Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa

What a place. Magical views and setting along the Pacific.

Don't worry that the pace of play is terrible - where else would you rather be? Too bad that the front 9 is the better as it hugs the cliffs, but the back 9 keeps the sea views.

The rough is much nastier than its short length looks. For someone coming from bent grass on the east coast, it takes some getting used to on the Poa and Kikuyu grasses. Hit it in the fairway!

Would highly recommend Aviara.. Yes more cost than most but one of the best values considering customer service, weather and most importantly quality of course.. Every hole has great character and would highly recommend... A couple of greens had some sand challenges but all in all quality value. Same group of guys will be back next Labor Day. Fair but challenging.....

I played Aviara last summer and was so looking forward to it again when I purchased the Holiday DealCaddy even though the deal didnt cover the total fees, limited to $200. But being this course was a premium course in pristine condition, I felt it was worth the extra $170. Sadly disappointed this time. Between our draught and what we were told by the Marshall, the course had been played alot, I felt we overpaid for just a nice course having trouble keeping the course up to it's usual high standards.

Signed up for first time of the day, but the staff sent a few guys early and I played with one other person, which made the round go very quickly, which in turn allowed me to enjoy the rest of the day at this beautiful resort. The course was in great shape, had beautiful trees and plants and water features, and the staff was next level amazing. Maybe a little on the pricey side, but I was treating myself for completing one portion of my CPA exam...at least you got a free lollipop on the back nine. You can't miss this place if you are in San Diego.

Great course, great staff, all around good stuff .

I've played here a few times now; consistently a fun course to play. The first seven holes are rather similar to the South course, hugging the cliffs and showcasing great coastal views. The remaining 11 holes are relatively straight-forward straight forward by comparison as they work away from the water.

Sometimes the course can slow up a bit during twilight, particularly around the front nine par 3's. That said, if you're looking for a less expensive option to the South course (and have already played it), consider the North course.

Course conditions and layout are amazing. Course is very playable and just flat beautiful. Played in the afternoon and pace of play was a non issue. Will play every time I vacation back to San Diego.

Great staff. Play the course as a challenge like the LPGA or just play from the friendly tees. Either way it's a great vlaue

Last weeks round at Torrey was the highlight of my trip. The greens fees are reasonable compared to other top courses. The staff was extremely polite and helpful. The facilities were beautiful and the course conditions were pristine. I cannot wait to play this course again.

In the area for a wedding, brought my clubs and they got me on, played by myself and the pace was great, only saw the group in front of me at the turn. its long. the greens are in the best shape i have ever seen. rumor was Scotty Cameron was out the day before putting around.

Staff were courteous and effcient. Practice facilities were excellent, but wee hit off the mats - likely due to the drought conditions and water restrictions course was remarkable....layout was challenging and the flora was incredible. Greens were a little slow, but with all he undulation you wouldn't want them any faster. Make sure you put it near the pin - some greens are enormous.

The clubhouse is spectacular and the setting is extraordinary. There were holes on the front nine that reminded me of Colorado courses, except for the ocean breeze and humidity. However, the course is transitioning from lush throughout to an environment that will tolerate the ongoing drought, so there were places on the course where the weeds have taken over. The greens were terrific, however.

I know that it's a municipal golf course, but with such an exquisite location, it's hard to pass up, even for the out-of-town prices. The back 9 is very tough, especially when the ball doesn't carry because of the damp air. All the golf course you want.

This is the second time that I've played Aviara, but the first time was so long ago that I'd forgotten how beautiful the course is. The landscaping, beds, and water treatments are off the charts. And, the golf is pretty good too. The greens (early May) were perfect, and very, very fast. The course is not tricked up, but is straight forward and challenging, depending on the tee boxes.

A friend of mine recommended I play this course while in San Diego on Business. I played with a colleague from work and we both found the course to be very challenging, enjoyable, scenic and in excellent condition. The staff were very friendly and helpful. The only weakness was the driving range which is small and therefore showed a lot of wear.

Breathtaking display of flowers, lakes, waterfalls, lush fairways, challenging but fair greens. I've played this course several times and have to say hands down is by far the prettiest and nicest golf course around the San Diego area. Although Torrey Pines has scenic ocean views this Aviara feels like you've taken a trip to the jungles of Costa Rica. Each hole presents a beautiful challenge. The course itself isn't that difficult and doesn't require long drive shots to be in good range. I've started to play hybrid/long irons off the tee which have favored my score very well. Enjoy the day with cocktails and treat it like a vacation. The fees are a bit high but a great place to spoil yourself.

It's the only course in San Diego that appears unaffected by drought. Best conditions I have seen in years in a public course. 14 out of 18 holes could be signature holes on any other course. Worth the $$$ to splurge once a year for me, but I wish I could play it weekly or monthly. It's a worth see and the afternoon rates make it a little more palatable. I look forward to splurging again next year or finding a hot deal on golfnow.

This is one of the top golf courses I have ever played! The surroundings seem more like a botanical garden than a golf course! The course condition was top drawer and the staff were fabulous. I got to play with an up and coming LPGA junior golfer who was getting familiar with the course for the upcoming KIA Classic qualifying - what a treat! Don't miss playing this course if you are in the San Diego area!

Played right after the Kia Classic. Maybe the most beautiful course I've ever played and I've played some top courses. Played same tees used by the LPGA players and can't believe the low scores they posted. Extremely challenging and will definitely play again! Very friendly and accommodating staff.

What an unbelievable course! On several holes it was like playing golf through a botanical garden. All the holes are different and very memorable, and the course condition was excellent. The staff really take care of you as well. Although it was expensive ($180 twilight rate via Golfnow.com), it was well worth it. Now I'll have an appreciation for what the players are facing as I watch the LPGA KIA Classic on TV.