By Alex Cheney / CBS8 / February 25, 2026
The City of San Diego is actively searching for a new management company to operate the temporarily closed Tecolote Canyon Golf Course, a beloved community asset that has served local golfers for decades.
A trunk sewer line construction project forced the closure of the course, which cuts through the property and has rendered multiple holes unplayable. Construction equipment now occupies the fairways where golfers once played their rounds.
American Golf had managed the course for the last three decades before its lease expired. The city viewed the expiration as an opportunity to close that chapter and pursue a new operating plan.
“American Golf was on an expired lease, so it was the natural time to close out that former chapter, look toward the future investment of the course, and look toward a new operating and management plan,” said Jim Mandler with the City of San Diego.
The city launched a request for proposals on Friday and will host tours of the course for potential operators on March 23 and 24.
“So we just launched a request for proposals, an RFP, it’s on the city website, it launched on Friday,” Mandler said.
The city seeks a new operator willing to invest significantly in renovations, including upgraded greens, bunkers, a new irrigation system, an expanded driving range, clubhouse and restaurant.
“…We think there’s a lot of upside potential for the offering,” Mandler said.
The 18-hole executive course, situated in a canyon near Clairemont, Bay Park and Linda Vista, has established itself as one of the most affordable public courses in the region at $50 per round. This affordability has made it a favorite among local golfers who appreciate its unpretentious character and challenging short game opportunities.
The sewer construction project will conclude in the summer, allowing the course to reopen shortly thereafter. The city will review all proposals by the April 14 deadline, and the City Council must vote on final approval before a new operator can assume management of the course.
