From the UK it's a long journey to Southern California, but with year-round sunshine, an abundance of golf courses and an interesting cultural mix, it's worth the trip.
Southern California is a mecca for golfers from around the world. In the San Diego/Carlsbad area alone there are now more than 90 courses in every conceivable setting from the mountains and desert landscapes to the edge of the ocean.
The skills of top designers including Pete Dye, Arnold Palmer, Gary Player and Robert Trent Jones are in evidence throughout the region. Torrey Pines hosted the US Open in 2008 and the two public courses on this magnificent cliff top are also home to the PGA's Farmer's Insurance Open.
In neighbouring Carlsbad, close to the PGA Tour courses at La Costa, several big golf equipment manufacturers have established factories and research centres, including Callaway, TaylorMade, Titleist and Cobra. Factory tours are available by arrangement.
With the Mexican border just 25 miles away, Spanish is spoken in many areas and the pace can be delightfully slow compared to other regions of the USA. Except on the freeways, where speed restrictions are routinely ignored and the locals drive with death defying Latin gusto.
There is a wealth of outdoor activities from hiking, biking and white water rafting or even surfing the giant rollers at Tourmaline Beach if you have the guts!
Within two hours’ drive lies the contrasting and cosseted environment of Palm Springs Desert Resorts. Another 100-plus courses await golfing enthusiasts within the Coachella Valley where temperatures are warmer still- sometimes a little too hot for afternoon golf in the height of summer.
This is where such legendary characters as Bob Hope and Frank Sinatra maintained lavish holiday homes, Microsoft billionaire Bill Gates has built his own private course at The Vintage and for his first US designed project Nick Faldo created one of the valley’s most challenging courses at Shadow Ridge.
For anyone prepared to shop around there are some excellent bargains to be found in the valley. The best deals can be found in the summer months when the wealthy locals head for cooler climes. Tee times can be obtained from 6am when the air is relatively cool and around can be completed before the searing heat of the midday sun.
GETTING THERE
British Airways offers daily non-stop flights between London Heathrow and San Diego. BA also offers daily services to Los Angeles which is a two-hour drive from both San Diego and Palm Springs.
WHEN TO GO
San Diego claims year-round blue skies and average temperatures of 70F, but it can be quite chilly in the winter months and humid in the height of summer.
WHERE TO STAY AND PLAY
San Diego/Carlsbad Regions
Torrey Pines www.torreypinesgolfcourse.com
Pala Mesa Resort www.palamesaresort.com
Redhawk Golf Club www.redhawkgolfcourse.com
Palm Springs Desert Resorts:
The Golf Club at Terra Lago www.golfclub-terralago.com
La Quinta Resort www.laquintaresort.com
Westin Mission Hills Resort www.westinmissionhillsgolf.com
Further information visit www.visitcalifornia.com