Steele Canyon Golf Club

The Vineyard Course at Steele Canyon Golf Club opened in 1991 as part of Gary Player's design work in the foothills east of San Diego. The course occupies rolling terrain in Jamul, a rural community characterized by its mix of open hillsides and native California vegetation. Player routed the layout to incorporate the natural elevation changes and canyon features that define this inland San Diego County landscape, creating a course that moves through varied topography rather than fighting against it. The design takes advantage of the property's natural contours, with holes that climb and descend through the terrain. Players encounter strategic bunkering and green complexes that reflect Player's preference for rewarding accurate approach shots. The course requires thoughtful club selection given the elevation changes, and the inland location typically provides drier, firmer conditions than coastal San Diego courses. Native grasses and chaparral frame many holes, giving the Vineyard Course a distinctly Southern California character. Steele Canyon operates as a semi-private facility, with the Vineyard Course serving as one of multiple layouts on the property. The course appeals to both members and daily-fee players seeking a Gary Player design within reasonable driving distance of San Diego proper. The setting offers views across the surrounding hills and valleys, though the experience centers more on the golf itself than on dramatic vistas. The layout provides a solid test of golf in a landscape that feels removed from urban development despite its proximity to the city.