
Del Mar Course
Del Mar Country Club



About this course
Del Mar Country Club stands as a testament to classic California golf, a place where the game's traditions meet the relaxed elegance of the San Diego coastline. Nestled in the heart of Del Mar, the course, though not nationally prominent, offers a private, unpretentious experience deeply cherished by its tight-knit membership. Designed in the late 1960s, the course features rolling parkland terrain accented by mature eucalyptus and Torrey pines, typical of this coastal region. Fairways, while generous, are subtly contoured, rewarding strategic positioning more than raw power. The design doesn't penalize like a tournament-style course, but it rewards a thoughtful player. It's the kind of course where a well-placed fade can find a favorable lie, while a slight miscalculation can find the trees. While Del Mar Country Club has never hosted a major championship, its value lies in its atmosphere. Known within the community for its convivial membership and relaxed pace of play, it fosters a sense of camaraderie often lost in more high-pressure environments. The club's understated charm is reflected in its most coveted tradition: the annual member-guest tournament, a spirited competition capped off by a sunset dinner overlooking the Pacific. For the members of Del Mar Country Club, the allure lies not in championship glory, but in the simple pleasure of a well-played round among friends.
Rankings
Ranked by CV ratings from golfers who've played this course. Positions are shown worldwide, by country, and by state; the Private column compares member-only and guest-restricted courses.
Best in World
Best in USA
Best in CA
Quick facts
- Location
- Rancho Santa Fe, CA, USA
- Access
- Private
- Year built
- 1991
- Holes
- 18
- Designer
- Joe Lee
- Par
- 72
- Length
- 7,226 yards
- Difficulty
- 75.4/142
- Course Vaults score
- 8.1
Getting there
The journey to Del Mar Country Club begins at San Diego International Airport, a mere twenty-five minutes south along the coast, where the Pacific gleam gives way to the eucalyptus-shaded lanes of Rancho Santa Fe. Private arrivals favor McClellan-Palomar Airport in Carlsbad, discreetly positioned just fifteen minutes north for those seeking a quieter touchdown. The final approach winds through one of Southern California's most storied enclaves - past citrus groves, sprawling estates, and the signature white fences of horse country - before arriving at the club's understated gates, where old California elegance has been preserved far from the crowds.

FAQ
Common questions about Del Mar
Ratings, design, and course details pulled from Course Vaults.
Del Mar has a Course Vaults score of 8.1 out of 10 based on 18 logged golfers.
Del Mar was designed by Joe Lee.
Del Mar is listed as private on Course Vaults; guest access is typically restricted.
Par at Del Mar is 72.
Del Mar plays 7,226 yards from the back tees on Course Vaults.
The slope rating at Del Mar is 142.



