California boasts some of the finest golfing destinations in the world. This is especially true in the southern half of the state, where the weather conditions are hot all year round. Whether or not you favor the services that accompany a high-class golf resort, or you enjoy playing reasonably priced, yet difficult courses, Southern California delivers the golfing experience for you.

There are numerous outstanding golf courses in Southern California, that picking the best seven is a chore for anybody. However, with much consideration, I picked the following as the best in the lower half of the Golden State.

1. Pelican Hill Golf Club

Situated just to the south of Newport Beach, Pelican Hill houses some of the best golf in Southern California. The club was made by Tom Fazio (who has more courses rated in the top 100 than any other golf course architect) in the early 90′s and showcases two impressive courses: Ocean North and Ocean South. While both courses offer amazing views of the Pacific Ocean, each one has their own unique feel, so that golfers can get 2 different experiences. In 2005, Fazio returned to Pelican Hill to redesign the two courses as a way to restore the excellent design of the golf club.

Regardless of your handicap, Pelican Hill is among the most satisfying golf courses in Southern California. If you’re a golfing fanatic, you have to play a round at Pelican Hill Golf Club.

2. Torrey Pines Golf Course

Torrey Pines is often viewed as one of the premier municipal courses in all of California. With great views of the Pacific Ocean, this Southern California golf course is home to the PGA Tour’s Farmer’s Insurance Open each year. However, the course has held its fair share of major PGA events too, including the unforgettable 2008 U.S. Open, in which Tiger Woods overcame Rocco Mediate after 19 holes of playoff golf.

With extraordinary views and an superb course design, Torrey Pines supplies goflers with the ideal experience. When you are in the area, or if you are thinking about planning a trip, you’ve got to put this destination on the top of your list.

3. La Quinta Golf Resort

Located only a couple of hours outside of Los Angeles in the golfing haven of Palm Springs, La Quinta Golf Resort is home to 6 incredible courses, including PGA West. The resort is so well-liked, that it was awarded the Golf Resort of the Year by the International Association of Golf Tour Operators.

In addition to being among the premier golfing destinations in Southern California, La Quinta is also a great place for newbies to learn the sport. This is because the resort hosts the Jim McLean Golf School, which was rated among the best teaching facilities in the United States by various sources, such as: U.S. News & World Report, CNN, & Travel & Leisure.

So, whether you’re searching for a great place to develop your skills, or if you simply want to vacation and enjoy a good day on the course, La Quinta is one of the best golf resorts in Southern California to do so.

4. Indian Wells Golf Resort

If you watched the last season of Big Break on the Golf Channel, you’ve already noticed how well-designed the Indian Wells Golf Resort is. Similar to the La Quinta Golf Resort, Indian Wells is situated just a couple of hours outside of Los Angeles, in Palm Springs.

The resort has a couple of distinct courses that players can test their abilities on. Both courses were ranked in Golfweek’s Top 20 “Best Courses You Can Play” in California. So, no matter what course you select, you know you’ll get a premier golfing experience.

5. Red Hawk Golf Course

Redhawk Golf Course is probably among the finest courses in Southern California for the price you pay. It’s incredibly well-kept and managed and was rated 7th among California’s public golf courses.

The course is also among the toughest in California, too. With a course rating of 75.7, a slope rating of 149, and one of the only island greens in Southern California (the par three 8th hole) this golfing destination will definitely keep you challenged throughout the day.

6. La Costa Golf Resort

The La Costa Golf Resort contains two unique courses: the North Course, as well as the South Course. The resort was made by Dick Wilson and, since it opened up in 1965, the course has hosted 37 PGA Tour events. Throughout the years, the last 4 holes of the South Course have played so difficult that they have acquired the nickname of “The Longest Mile in Golf” by several professionals.

The course was renovated in 2011 to help maintain the resorts incredible feel. With all of the features and the incredible golf that La Costa delivers, it definitely should be on the list of the best golf courses in Southern California.

7. Strawberry Farms Golf Course

Strawberry Farms was created in 1997 by James W. Lipe Jr. The course winds through 6,700 yards of canyons and wetlands and provides golfers with fantastic surroundings. With a well-kept facility, and plenty of tough holes, Strawberry Farms is the perfect destination for Southern California golfers.

There’s a large list of great golf courses in Southern California that golfing fanatics can play. No matter if you’re a rookie, or you have been playing for some time now, there’s a course out there to suit your needs. So, for anybody who is in the mood, go ahead and check out these amazing Southern California golf courses.

For a list of the best courses in Northern California, click this link to continue reading.

Learn more about the best courses in Southern California by following the link provided.