Mt. Woodson Golf Club
Mt. Woodson Golf Club offers an 18-hole journey through rugged mountain and desert terrain near Ramona, California. Known for dramatic elevation changes and strategic gaps, it challenges golfers of all levels with natural hazards and panoramic views that create a memorable and engaging round.
Course Overview
Mt. Woodson Golf Club in Ramona, California, presents an invigorating round amid rugged terrain and striking vistas that captivate both the eye and the challenge seeker’s heart. This 18-hole public layout tests a variety of shots with its unique topography, where elevation shifts and desert-hued valleys create a dynamic playing field. From tee to green, golfers encounter a course shaped by nature’s forces, offering a blend of mountain and desert golf that demands precision and strategy.
The course’s winding corridors pass through rolling hills and grass-lined fairways, inviting players to think carefully about club selection and shot placement. More than half the holes require carrying the ball over dips and gaps, moments that reward confidence and skill with exhilarating success. The best players will find Mt. Woodson’s hazards—steep runs, hidden bunkers, and unpredictable wind currents—to be an engaging test of course management, while less experienced golfers can enjoy the varied tee boxes and approachable layout that accommodate multiple skill levels.
Its conditioning reflects a dedicated commitment to quality, with firm but fair greens that respond true to skilled putts, even after aeration periods that may slightly slow pace. The absence of a traditional driving range is offset by a practice net and a chipping and putting area, ensuring players have spots to tune up before stepping onto the course.
Surrounding the course, the natural landscape of the San Diego backcountry creates a striking backdrop without overwhelming the round, allowing golfers to feel the solitude and openness distinct from coastal or urban courses. Friendly staff and an inviting atmosphere add to the experience, making Mt. Woodson a highly recommended destination for golfers traveling through Southern California.
Precautions such as watching for rattlesnakes emphasize the rawness of the environment, enhancing the sense of adventure. With a moderate length that allows for a range of shot choices yet demands respect for its angles and terrain, Mt. Woodson rewards attentiveness and poise. Planning a visit here means being ready for a memorable game where the landscape itself invites engagement and thoughtful play.
Course Highlights
Mt. Woodson stands out with elevation-driven design that covers mountainous areas and desert valleys. The course demands accuracy on numerous blind shots and carries over deep gaps, offering a high risk-reward dynamic. Despite some uneven tee boxes and bunkers with limited sand, the consistently true greens and natural landscape create a distinct golfing experience unlike many in Southern California. The lack of a traditional driving range is mitigated by available practice nets and a short game area, while panoramic views of the Ramona backcountry frame the round.
Frequently Asked Questions
Guest Reviews
Kristian Alexander
Woodson is one of my all time favorite courses because it is challenging, surrounded by beautiful views and has a very unique layout. Backstory: about ten years ago when I started learning to golf, Woodson was my first legit course that I played. I’m returning back all these years later and had a good time with this bucket list course. As far as San Diego courses go, Woodson has a variety of terrains to play from: moments of steep mountainous areas, desert terrain, hilly grass fairways, and tons of valley gaps that you have to hit strategically over. The valleys: at least half of the holes have a moment where you’re hitting over a gap somewhere - and if you hit your shot on the right line and the right shape / distance, you will feel like an absolute hero. That’s the thing I love about Woodson. It’s high risk high reward. The next thing is the course length: from the whites, you can easily go OB long, and from the blues you have a bit more room to play. But overall this isn’t a super long course and you need to be careful :) Overall, if you haven’t played it before and you’re a decently experienced golfer, I highly recommend you try this place at least once
Brent Thompson
Mt. Woodson NEVER disappoints. The facilities are clean, and the staff is friendly. Though the course isn't long, you'd better know your clubs' distances. Elevated tees, many of them require clean shots over brush, trees & rocks make this course special.
Jeffrey Buetow
Challenging golf coures. Excellent condition and has a Great staff.
Max K
This course is so awesome. I came to San Diego for a 3 day golf trip with a friend and was recommended to play here and I’m so glad we did! It had amazing views, it was challenging, and was just overall a fun course. We also got paired with a couple of other people who made the experience even better. Absolutely will come back here when I’m in the area!
E. Davis
PLAYED 14MAY2025 - Played while visiting San Diego. Grateful to have been partnered with a couple of locals who knew the course as this was my first time playing. The course was in great shape although the greens were a little slow due to recent aeration, which I didn't notice. Overall the course isn't long but the elevation changes, blind shots, and hidden hazards require the use of every club in your bag. The views are amazing. The staff was friendly. I'll definitely return.
Ovell Scott III
Played course on 15 July 2024. Course is amazing with one of the best lay outs I have ever played. Elevation challenges on just about every single hole. The course is well maintained with the exception of some tee boxes that are uneven and there being no sand in the bunkers to actually execute bunker shots. The greens roll true and can be fast. The staff is very friendly and they also offer military discount. They also have practice facilities although I did not see an actual driving range. There were a few mats where you could hit into a net. I will definitely be back to this course in the future and recommend it to all golfers, you will have a blast! Watch out for the rattlesnakes, you can't see them but you can hear them.
M N
Great course! Lots of beautiful scenery, rolling fairways , and challenging greens. Staff was very friendly and welcoming.
Jaryd Horsley
allen smith
Got my 1st and only hole in one on hole #3 was in a daze for the rest of the round and can only remember it was very gorgeous
Paul Nguyen (Dukie Travels)
This was our first course that we played on our 4 day golf trip. Oh man what a way to start the trip. 10 day advance booking, no booking fees, and getting a tee time was pretty easy. This course has amazing views, condition was great, challenging design, and super fun. It's a great price for what you get $85 w/cart on a Friday morning. A little bit of a drive to get to but it's worth it. They don't have a driving range, but they do have a net you can hit into. $5 for a bucket of balls. Chipping and putting area are also available. Staff was super friendly. We had a blast playing here and I would do it again. I need redemption because this course wrecked me. Our next course was Reidy Creek.
Book Your Round
Experience one of golf's most legendary courses
Direct booking • No commissions
Course Details
Access & Location
16422 N Woodson Dr, Ramona, CA 92065, USA
Mt. Woodson Golf Club Clubhouse
Walking is permitted and encouraged, though the terrain features steep elevation changes. Good golf shoes with grip are advisable.
Open to the public with tee times available online or by phone; advance booking recommended on weekends.
Nearby Courses
