At The Welk in Escondido, a golf vacation with kids becomes something more.

Why are you packing my golf bag?” my six-year-old daughter, Lottie, asked as I loaded her purple bag and golf clubs into the trunk of our car.

“We’re taking a golf trip for Uncle Michael’s 40th birthday!” I exclaimed, really selling the idea.

“Ugh,” she said. “Do we have to?”

I had been expecting that response, and my rebuttal explained that we were going to a resort called The Welk, and it also had pools, waterslides and tons of other activities. Better yet, her cousin, Brooklyn, was also bringing her golf gear.

She tilted her head, now curious. “That sounds fun,” she said.

“It will be,” I replied. Now all I had to do was deliver.

A RESORT WITH HOLLYWOOD HISTORY

From Studio City, it was a breezy two-hour drive to The Welk, just outside Escondido. The resort covers 450 acres and is nestled in a valley, surrounded by craggy, brush-covered mountains. It feels remote and secluded, allowing guests to unplug. It’s a quality that ties back to its origins.

In 1964, Lawrence Welk, the bandleader and host of the TV program The Lawrence Welk Show, was looking to invest in property somewhere in Southern California. His sights were set on an orange grove, but he stumbled upon a swath of undeveloped land that had a small motel, a mobile home community and a nine-hole golf course.

He bought it and with a bit of faith — and showmanship, filming an episode of his show on site to introduce it as a vacation destination — developed the land into the resort it is today.

With 714 condo-like accommodations that range from one- to three-bedrooms, families — or even groups of families — won’t have trouble finding the right configuration for their party. All units come with a fully equipped kitchen and there are gas grills in communal spaces. Many guests bring their own groceries, but the resort’s restaurant, Canyon Grille, also offers room delivery and dine-in.

The official name is the Hyatt Vacation Club at The Welk, operating primarily as a timeshare resort, but it’s also open to the public.

GOLF FOR ALL AGES

My brother and I wasted no time getting our daughters onto The Welk’s par-3 course, The Oaks. It was their first time on a real course, after having taken lessons, and they were curious and excited.

We took them for a super twilight tee time, which gave us the space to play at the girls’ speed. With their bags over their shoulders, they strolled under old-growth trees to the tee box, and proudly planted their bags on the ground. When we pointed out the first flag, about a hundred yards away, my niece, Brooklyn, said, “That’s the hole? Way over there?” with a mix of shock and glee.

Brooklyn and Lottie teed off, eventually making it to the green and sinking their very first putts. We cheered them on, and while they only lasted a few holes, we left having had fun.

The Oaks also hosts footgolf and disc golf, and while we played, there were others kicking soccer balls and flinging frisbees. It didn’t feel crowded, but there was a lively energy to the course.

For more experienced golfers, The Fountains is an 18-hole, par-62 course. It evolved from the original nine-hole course that Welk purchased, and this is where Michael and I played, twice over the next two days, along with our dad.

While it’s just under 4,000 yards, don’t be fooled by its “executive” label. Precision is needed to navigate the narrow fairways and avoid the bunkers, water hazards and giant boulders. Elevation changes keep things interesting; my favorite hole was No. 9, where the tee box is set among trees above the fairway, with a forced carry over shrubs and plants.

It’s a great course for couples — we saw several out there — and a golfer we were paired with told me The Fountains is where his wife learned to play. For the average golfer, like me, and seniors, like my dad, it’s a nice mix of playability and difficulty. More experienced golfers might find it on the easier side, but the scenery and opportunity to work on the short game makes it a pleasure.

Mike Cross, director of golf operations at The Welk, warns golfers of all levels to look out for “Welk’s Revenge,” his nickname for holes 13, 14 and 15. According to Cross, these are the hardest par 3s on the course.

“If you can come out of those three holes even par, you are playing good golf,” Cross said.

FAMILY ACTIVITIES

With the golf experience over, we spent the majority of our trip at the pool, of which there are eight. There are also five recreation centers that offer a mix of pools, waterslides, splash pads, an arcade, ping-pong, crafts, board games and more.

Lottie especially enjoyed the Mountain Springs Recreation Center, added in 2025, which features a giant pool, two spas and cabana rentals. The 120-foot waterslide was the real draw for her, though, and she rode the slide over and over.

The Welk also offers basketball, tennis, pickleball and volleyball; as well as a theater for movies and live music.

When we checked out, Lottie dragged her feet to the car. Our first golf vacation was a success, though maybe calling it that was my first mistake. Next time I’ll just call it a “vacation,” with some golf sprinkled in.