Singing Hills Golf Club at Sycuan is turning 70, and what a journey it’s been. Nestled in the scenic Dehesa Valley east of San Diego, this historic golf destination has grown from its humble beginnings into one of Southern California’s premier spots for golf, community, and sport.
“Celebrating 70 years reminds us how far Singing Hills has come, and we’re proud to continue shaping its future for our guests and community,” said Cody Martinez, Sycuan Tribal Chairman. His words capture the pride and persistence behind seven decades of history, challenges, and accomplishments.
The story of Singing Hills begins in 1956, when UCLA coach and course designer Cecil Hollingsworth recognized the natural beauty of the “singing hills” and, with his partners, opened the first course, Oak Glen. Over the years, the club expanded into a full 54-hole destination with Pine and Willow Glen, giving golfers of all levels plenty of space to play.
The club has had its share of dramatic moments. In 1979, a massive winter flood devastated much of the course, forcing a complete redesign. California golf architect Ted Robinson Sr. took on the challenge, and the course reopened with renewed strength, ensuring that the legacy of the “singing hills” would endure.
Another turning point came in 2001, when the Sycuan Band of the Kumeyaay Nation acquired the club. Their leadership transformed Singing Hills into a modern, award-winning destination while staying true to its roots. Among the recent upgrades are the remodeled Red Tail Bar & Grill, recognition as Best Golf Club, and, in 2023, development of the official training center for San Diego FC and the Right to Dream Academy, right next to the course.
To mark the milestone, the award-winning golf shop is offering a limited-edition 70th-anniversary golf ball and ball marker in April, giving visitors a small but lasting way to celebrate the club’s history.
Singing Hills is also celebrating its 70th anniversary with a special culinary initiative at Red Tail Bar & Grill. Starting in May, the restaurant will feature a rotating menu highlighting classic dishes from each decade of the club’s history. Called Red Tail Rewind: 70 Years of Flavor, each month’s dish will be inspired by a different era, giving guests a delicious trip through time with vintage favorites and reimagined icons. This seven-month culinary celebration invites everyone to taste the decades, one bite at a time.
“From surviving the flood in 1979 to redesigning the golf club and bringing San Diego’s first professional soccer team, we want to thank everyone—the community, partners, and employees—who have supported us along the way,” Martinez said. His thanks highlight the club’s ongoing partnership with the community, emphasizing that Singing Hills is as much about people as it is about the game.
Singing Hills Golf Club sits just a short drive from Sycuan Casino Resort, another local landmark that has grown dramatically since opening as a bingo hall in 1983. Today, the resort includes a 12-story luxury hotel, multiple dining options, a full-service spa, fitness center, state-of-the-art pool area, and an expanded casino floor with thousands of gaming options. The proximity of the resort and the golf club makes the area a hub for both recreation and hospitality in San Diego.
After seven decades of fairways, floods, redesigns, and championships, Singing Hills Golf Club at Sycuan continues to celebrate its past while looking forward to the future. Whether you’re swinging a club, exploring the training center, or enjoying the culinary trip through time at Red Tail, there’s a lot to admire—and a lot to celebrate.
For more information, visit www.SingingHillsGolfClub.com
