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Rating Index Rating
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4.6
208 Reviews (208)
5 Stars
143
4 Stars
41
3 Stars
10
2 Stars
8
1 Stars
6
Conditions
4.5
Value
4.1
Layout
4.7
Friendliness
4.8
Pace
4.5
Amenities
4.4
90.3%
Recommend this course
184 out of 208 reviews
Read Reviews
Average Rating
Avg Rating
4.8
6 Reviews (6)
5 Stars
5
4 Stars
1
3 Stars
0
2 Stars
0
1 Stars
0
Conditions
4.3
Value
4.7
Layout
4.7
Pace
4.8
Amenities
4.2
StaffFriendliness
4.8
100.0%
Recommend this course
6 out of 6 reviews
Read Reviews
Average Rating
Avg Rating
4.8
11 Reviews (11)
5 Stars
9
4 Stars
2
3 Stars
0
2 Stars
0
1 Stars
0
Conditions
4.5
Value
4.4
Layout
4.7
Pace
4.6
Amenities
4.4
StaffFriendliness
4.8
90.9%
Recommend this course
10 out of 11 reviews
Read Reviews
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AI summaries based on real golfer reviews
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Course Highlights
This stunning Carlsbad course consistently impresses with its exceptional layout, well-maintained fairways, and greens that strike a satisfying balance of challenge. Friendly staff across the pro shop and snack cart elevate the experience and make every round memorable.

About

Holes 18
Type Resort
Par 72
Length 7007 yards
Slope 140
Rating 74.6
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Aviara Golf Club
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Course Details

Year Built 1991
Fairways Bermuda Grass
Greens Bermuda Grass
Golf Season Year round
Architect Arnold Palmer (1991) Ed Seay (1991) Robert Walker (1991)

Rentals/Services

Carts Yes - included in green fees
GPS Yes
Clubs Yes

Practice/Instruction

Driving Range Yes
Golf School/Academy Yes
Teaching Pro Yes
Pitching/Chipping Area Yes
Putting Green Yes

Policies

Credit Cards Accepted VISA, MasterCard, Amex, Discover Welcomed
Metal Spikes Allowed No

Food & Beverage

Food & Beverage

Available Activities

Swimming, Billiards

Accolades

  • Golf Advisor: Golfers' Choice (2019 #8) (2015 #42)
  • Golf Advisor: Top Courses in California (2019 #3) (2016 #15) (2015 #5)
  • Golf Advisor: Top 25 Courses for Layout in the U.S. (2019 #3)
  • Golf Advisor: Top 25 Off-course amenities in the U.S. (2019 #9) (2016 #19) (2015 #16)
  • Golf Advisor: Top 25 Friendliest Courses in the U.S. (2015 #8)
  • Golf Advisor: Top 25 Courses for Pace of Play in the U.S. (2015 #8)
  • Golf Advisor: Top 25 Course Conditions in the U.S. (2015 #19)
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Reviews

4.6
208 Reviews (208)

What Golfers Are Saying

The 19th Hole is Great For:
Drinks 28
Dinner 21
19th Hole Scenic Views 19
Course Challenges Include:
Bunkers 26
Water Hazards 26
Elevation Changes 25
This course/club is great for:
A Weekend Splurge 31
Entertaining Clients 28
Advanced Golfers 27
This Course's Location is:
At a Resort 30
Worth the Drive 17
Near Local Attractions 15

Numbers based on reviews tagged with attribute.

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Overall Rating
Recommended
Handicap
Age
Type of Golfer
Gender
Played On
Reviews 4
Handicap 10-14
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a month
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Previously Played
Excellent weather
Used cart

Fantastic experience

The second time I have played this amazing course! Very impressed with the overall condition of the course...in far better shape than La Costa. Everything about Aviara is outstanding. The staff's courtesy, friendliness, and helpfulness is pleasantly refreshing. The pro shop is well stocked. The bar is very upscale and the views from the patio are breathtaking. The quality of the food at Argyle is truly gourmet. Even the driving range is awesome!

I will definitely be back and offer my highest recommendation of the course to anyone who wants a memorable golfing experience.

The A Club membership is a tremendous value!

Conditions Excellent
Value Good
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Played On
Reviews 4
Handicap 10-14
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a month
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Previously Played
Excellent weather
Used cart

Exceptional course

Second time I played this course. Had played La Costa the weekend before. Very disappointed in the condition of La Costa following major renovation but Aviara was absolutely superb each time we played the course. Expertly designed and meticulously maintained. The staff represents the golf course with the utmost professionalism and courtesy. The bar and restaurant are beautiful, the service is outstanding, and the views from the patio are stunning. I look forward to golfing at Aviara many more times.

Conditions Good
Value Good
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Played On
Reviews 9
Handicap 0-4
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played

A "must play" course

If you like a course for the sheer beauty, this course is for you. If you like a course for the challenge, this course is for you. From the back tees, it will humble you - it's all that most can handle from the blue tees, and from the white tees, it's almost easy. Palmer did a great job fitting the course to the land. Some of the holes favor the draw and some favor the fade, but you are not forced you to play one shot or the other. The greens are big, so expect a few more putts than normal. Put this course on your bucket list.

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Amenities Excellent
Played On
Reviews 3
Handicap 10-14
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
2.0
First Time Playing
Excellent weather
Used cart

Rough was Rough

At $120 each for me (13 hdcp) and my wife (16 hdcp) I understand we caught a slight break in price. Already disappointed in the fact 50% of the rough was dead, plugged and being reseeded, I would have been severely disappointed if I had paid the usual fees. A beautiful Palmer layout but we certainly anticipated a more meticulously well kept course for the reputation. We played others in the area which were holding up far better in the dry conditions for the area at the time of our visit.

Conditions Poor
Value Fair
Friendliness Average
Pace Poor
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Played On
Reviews 2
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing

Excellent greens

Great layout and excellent greens. Right now the course is stressed from lack of rainfall.

Conditions Fair
Value Average
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Good
Played On
Reviews 5
Handicap 5-9
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing
Excellent weather
Used cart

Great service great course

One of the best courses I have played. The condition of the greens and fairways were perfect. Course layout was a challenge and the device was the best. One of my favorite courses ever.

Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Played On
Reviews 3
Handicap 5-9
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Excellent weather
Used cart

A good public course

We played as a twosome, so waited on some holes. The course is a good layout, with v. good potential. There were bare spots in the fairways and near the greens, with several areas under repair. Price is a little high for a public course - operated as part of resort. Greens were also on the slow side.

Conditions Good
Value Average
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Amenities Good
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Played On
Reviews 2
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played

Great design; not in top condition

Areas of rough were in poor conditon. The greens were fuzzy and slow as though they hadnt been mowed recently. Several were bumpy

Conditions Average
Value Good
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Amenities Good
Played On
Reviews 9
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing

Beautiful Golf Course

This is a very nice golf course with many interesting holes.

Conditions Good
Value Average
Friendliness Good
Pace Good
Amenities Good
Played On
Reviews 3
Handicap 20-24
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Previously Played
Excellent weather
Used cart

The best in San Diego area

It's really saying something to call this the best course in a region loaded with fine courses. But, after playing many of the other famous tracks, I think Aviara is tops in terms of challenge, condition, and aesthetics. The greens fees are ridiculous. But try to find a discount below $225 and play this course. It is absolutely a dream.

Conditions Excellent
Value Average
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Played On
Reviews 1
Skill Advanced
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played

Return visit

I played here before the hotel opened some 17 years ago. It has matured since but is still as beautiful as then.

The staff is great. I haven't played anywhere friendlier.

My tuna salad sandwich was stuffed. I was full on half and needed to save room for the free wings after the round.

A great time which we all enjoyed. Wonderful test which is easily tailored to your game by choosing from the variety of tees and tee combos.

I'll be back in less time next round.

Conditions Good
Value Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Amenities Excellent
Played On
Reviews 6
Handicap 10-14
Skill Advanced
Plays Once a week
2.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing
Excellent weather
Used cart

overated

nothing spectaucular about this course besides it held the wpga kia classic. i had a coupon and used it here so my round was only $140 instead of paying 180 or over 200. There is no way i would ever come back with the conditions the way it was and the pace of play. No scenary except the par 3 in the front 9 and the 18th. No water or trash on any holes. they force you to buy their drinks and food. $18 for 2 sandwiches. I rather play torrey north or south or drive 90 miles to trump national for the money. It was probably the most disapointing course i ever played for the value. the crossing at carlsbad is about the same for 1/4 of the price.

Conditions Average
Value Poor
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Average
Amenities Average
Difficulty Moderate
Played On
Reviews 18
Handicap 15-19
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
First Time Playing
Excellent weather
Used cart

Aviara does NOT disappoint!!

From the moment you pull into parking lot you are treated like Norm from Cheers. Everyone goes out of their way to greet you. The pro shop was busy with a tournament so the course Golf Pro carried our bags to our cart. He and his staff were wonderful to deal with. The facility has excellent practice area, range and putting greens. The starter was an older gentleman that I regretfully cannot remember his name. He was FANTASTIC! He spent a full five minutes giving us the low down on the course, which holes needed what club, and answered questions we didn't even think to ask. I hope Aviara knows what an excellent employee they have hosting their golfers. The Ambassadors keep pace of play, professionally and friendly. They hand out tootsie roll pops as they are driving around. Who does that?? It was so much fun. You forget the price and even forget the course difficulty. Yes Aviara is pricey but you get what you pay for. There is a reason you pay to golf here. I recommend every golfer find a way to golf here at least once. Make it a special occasion and maybe give up golfing 2-3 mediocre courses if you have to. Yes I used last year's rewards to offset the price but I was beyond impressed with service, scenery, and fun we had.

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Difficulty Extremely Challenging
Played On
Reviews 2
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
First Time Playing

Amazing experience

This was one of my best golfing experiences ever. From the moment you drive and the park the staff takes care of you by having a cart ready and explaining everything. Every staff member was very courteous and friendly. The course was in amazing shape. The fairways were cut perfectly and the greens were super fast. The course is manicured perfectly with flowers and every hole is well maintained. Playing this for the first time is a challenge but a great experience. It is expensive but if you can afford you have to play this course at least once.

Conditions Excellent
Value Good
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Default User Avatar
Commented on 08/12/2014

You got it right.

Played On
Reviews 8
Handicap Don't know
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing
Good weather
Used cart

love this course

I loved playing on this course, can't wait to go again. They were working on the greens but still an absolute beautiful course.

Conditions Good
Value Good
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Good
Difficulty Moderate
Played On
Reviews 12
Handicap 5-9
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Previously Played
Excellent weather
Used cart

Excellent but those punched greens?

Beautiful setting, an absolutely gorgeous day, and tremendously helpful staff made it a thoroughly enjoyable day. The only drawback was the greens had been punched and sanded within the prior ten days and were bumpy--no notice in the proshop, no reduction in the fee but even those greens could not detract from an otherwise great day of golf! My partner and I had a country club experience due to the limited number of pairings on the course.

Conditions Good
Value Average
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Difficulty Moderate
Played On
Reviews 22
Handicap 10-14
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
First Time Playing
Excellent weather
Used cart

Definetly on the bucket list!!!

Played this course for the first time and was overly satisfied w/the experience!! The staff, course & amenities all lived up to the courses' pricing and experience. I would play again if the prices were to drop a bit but then again, the fee was worth every hard earned penny so if you haven't yet, put this course on the to do list!

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Amenities Excellent
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Played On
Reviews 1
Handicap 20-24
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a month
I Recommend This Course
5.0
First Time Playing
Excellent weather
Used cart

Beautiful Course

Loved the course every hole was absolutely beautiful, even when you looked back at the hole it was beautiful. A must play course with lots of flowers. I would like to see the price a little lower so I could play it more often. A must play.

Conditions Excellent
Value Good
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Average
Amenities Excellent
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Default User Avatar
Commented on 08/12/2014

You got it right. This is a heavenly track.

Played On
Reviews 3
Handicap 5-9
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
1.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing
Excellent weather
Used cart

Aviara robbery

Was actually robbed on this course in the middle of the front nine, when someone drove off with our cart while we were putting out. Poor cart path design and lack of fencing leaves everyone susceptible. And don't expect the resort to take any responsibility or step up to help with any reimbursement. They haven't even refunded our green fees. Very disappointed with their response. Beware.

Conditions Good
Value Poor
Friendliness Fair
Pace Average
Amenities Average
Difficulty Moderate
Played On
Reviews 56
Handicap 15-19
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing
Excellent weather
Used cart

Stunning beauty

Beautiful views on every hole.
Flowers in bloom, the whole course is green and perfectly manicured.
The greens are somewhat fast and are tough to read but fair.
The staff very welcoming and informative.
Great cookies and suckers.
Best golfing experience I have had so far.

Conditions Excellent
Value Good
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Poor
Amenities Excellent
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
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Golf Packages

Aviara Stay & Play Package

Click Below
SAN DIEGO, CA | Enjoy lodging accommodations at the Park Hyatt Aviara Resort, Golf Club & Spa and golf at Aviara Golf Club.
Aviara Golf Club - Hole #18

Aviara Stay & Play Packages

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SAN DIEGO, CA | Enjoy lodging accommodations at the Park Hyatt Aviara Resort, Golf Club & Spa and golf at Aviara Golf Club.

The Lodge At Torrey Pines Stay & Play Package

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LA JOLLA, CA | Enjoy up to 5 nights’ accommodations at The Lodge at Torrey Pines and up to 4 rounds of golf at your choice of Torrey Pines – South Course and Torrey Pines – North Course.

The OMNI La Costa Resort & Spa Stay & Play Package

CLICK BELOW
CARLSBAD, CA | Enjoy up to 5 nights’ accommodations at The OMNI La Costa Resort & Spa and up to 4 rounds of golf at your choice of Aviara Golf Course, OMNI La Costa – South Course, and OMNI La Costa – North Course.

Monarch Beach Resort Stay & Play Package

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ORANGE COUNTY, CA | Enjoy lodging accommodations at the Waldorf-Astoria Monarch Beach, the Ritz-Carlton Laguna Nigel, the Montage Laguna Beach, or the Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa and golf at Monarch Beach Golf Links.
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