The Farms Golf Club

The Farms Golf Club occupies a hillside property in Rancho Santa Fe, an affluent enclave in San Diego County known for its eucalyptus groves and Mediterranean climate. Designed by Pete Dye with his son Perry Dye and opened in the late 1980s, the course reflects the family's characteristic approach to strategic design, incorporating railroad ties, pot bunkers, and undulating greens that reward precise shotmaking. The routing moves across rolling terrain with elevation changes that provide views of the surrounding coastal valleys. The layout features the firm turf conditions typical of Southern California and demands thoughtful course management rather than overwhelming length. Dye's design philosophy emphasizes options and angles, with multiple routes available on many holes depending on skill level and risk tolerance. The bunkering style and green complexes create visual intimidation while often allowing ground-game approaches for those who position their tee shots strategically. The Farms operates as a private club serving the Rancho Santa Fe community, maintaining a low profile consistent with the area's understated character. The membership enjoys a course that has matured over three decades, with tree growth and refined conditioning enhancing the original design intent. The club provides a relatively quiet golf experience compared to higher-profile Southern California venues, focusing on playability and member enjoyment rather than tournament hosting or national rankings.