Travel
Tecolote Canyon Golf Course 2025–2026: Your Ultimate Guide
Picture yourself on a warm San Diego evening. You’ve got a couple of hours free and you’re craving a quick, affordable round at Tecolote Canyon Golf Course. You can search it online and see mixed info—some say it’s open, others mention construction. Relax. I’ve played Tecolote Canyon Golf Course dozens of times, and I’m walking you through every detail about this like we’re lining up a putt together.
Key Takeaways
- Tecolote Canyon Golf Course is 9 holes only now—full closure fall 2025, reopening spring 2026.
- The Players Pass at Tecolote Canyon Golf Course ($44.98/month) pays off in two visits.
- Five nearby courses keep you swinging when Tecolote Canyon Golf Course shuts down.
Current Status and Closure Timeline
Let’s start with the big question on everyone’s mind: Is Tecolote open? Yes—but only nine holes as of August 2025.
The City of San Diego is replacing a 60-year-old sewer line that runs right under the canyon. This isn’t a small patch job. It’s a $55 million infrastructure project that started in the summer of 2025. Crews dug up parts of the back nine first, forcing the course to shrink.
Here’s the full timeline, broken down like a scorecard:
- Summer 2025 – Construction begins quietly in the canyon.
- August 11, 2025 – Official switch to 9-hole play (holes 1–9 only).
- September–October 2025 – Back nine fully fenced off; heavy equipment moves in.
- November 2025 – Full course closure begins. No golf on the property.
- December 2025 – March 2026 – Peak construction. Pipes replaced, ground restored.
- April 2026 – Soft reopening of 18 holes.
- May 2026 – Grand reopening with fresh fairways and new drainage.
One bright spot: The driving range never closes. You can still show up at 6 a.m. or 9 p.m. and hit balls under the lights. The range uses the same entrance, so no detours.
I talked to a regular named Mike who plays every Tuesday. He said, “I’ll miss the back nine, but at least I can keep my swing warm on the range.” Smart move.
2025 Rates and Players Pass Value
Let’s talk cash. Tecolote Canyon Golf Course has always been one of San Diego’s cheapest public options. Even with nine holes, the prices stay friendly.
Current 9-Hole Rates (as of October 2025)
| Time | Walking | Riding |
|---|---|---|
| Weekday morning | $25 | $37 |
| Weekday afternoon | $28 | $40 |
| Weekend morning | $33 | $45 |
| Weekend afternoon | $30 | $42 |
| Twilight (after 3 p.m.) | $20 | $32 |
| Juniors (12 & under) | $10 | $22 |
| Seniors (62+, weekday before noon) | $20 | $32 |
Players Pass at Tecolote Canyon Golf Course
Short answer: Yes—if you play twice a month.
Here’s what you get:
- Free large bucket of range balls every day (normally $12)
- 30% off green fees (saves $7–$10 per round)
- 10-day booking (public gets 7 days)
- Priority tee times during peak hours
- Discounts at the snack bar (10% off drinks and hot dogs)
Let’s do the math with real numbers:
Scenario 1: Weekend walker, twice a month
- Normal cost: $33 × 2 = $66
- With Pass: $23 × 2 = $46
- Savings: $20 per month
- Plus free-range balls: another $24 value
- Total monthly value: $44+ — you break even.
Scenario 2: Weekday twilight rider, once a week
- Normal: $32 × 4 = $128
- With Pass: $22 × 4 = $88
- Savings: $40 per month — pure profit.
One member told me, “I joined in July. By September, I’d saved enough for a new driver.” That’s the kind of win we like.
9-Hole Layout and Strategy Tips at Tecolote Canyon Golf Course
The front nine at Tecolote Canyon Golf Course is a par-29, 1,520-yard loop. The canyon setting at Tecolote Canyon Golf Course makes every shot count.
Hole-by-Hole Guide for Tecolote Canyon Golf Course
- Par 3, 145 yards – Straightaway. Club down if windy.
- Par 3, 110 yards – Elevated green. Land short and let it roll.
- Par 4, 285 yards – Blind tee shot. Aim at the tall palm left of center.
- Par 3, 160 yards – Water left. Favor the right side.
- Par 4, 320 yards – Dogleg right. Lay up to 100 yards.
- Par 3, 175 yards – Canyon carry. Take one extra club.
- Par 3, 130 yards – Downhill. Trust the yardage.
- Par 4, 290 yards – Narrow fairway. The driver might hurt—try 3-wood.
- Par 4, 305 yards – Uphill finish. Add one club to your approach.
Tip: Use yellow balls—they pop against canyon walls.
Night Golf Under Lights Guide
Tecolote is one of the few courses in San Diego with full lighting until 10 p.m. every night. It’s a completely different experience after dark.
Why Night Golf Feels Better
- Temperature drops 10–15°F after sunset.
- Wind dies down around 7 p.m.—the canyon blocks the breeze.
- Pace of play speeds up—groups finish in 3 hours flat.
- Fewer players means no waiting on tees.
How to Book the Perfect Night Round
- Check tee sheet at 5 p.m. online.
- Grab a 6:30 or 7:00 p.m. slot—you’ll finish by 9:30.
- Arrive 15 minutes early—range is open for warm-up.
- Bring a light jacket—it gets chilly by hole 7.
One evening, I played at 7:15 p.m. The sky was orange, the lights flickered on, and we had the course to ourselves. Best $20 I’ve spent all month.
Glow ball bonus: The pro shop sells glow-in-the-dark balls for $5. Hit one off hole 6 at dusk—it’s like a tracer round. Kids (and adults) lose their minds.
Top 5 Alternatives During Closure
When Tecolote goes dark in November, don’t let your clubs gather dust. Here are five courses within 20 minutes that scratch the same itch.
1. Balboa Park Municipal 9-Hole
- Distance: 12 minutes
- Cost: $20 walking
- Vibe: Flat, tree-lined, perfect for walking
- Bonus: Lights until 8 p.m.
2. Mission Bay Golf Resort
- Distance: 8 minutes
- Cost: $18 twilight
- Vibe: 18-hole executive, par-58, fully lit
- Bonus: Flat as a board—great for push carts
3. Colina Park Executive Course
- Distance: 15 minutes
- Cost: $28 walking
- Vibe: Wide fairways, forgiving greens
- Bonus: Less crowded on weekdays
4. Oaks North Golf Course (27 holes)
- Distance: 18 minutes
- Cost: $35 walking
- Vibe: Mix 9, 18, or 27 holes
- Bonus: Senior discounts before noon
5. Admiral Baker Golf Course (South)
- Distance: 14 minutes
- Cost: $30 walking (military or guest)
- Vibe: Two full 18-hole layouts
- Bonus: Wide open, military-friendly
All five take online bookings. I’d start with Mission Bay if you love night golf, or Balboa if you want to walk.
History and Design Highlights
Tecolote isn’t just a golf course—it’s a San Diego hidden gem with real history.
- Opened: 1964
- Designer: Robert Trent Jones Sr. (yes, that Jones)
- Consultant: Sam Snead fine-tuned the greens
- Length: 3,061 yards, par-58 (shortest 18-hole public course in the county)
- Location: Inside Tecolote Canyon Natural Preserve—90 acres of native plants and wildlife
The course was built when Clairemont was still an orange grove. Jones carved the fairways into the canyon walls, using the natural slopes for strategy. Snead insisted on small, slick greens—still true today.
Fun fact: The name “Tecolote” means owl in Spanish. Keep an eye out—you might spot one perched in the eucalyptus trees at dusk.
Common Pain Points at Tecolote Canyon Golf Course
- Lost balls → Yellow balls + center-left aim at Tecolote Canyon Golf Course
- Dry fairways → Bump-and-run shots.
- Noise → Tee after 7:30 a.m.
- Wind → Morning or post-7 p.m.
Conclusion
If you’re in San Diego and want a quick, affordable round with canyon views and night lights, Tecolote Canyon Golf Course is still worth a swing in 2025. The nine-hole setup keeps your short game sharp, and the Players Pass more than pays for itself. While the full course takes a break for upgrades, the range and twilight play keep locals coming back. Mark your calendar for spring 2026—the grand reopening will be a hole-in-one.
FAQs About Tecolote Canyon Golf Course
- When will Tecolote Canyon Golf Course fully reopen? Tecolote Canyon Golf Course is scheduled to reopen all 18 holes in spring 2026 after the city’s $55 million sewer line project wraps up. Until then, golfers can enjoy a 9-hole layout and open driving range year-round.
- How much does it cost to play at Tecolote Canyon in 2025? As of late 2025, 9-hole rates range from $25–$33 walking or $37–$45 riding. Twilight golf after 3 p.m. costs just $20 walking, making it one of San Diego’s best-value public courses.
- Is the Player’s Pass worth the monthly cost? Yes — the Players Pass at $44.98/month pays off in just two visits. Members get free range balls daily, 30% off green fees, early tee time booking, and snack bar discounts.
- Does Tecolote Canyon offer night golf? Absolutely. Tecolote is fully lit until 10 p.m., perfect for after-work rounds or summer evenings. Cooler temps, faster play, and glowing golf balls make it a favorite among locals.
- What are the best golf courses near Tecolote during the closure? Top nearby alternatives include Mission Bay Golf Resort, Balboa Park 9-Hole, Colina Park, Oaks North, and Admiral Baker Golf Course—all within 20 minutes and offering affordable twilight rates.