5921 Valencia Circle, Rancho Santa Fe, California 92067, US
(858) 756-1123
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About Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa

The Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa, inspired by a Spanish colonial hacienda, indulges guests with 49 private casitas with private patios and fireplaces. The Forbes five-star resort and spa aims to rejuvenate with wellness, fitness and pampering. Two signature restaurants, Veladora and The Pony Room, serve distinctive Coastal Ranch cuisines. Tennis is onsite, while the resort has relationships for special discounts for playing golf at Torrey Pines, Aviara and two local private clubs, The Farms Golf Club and Del Mar Country Club.

Facts

Price Range$$$$
Property Class★★★★★
Acres45
Year Opened1989
Number of UnitsLess than 100

Amenities

RestaurantsFine, Casual
TennisYes
Fitness CenterYes
Practice FacilityYes
Banquet SpaceYes
SpaYes

Services

Kids ProgramYes
Room ServiceYes
ConciergeYes

Rules

Is the resort pet friendly?Yes
Is resort stay required for a tee time?Yes

Golf courses at Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa

Images from Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa

Reviews

4.3
292 Reviews (292)

Reviewer Photos

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Overall Rating
Recommended
Handicap
Age
Type of Golfer
Gender
Played On
Reviews 4
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Conditions Good
Value Average
Layout Good
Friendliness Average
Pace Good
Amenities Good
zmo
Played On
Reviews 6
Handicap 5-9
Skill Advanced
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Previously Played

Torrey Tough

It used to be you could play the North course and avoid a solid kick to the gunt like on the South. No mas. The new bent grass greens repel shots over 130yds unless struck with very precise contact and spin. You better play a tour ball as well. Green complexes were redesigned with a ton of movement and sometimes multiple tiers. Frustrating to hit a 160 yd 7 iron only to see it release off the back. But that's the new reality. Adjust your expectations and enjoy the views. Not a fan of the fact they removed so many trees....but the views are million dollar from most of the course. As mentioned, nines have been reversed. ...meh on that. Still one of the best deals anywhere for twilight. Get on it!

Conditions Good
Value Excellent
Layout Good
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Fair
Amenities Good
Played On
Reviews 10
Handicap 15-19
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing
Used cart

Beautiful, pricey course.

While this is arguably one of San Diego's most beautiful courses with stunning landscaped layouts it's a little pricey for regular play. Pro shop staff a bit confused but Starter and Marshalls definitely make up for it. Treat yourself once!

Conditions Excellent
Value Average
Layout Good
Friendliness Average
Pace Excellent
Amenities Average
Difficulty Moderate
Played On
Reviews 1
I Recommend This Course
4.0
First Time Playing
Conditions Good
Value Good
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Fair
Amenities Good
Played On
Reviews 5
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
3.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing
Conditions Average
Value Average
Layout Good
Friendliness Good
Pace Average
Amenities Good
Played On
Reviews 18
Handicap 0-4
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
2.0
First Time Playing
Windy weather

How does this course host an LPGA event?

For $250+ at peak times and $140 Twilight, Aviara leaves a lot to be desired, at least the way I found it in late June this year. The fairways and greens were both inconsistent, and a few were even plugged. I realize courses sometimes have to do this, but by June things should be in peak shape. The 3 or 4 greens that were plugged had so much sand on them that putting was quite difficult, and significantly slower than the other greens, which themselves rolled much slower than I expected.

I did enjoy the layout with the exception of the 10th hole, which is quite honestly one of the dumbest holes I've encountered in my life. Zero aiming point and a dogleg at about 220 yards - on a Par 5? The layup yardages on that hole on the cart were also inaccurate.

A course charging this much should be in nearly immaculate shape at all times, not simply when a professional tour event rolls through.

Conditions Fair
Value Poor
Layout Average
Friendliness Good
Pace Excellent
Amenities Average
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Played On
Reviews 14
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
First Time Playing

New North course layout

The redesign is epic, the front 9 is beautiful, but when you wind your way past the beautiful 14th, you get to the most beautiful hole in San Diego, 15 par 3 overlooking the ocean, with the beautiful pines. Just because it's not the tough south course, doesn't mean it's not tough. This course was super challenging, my short game and putting was great, other than that my second shot needs the most work. This is one very special golf course.

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Average
Amenities Excellent
Played On
Reviews 16
Handicap 10-14
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
First Time Playing
Perfect weather
Used cart
Conditions Excellent
Value Good
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Difficulty Extremely Challenging
Played On
Reviews 156
Handicap 10-14
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Top 100 Contributor
San Francisco Advisor
Previously Played

Beautiful course and a great challanging layout

This is a beautiful course!! Track has Three of the most beautiful par 3's in California Hole#7 at Pebble is spectacular but the flowers, ponds and waterfalls on holes 3,11, & 14 at Aviara are just absolutely gorgeous. Elevation changes and more scenic water hazards add the enjoyable experience.

This is a resort course that plays like a true championship difficult course but yet manageable so you can shoot your normal score. Customer service is beyond superb. I can't say enough about the genuine friendliness of the entire staff.

The greens are in the process of being aeratyed so speed control was a bit off has every third green had recently been sanded. The rough while lush is thick and punishing after being in it for a while. Sand traps are excellent. There are a few fairways that are brown but other than that the course is a full on top notch track. Aviara has moved into a top 3 courses I've played.

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Amenities Excellent
Played On
Reviews 2
Handicap 10-14
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing

The best

I can't say enough good things about this corse I played by myself after the rates went down so I saved some money Besides being beautiful it's interesting and when played from the proper tees is fair for every golfer Don't miss this place if your in San Diego

Conditions Excellent
Value Good
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Good
Played On
Reviews 3
Handicap 0-4
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Perfect weather
Used cart

You almost get what you pay for...

Aviara remains a premier golf property but comes at a price. Cost is about 20% over where it should be.

Some of the greens were punched and sanded. Not mentioned by the starter which was a surprise.

Conditions Good
Value Good
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Difficulty Extremely Challenging
Played On
Reviews 6
Handicap 10-14
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Perfect weather
Used cart

Always beautiful

Great course design. Fast greens, good shots are good and most missed shots can be found a played. To me that is the mark of an enjoyable course. Of course the water shots are gone. As far as conditions and quality for the price, this course is the best available in No. County San Diego.

Conditions Excellent
Value Average
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Amenities Excellent
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Played On
Reviews 7
Handicap 20-24
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing
Conditions Excellent
Value Good
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Good
Pace Excellent
Played On
Reviews 1
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once every three months
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing

Perfect.

The staff, the course and the overall environment is spot on. Right from arrival we were made to feel comfortable and welcomed. I will recommend this course to everyone and anyone. I will certainly be back.

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Amenities Excellent
Played On
Reviews 25
Handicap 10-14
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing

Beautiful Course

We had a great golfing experience! Pricing was a little steep but I would go back! The course was in excellent condition. We had a unique experience playing with a young lady who was going to qualify for the upcoming LPGA event being held at that course. She would hit different shots and try different putts to get a lay of the land. This took time and we had good Golfers behind us so I was feeling a little uneasy. She was very nice and I appreciated her game!!! We also played with a member who could help point out areas to avoid. We have told our friends to go and play this course. Many of us are her at a Convention. Next time back in the area we will be back to play!!!

Conditions Excellent
Value Good
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Amenities Excellent
Played On
Reviews 13
Handicap 15-19
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Perfect weather
Used cart

so so FINE

this course is among the best in the country. the only issue is that most people want to save the bucks and play twilight...bad idea on busy days...we finished at dark...barely.

Conditions Excellent
Value Average
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Fair
Amenities Excellent
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Played On
Reviews 1
Handicap 5-9
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Previously Played
Perfect weather
Used cart

Excellent views

Worth every penny

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Good
Pace Good
Difficulty Extremely Challenging
Played On
Reviews 3
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing
Conditions Good
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Good
Pace Good
Amenities Good
Played On
Reviews 11
Handicap 5-9
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
First Time Playing

Awesome course!!

Beautiful and challenging course. Course is well maintained and the staff was outstanding. Cart path only due to recent rains but pace of play was still good. Starter gave us some tips and he was spot on! Will be back to play again!!

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Played On
Reviews 22
Handicap 5-9
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
First Time Playing

Forget your mid irons! Bring fairway metals and hybrids!!

Took advantage of an early teetime being available after Super Bowl Sunday and a poor weather forecast which probably persuaded some pre-booked players to cancel! Being from the UK a spot of wind and rain doesn't phase me and as it turned out the weather was very benign. This was fortunate because even playing of the Green tee, 6,600 yards the coures plays really long, and that's when you're hitting from the short stuff! Never hit some many 200yd approach shots. That said the ball sits up on perfect fairways which helps. First cut of semi is fine but stray into the proper rough and you've no chance of moving the ball far enough.

Greens were perfect although my playing partners (locals who know the course) said they were a bit slow! I'd watched plenty of the Pros playing the Farmers miss short puts and blaming the type of grass, powana? but for me they were excellent surfaces.

Green fees are high for non San Diego residents but I felt I got value for money in playing a US Open venue (quite well) and am looking forward to seeing the course on TV again so I can regale my friends with where I hit my shots relative to where the pros are!!

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
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