This summer was one for the books. My son and I embarked on a golfing adventure across California, and it turned out to be so much more than just hitting balls on lush greens. It was about bonding, exploring, and soaking in the beauty of the Golden State, one golf course at a time. As a dad, there’s something special about sharing a hobby you love with your kid, and this trip gave us memories we’ll hold onto forever.
The Idea Behind the Trip
It all started over a casual conversation at home. My son, who’s recently taken an interest in golf, suggested we visit a few courses over the summer. What started as a small idea quickly snowballed into a full-blown plan: a father-son road trip to some of the best golf courses in California. I couldn’t think of a better way to spend the summer. Not only would we get to practice our swings, but we’d also get to explore the diverse landscapes that make California so special.
First Stop: Pebble Beach Golf Links, Monterey
Our journey began with a bang at Pebble Beach. As one of the most iconic courses in the world, it was the perfect kick-off. Driving up the coast, the anticipation was electric. When we finally arrived, the view of the Pacific crashing against the cliffs took our breath away. The course was challenging, and I won’t lie—both of us lost a fair share of balls to the ocean that day. But it didn’t matter. Playing at Pebble Beach felt like stepping into a postcard. Between the stunning views and the sheer prestige of the place, it was a dream come true.
What made it even better was watching my son light up as he nailed a long putt on the seventh hole. For a kid still relatively new to the game, his confidence was contagious.
Hidden Gem: Pasatiempo Golf Club, Santa Cruz
Next, we ventured to Santa Cruz to play at Pasatiempo, a hidden gem I’d read about in a golf magazine. Designed by the legendary Alister MacKenzie, the course had a more intimate feel compared to Pebble Beach. It was challenging but not overwhelming—perfect for my son and me to test our skills without feeling out of our depth.
The back nine at Pasatiempo were my favorite. The elevation changes, narrow fairways, and tricky greens kept us on our toes. But more than the golf, I loved how the course seemed to blend into the natural surroundings. The scenery was stunning, and it gave us plenty to talk about as we walked the course. It was a reminder that golf isn’t just about scores; it’s about the experience.
Tee Time in the Desert: PGA West, Palm Springs
After the cooler coastal courses, we drove out to the desert for some heat—and I mean serious heat. Palm Springs in the summer is no joke, but we made sure to book an early tee time at PGA West. The Stadium Course here is famous for its difficulty, and I was a little worried it might be too much for my son. But to my surprise, he took on the challenge with the kind of determination that made me proud.
The highlight here was definitely the 17th hole, nicknamed Alcatraz. It’s an island green, and the pressure is real. My son managed to land his ball on the green while I… well, let’s just say I had to take a drop. The trip wasn’t about competition, but I could tell how much he enjoyed beating me on that hole. Fair enough.
Mountain Majesty: Edgewood Tahoe, South Lake Tahoe
From the desert, we headed north to cooler terrain. Edgewood Tahoe was a whole different vibe—set against the backdrop of the Sierra Nevada mountains and the sparkling waters of Lake Tahoe. If Pebble Beach was dramatic and rugged, Edgewood was serene and refreshing.
This course had a more relaxed pace, giving us time to soak in the views and chat about life. My son asked me a lot about when I started golfing and why I love the game. It was one of those rare moments as a parent when you feel like you’re really connecting. Watching him tee off against the mountain backdrop, I couldn’t help but feel grateful for this time together.
A Quick Stop in Napa: Silverado Resort and Spa
On our way back south, we made a quick detour to Napa to play at Silverado. The resort vibe here was different from the other courses we’d visited—more laid-back and luxurious. By this point in the trip, I could see my son’s game improving. He was hitting straighter drives, sinking more putts, and carrying himself with the kind of confidence that only comes from practice.
Silverado wasn’t as visually dramatic as some of the other courses, but it had a charm of its own. The tree-lined fairways and perfectly manicured greens felt inviting, and it was nice to end our trip on a relaxing note. Plus, I treated us both to a nice dinner after the round, which felt like a well-earned reward.
Lessons Learned on the Greens
What struck me most about this trip wasn’t just the incredible courses or the golf itself—it was the time spent with my son. Golf has always been a passion of mine, but sharing it with him brought a new layer of meaning to the game. We learned a lot about each other over those rounds. I saw his competitive side, his patience, and his growing love for a sport that challenges you in ways few others do.
I also learned to let go of perfection. Golf, like life, is unpredictable. You’ll have days where nothing goes right—where your drives slice, your putts miss, and frustration creeps in. But then there are moments of pure joy, like watching your kid sink a long birdie putt or walking down a fairway with the sun setting behind you. Those moments make it all worthwhile.
The Road Home
As we drove back home, our car filled with clubs and new memories, we talked about our favorite parts of the trip. For my son, it was Alcatraz at PGA West and the unbeatable views at Pebble Beach. For me, it was watching him grow—not just as a golfer, but as a person. This trip wasn’t just about playing golf; it was about building a connection that I hope will last a lifetime.
Final Thoughts
California is a paradise for golfers, offering everything from oceanfront courses to rugged mountain fairways. But this trip showed me that the real magic isn’t in the courses themselves—it’s in the shared experience. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a beginner, golf has a way of bringing people together, and for that, I’m incredibly grateful.
If you’re a dad and you’ve been thinking about taking a trip like this, my advice is simple: do it. The courses are beautiful, the game is always challenging, and the memories you’ll create are priceless.
