Elkins Ranch: The drive to the course is half the fun; it's particularly calming when the surrounding orange groves are blossoming.
GC at Terra Lago: Formerly the Landmark Club in Indio, two fine courses; host course for the Skins Game, 1999-2002.
Lost Canyons: Set among the rugged Santa Susana Mountains, two Pete Dye designs were restored by Fred Couples after flooding a few years ago.
Malibu: It's not near the ocean but tucked into the foothills of the Santa Monica Mountains. It's a tight layout with live-oak-lined fairways.
Rancho San Marcos: Scheduled to reopen this summer after renovations, the Robert Trent Jones Jr. design is about as scenic as they come.
Robinson Ranch: Another facility with 36 holes amid hills of the Angeles National Forest, with generous views of the Santa Clarita Mountains.
Sandpiper: It's very rare to have such a striking seaside course that also offers mountain views.
Strawberry Farms: In Orange County, a quiet setting among rolling hills not far from the hubbub of Irvine.
**
Overnight getaways
If you're looking for a couple of days of golf and a place to be pampered overnight, here are 10 spots to book a multiple-day trip:
Barona Creek: The casino makes its pitch to high rollers; the course rolling through the San Diego foothills is tournament-tested and, some say, as good as any in San Diego County.
Four Seasons Aviara: Take your choice: Luxuriate in the spa, then play 18 holes on a spectacular Arnold Palmer-designed layout, or play golf, then get the massage.
La Quinta: There are five world-class courses affiliated with a resort that has been a desert destination since 1926.
La Costa: Two courses were home to PGA Tour events for years and there has been about $140 million in renovations to the resort/spa.
Marriott's Desert Springs: There's plenty to keep you very busy while you relax for a couple of days — and two Ted Robinson-designed courses.
Mission Hills: Two courses designed by Gary Player and Pete Dye that rate among the desert's best.
Ojai Valley Inn: Much of George Thomas' classic 1923 design has been restored, and the inn has been renovated.
Pala Mesa: One of the best bargains in Southern California, straightforward lodging and very challenging golf.
Rancho Bernardo Inn: Former site of PGA and LPGA Tour events, it has been a San Diego-area mainstay for years.
GC at Terra Lago: Formerly the Landmark Club in Indio, two fine courses; host course for the Skins Game, 1999-2002.
Lost Canyons: Set among the rugged Santa Susana Mountains, two Pete Dye designs were restored by Fred Couples after flooding a few years ago.
Malibu: It's not near the ocean but tucked into the foothills of the Santa Monica Mountains. It's a tight layout with live-oak-lined fairways.
Rancho San Marcos: Scheduled to reopen this summer after renovations, the Robert Trent Jones Jr. design is about as scenic as they come.
Robinson Ranch: Another facility with 36 holes amid hills of the Angeles National Forest, with generous views of the Santa Clarita Mountains.
Sandpiper: It's very rare to have such a striking seaside course that also offers mountain views.
Strawberry Farms: In Orange County, a quiet setting among rolling hills not far from the hubbub of Irvine.
**
Overnight getaways
If you're looking for a couple of days of golf and a place to be pampered overnight, here are 10 spots to book a multiple-day trip:
Barona Creek: The casino makes its pitch to high rollers; the course rolling through the San Diego foothills is tournament-tested and, some say, as good as any in San Diego County.
Four Seasons Aviara: Take your choice: Luxuriate in the spa, then play 18 holes on a spectacular Arnold Palmer-designed layout, or play golf, then get the massage.
La Quinta: There are five world-class courses affiliated with a resort that has been a desert destination since 1926.
La Costa: Two courses were home to PGA Tour events for years and there has been about $140 million in renovations to the resort/spa.
Marriott's Desert Springs: There's plenty to keep you very busy while you relax for a couple of days — and two Ted Robinson-designed courses.
Mission Hills: Two courses designed by Gary Player and Pete Dye that rate among the desert's best.
Ojai Valley Inn: Much of George Thomas' classic 1923 design has been restored, and the inn has been renovated.
Pala Mesa: One of the best bargains in Southern California, straightforward lodging and very challenging golf.
Rancho Bernardo Inn: Former site of PGA and LPGA Tour events, it has been a San Diego-area mainstay for years.
