Whether your little ace is all bogey or all bunker, every mini golfer needs a caddie (ahem, parent!) to help shag balls. From an old naval training base to a course that supports under-served kiddos, your Happy Gilmore will be all smiles on their fairway to heaven. Grab your brood of eagles and birdies and make your way down to one of our favorite San Diego golf courses. No mulligans!
photo: Elizabeth Silva
The Loma Club
Situated in popular Liberty Station, The Loma Club dates back to the early 1900s when it was originally part of San Diego Country Club. Once used by the Navy during the 1920s for recruiting and training, this course is a true San Diego landmark. This course features wide views of the downtown San Diego skyline and harbor, and lots of planes flying overhead. Mini golfers-in-training will be delighted to hear that pro golfers Phil Mickelson and Craig Stadler grew up practicing on this course. The onsite restaurant, The Loma Club Bar & Grill, offers a family-friendly assortment of sandwiches, burgers, yummy treats, and beverages with a full bar – all at reasonable prices.
Course details:
9 hole, par 3 length course
27 par, 1,023 yards
Insider’s Tip: Mark Fisher of Fish and the Seaweeds plays every Friday during happy hour from 5-8 p.m. on the patio. Be sure to stay for happy hour Mon.-Sat., 4-8 p.m. and all day Sunday. The Loma Club also offers free junior golf clinics.
2960 Truxtun Rd.
San Diego, Ca 92106
619-222-4653
Online: thelomaclub.com
photo: Amber E. via Yelp
Colina Park Golf Course
Located in City Heights, the beautiful Colina Park Golf Course offers little golfers a crack at their short game. Every hole is less than 110 yards and includes elevated tee boxes – perfect for kiddos (and parents) at any skill level. For almost twenty years, Colina Park Golf Course has partnered with Pro Kids/The First Tee San Diego, a non-profit organization dedicated to helping underserved youth. The organization promotes leadership, character development, and life skills through the game of golf and education. All green fees go toward supporting Pro Kids/The First Tee San Diego program. The golf course also features disc golf—a game of tossing a disc into a target basket, which is par for the course at Colina Park!
Course details:
18 hole, par 3 length course
54 par, 1250 yards
4085 52nd St.
San Diego, Ca 92105
619-255-4425
Online: colinaparkgc.com
photo: Elizabeth Silva
Rancho Carlsbad Golf Club
Nestled into the hills of Carlsbad, this 18 hole, par 3 course is the perfect place for your mini Tiger Woods to practice their backswing, and for parents to work on their short game. If you’re looking for a unique experience, Rancho Carlsbad Golf Club now offers Footgolf, a new sport that combines the skill and accuracy of golf with the excitement and fun of soccer. It is played just like a normal game of golf, except it uses a soccer ball and your foot instead of golf equipment. After your game, stop by the 19th Hole Deli for a quick burger, sandwich, and other casual menu items.
Course details:
18 hole, par 3 length course
54 par, 2021 yards
5200 El Camino Real
Carlsbad, Ca 92010
760-438-1772
Online: ranchocarlsbadgolf.com
photo: Samantha Thompson/Aaron & Samantha Wedding Photography
Reidy Creek Golf Course
If your pint-sized champion is looking for challenges that require a little skill—lots of deep bunkers, water features, and tricky greens—this is the place for your pack. Reidy Creek is known as one of the country’s finest and most challenging par 3 courses so little ones shouldn’t expect a hole-in-one right away! Located in rural Escondido, this course takes advantage of its natural valley setting and views of nearby mountains. Reidy Creek offers junior golf tournaments, junior lessons, and junior camps!
Course details:
18 hole, par 3 length course
54 par, 2,582 yards
2300 North Broadway
Escondido, Ca 92026
760-740-2450
Online: jcgolf.com
What’s your favorite spot to play golf? Tell us where your kiddo plays!
—Elizabeth Silva
