's not a destination spot like Monterey, but it's a difficult test and the views are nice. Maderas and Aviara are pricey but also much better than what you would find in LA. 

 

I suggest staying away from LA because the courses just aren't very interesting. Goose Creek, Oak Quarry, Industry Hills, Rustic Canyon are the best public options we have but can be difficult to get on. 

[zedster]

On 3/29/2021 at 3:10 PM, socalbonzi said:

Interesting you mention the temecula courses, but don't mention Pechenga.  Any reason why? 

I played those courses back when I had time to drive out there, but didn't have money to spend on more $$ courses.  Now I've got less time, and it feels like less money.  

[darom86]

I like the San Clemente City golf course a/k/a the poor man's pebble beach.

 

Not sure on current conditioning, but Oak Valley is a solid course.

 

 

[rangersgoalie]

Traveling Backwards For your trip...

Rustic and Soule Park

 

Goose Creek and Oak Quarry

 

PGA West and another course there. 

Nicklaus Tournament is right there so an easy 36 day

 

easy travel. Decent pricing And good value.

Good quality and fun golf. Rustic Canyon likely the best of the courses.

 

Edited April 2, 2021 by rangersgoalie

[BBKB1217]

how long does the drive take between PGA West and Rams Hill?

Ive checked it out on google maps, but hard to tell actual speeds. could be faster or slower depending on conditions of the roads.

TIA

Edited April 12, 2021 by BBKB1217

[Zac1321]

6 hours ago, BBKB1217 said:

how long does the drive take between PGA West and Rams Hill?

Ive checked it out on google maps, but hard to tell actual speeds. could be faster or slower depending on conditions of the roads.

TIA

just did this drive last month, an hour. longer if you get stuck at a lot of lights/traffic getting out of la quinta. its all country highway from there through the desert

[Chanceman]

Hree's the road to Rams Hill

[BBKB1217]

well worth the drive.  wind was whipping would be only issue.  We stopped 3x on the way back to take pictures.  definitely worth it if you have the time.

[dvq9654]

As a fair warning - the drive from Rams Hill to SD and/or LA is a pain. It's a nice course, but don't assume it's a quick / easy drive. May be easy from PS / PD / La Quinta, but the trip over the hill to the coast is on small, winding roads. It may still be worth it, but just wanted to level set the drive can be annoying. 

 

My advice would be play two nice courses in the Palm Springs area and skip Rams Hill. I liked Rams Hill, but the courses in Palm Springs were better conditioned than Rams Hill was when I went, and I wasn't so blown away by Rams Hill that it was worth the drive (when compared to Desert Willow, Indian Wells, PGA West, etc.).