Welk This Way

So you’re a soccer for resort life? Head to the 450-acre Welk Golf Course in San Diego. in North County and enjoy a leisurely game of foot golf on their 18-hole, par-54 course—the first of its kind in San Diego. Oaks Course is, you guessed it, studded in stately oak trees. Grab a scorecard and a complimentary ball from the clubhouse staff and meander to the first hole, admiring the magical, secluded setting at the base of rolling, rocky chaparral-dotted hills.

Each hole is no more than 100 yards, and the towering sycamores and oaks offer ample shade. There are some challenges unique to this distinct course. Many holes sit on sloped hills, testing the patience of even the most even-keeled. Hole 8 requires kicking over and across a wide ravine. Hole 15 may be the course favorite, though, with the tee nestled in front of a calming waterfall and a straightaway surrounded perfectly by several ancient live oaks leading up to the hole. (Playing near sunset pitches the sunlight perfectly onto the hills.)

TIP: After the game, explore the resort’s downtown village, including extensive dining options, a theater, and even a weekly farmers’ market.

To get to the Oaks Course clubhouse, take the I-15 to the Gopher Canyon exit east. Take an immediate right on Champagne Blvd. and go 1.5 miles, turning left onto Lawrence Welk Lane. Follow this and ample signs to a cul-de-sac ending at the parking lot, with the clubhouse on your right. The course fee includes the soccer ball. No dogs.