Sycuan Golf Resort in El Cajon, California offers scenic mountain views east of San Diego

Located in the Dehesa Valley only 20 minutes east of San Diego International Airport, Sycuan Golf Resort is the only golf resort in San Diego that offers three 18-hole courses.

The courses sprawl across nearly 425 acres of gently rolling hills covered with native wildflowers, and boast scenic views of the surrounding mountains. All 54 holes were originally designed by Cecil Holingsworth, but Ted Robinson redesigned the courses in 1980.

There are two championship courses, Willow Glen and Oak Glen, and one par 3, Pine Glen.

The Sweetwater River runs alongside Sycuan's Willow Glen Course, coming into play on some holes while also providing dramatic scenery. The layout features several tricky dogleg holes as well as narrow fairways and strategically placed bunkers.

Golf Advisor review Rbelbin gave Willow Glen five stars in his review, writing: "This was our first time playing the Willow course at Sycuan. This course is a little more difficult than the Oak, has more hazards and more hills. The greens here are the best in San Diego, maybe outside of Torrey Pines."

The other championship course, Oak Glen, is just as challenging, with narrow fairways and tricky, rolling greens. It also boasts one of the best golf holes in the San Diego area: the intimidating but scenic fifth. This par 4 demands an accurate drive across the river.

In his four-star review of Oak Glen, u1930509119 wrote: "The greens are fabulously receptive and overall in great shape. Tee to green also in nice shape."

Sycuan Golf Resort's Pine Glen Course is a different -- but still challenging -- change of pace from the championship courses. Many locals consider it to be the best executive course in this area of southern California.

In his review of Pine Glen, u000005039169 wrote: "With my wife just starting to play golf back in October this is a perfect course for her. I think it's a great course to work on my short game and my long irons.