Golf in California is Awesome – State #6 of 50
Mr and Mrs Golf Play Golf in California
Our journey to play golf in all 50 states brought us to the Golden State for round six, and California exceeded all expectations! We visit California often with our pups so that we can take them to the beach and have a fur family vacations but this time is was all about the golf. With its breathtaking coastlines and a golf culture that embraces both challenge and fun, we couldn’t wait to tee it up at some of the state’s standout courses. On this leg of the journey, we played at Riverwalk Golf Club in San Diego, Goat Hill Park Golf Club in Oceanside, The Crossings at Carlsbad, and wrapped things up with a putting tournament at Encinitas Ranch Golf Course. California gave us sunshine, beautiful views, and plenty of moments to strengthen our bond on and off the course.
First Stop: Goat Hill Park Golf Club 🐐⛳
Tucked in the hills of Oceanside, Goat Hill Park is affectionately known as “The People’s Park”—and for good reason. From the welcoming vibe to the challenging layout, we felt right at home. The course winds through rolling terrain with stunning views of the Pacific Ocean peeking through the trees.
- Mrs. Golf’s Highlight: Sticking her approach shot on the tricky par-3 11th hole, earning bragging rights for the day!
- Mr. Golf’s Takeaway: Navigating the tight fairways and making a clutch par save on the 18th hole.
The laid-back atmosphere at Goat Hill Park reminded us that golf can be competitive while still being pure fun. Plus, grabbing lunch from the local food truck post-round was a delicious bonus. 🌮 Goat Hill Park Golf Club
Bonus: Goat Hill is dog friendly!!
Mr Mrs Golf play Goat Hill Park Golf Club in Oceanside, California
Mr Mrs Golf play Goat Hill Park Golf Club in Oceanside, California
The hills at Golf Hill Golf Park are legit!
Next Stop: Riverwalk Golf Club ⛳
Next on our golf in California golf adventure at Riverwalk Golf Club in San Diego. Nestled in the heart of Mission Valley, this course combines a classic layout with picturesque scenery, featuring mature trees, water hazards, and rolling fairways. The flowing San Diego River runs through the property, adding both beauty and challenge.
- Mrs. Golf’s Favorite Moment: Sticking her approach shot on the par-4 5th hole for a tap-in birdie—her first of the trip!
- Mr. Golf’s Highlight: Navigating the water-lined fairways and making a clutch up-and-down on the challenging 9th hole.
The friendly staff and peaceful surroundings made Riverwalk a perfect first stop. We couldn’t have asked for a better way to start our California swing. Riverwalk Golf Club
Photos courtesy of Riverwalk Golf Club
Third Stop: The Crossings at Carlsbad🏌️♀️
Nestled near the coast with breathtaking canyon views, The Crossings at Carlsbad offered a completely different vibe. The elevation changes and scenic layout made every shot an adventure. The name comes from the many bridges (“crossings”) that connect the course’s natural terrain, making for a visually stunning round.
- Course Highlights: Dramatic elevation changes, challenging greens, and panoramic ocean views. Click here for more course photos
- Couples Moment: We paused at the 14th tee, gazing at the coastline and reflecting on how lucky we are to share these experiences.
- Post-Round Tip: Don’t skip the clubhouse restaurant—the perfect place to celebrate with great food and sweeping views. The Crossings at Carlsbad
Right after Mrs made her birdie!
Embrace Putters made this special for Mr since he’s an Arizona native
Final Stop: Putting Tournament at Encinitas Ranch Golf Course 🏆🎯
We capped off our golf in California adventure with a fun and lighthearted putting tournament at Encinitas Ranch Golf Course. With panoramic ocean views and perfectly manicured greens, the setting was ideal for some friendly competition.
There, we had the pleasure of meeting Brock with the National Putting Tour, who shared his passion for bringing putting competitions to golfers of all skill levels. If you’re looking to test your short game, check out National Putting Tour and their YouTube channel for upcoming events and highlights.
- Mrs. Golf’s Highlight: She had FOUR hole-in-ones on the putting green this day!
- Mr. Golf’s Takeaway: Draining a long putt that earned cheers from the crowd (and a lot of playful teasing from Mrs. Golf). Realizing that, sometimes, the most memorable moments aren’t on the fairways but on the putting green, laughing and celebrating each shot together.
Encinitas Ranch perfectly embodies the balance of challenge and enjoyment that we seek in golf. Encinitas Ranch Golf Course This leg of our journey wasn’t just about hitting fairways and greens—it was about shared experiences, spontaneous high-fives, and belly laughs after missed putts. Our mission with Mr. & Mrs. Golf is to inspire couples to spend quality time together, and golf in California provided the perfect setting for that connection.
Mr Mrs Golf play golf in California
Mr Mrs Golf play golf in California
Mr Mrs Golf play golf in California
Brock with the National Putting Tour
Beyond Golf in California: Exploring Coastal California 🌊☕
Golf was just the beginning. After golf we explored the charming town of Carlsbad, starting at happy hour at witch creek winery, a dog-friendly wine bar and coffee shop is located on the historic Pacific Coast Highway, one block from Carlsbad State Beach. https://www.witchcreekwinery.com. Next up we treated ourselves to a romantic dinner at 264 Fresco in Carlsbad. This modern Italian restaurant offered a lively atmosphere, attentive staff, and a mouthwatering menu featuring fresh, local ingredients. From wood-fired pizzas to perfectly cooked seafood and pasta dishes, every bite was a delight. The vibrant decor and roof top dinning created the perfect setting for a cozy, unforgettable evening. 264 Fresco 🍝🍷Then it was perfect timing to watch a stunning sunset along the coast and Mrs Golf even got Mr Golf to walk on the beach #IYKYK Of course, Mr. Golf’s sweet tooth couldn’t resist a stop at The Strawberry Shack in Carlsbad! 🍓 From fresh strawberry shortcake to chocolate-dipped berries, the treats were irresistible and was the perfect end of the day. The Strawberry Shack 🍓
Mr Mrs Golf enjoying Carlsbad, CA
Mr & Mrs Golf at the Unconditional Surrender
Not far from Riverwalk is downtown San Diego. For a quick stop and photo opp at the Unconditional Surrender. Lunch at Topsail featuring a Rooftop terrace with fire pits, waterfront views, and cool ocean breezes. Topsail offers handcrafted cocktails, fine wine selections, and fresh, seafood-focused small plates. https://portsidepier.com Walking the pier we somehow managed to make our way inland and surprise surprise the dessert tour didn’t end there—Mr. Golf also had to swing by the Donut Bar in San Diego. 🍩 With an incredible variety of creative and oversized donuts, it was impossible to choose just one. Let’s just say we left with a box (or two) and zero regrets! Donut Bar
And because no trip to San Diego is complete without fresh seafood, we ventured over to Leucadia and enjoyed a delicious meal at Fish 101—the local vibe, fresh fish tacos, and casual setting made it a perfect date spot. Fish 101 Leucadia 🐟🌮 Yep, you guessed it—Mr. Golf couldn’t resist stopping next door at the Leucadia Donut Shop for some classic, melt-in-your-mouth donuts. But wait—there’s more! He also made sure to grab a treat from VG Donut & Bakery, a local favorite known for its classic pastries and fresh-baked donuts on the way back to the hotel! When in California, dessert is definitely part of the adventure! Leucadia Donut Shop 🍩 | VG Donut & Bakery 🍩 That puts Mr’s donut tour at three stops this trip!
These off-the-course adventures added a romantic and relaxing element to the trip, reminding us why traveling together is one of our favorite ways to nurture our relationship and why California holds a special place in our hearts ❤️
Wrapping Up State #6 🎉
California, you were spectacular! Four courses, countless memories, and one more state checked off our 50-state golf journey. Every round, every laugh, and every beautiful view strengthened not just our swings but our bond as a couple. Looking back at State #5 Nevada and Next up: State #7… and we can’t wait to share it with you.
➡️ Follow along as we play golf in all 50 states: Instagram @Mr.Mrs.Golf 💚
*Courses played: Riverwalk Golf Club, Goat Hill Park Golf Club, The Crossings at Carlsbad, Encinitas Ranch Golf Course
