7 Reasons to Attend the Kia Classic LPGA Golf Tournament in Carlsbad

The Kia Classic showcases 144 of the best LPGA players who compete for a prize of $1.8 million at the stunning Aviara Golf Club in Carlsbad. Having been to the family-friendly Kia Classic tournament, I can’t say how much I’d like you to consider attending, especially since that week is spring break for many San Diego schools.

The odds are that the tournament days will be blessed with bright blue skies and shorts weather, making it a perfect way to spend a day outside.

1. FREE Admission for Kids and Military

Kids ages 17 and under receive free Grounds Admission as do all Military personnel with Military ID and their family.

Kia Classic tickets otherwise start at $20 for Grounds Admission, but there are other options like. Parking is onsite at Aviara Golf Course in a General Parking Lot (7447 Batiquitos Drive, Carlsbad).

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2. Special Events 

The Kia Classic runs from March 25 – 31, and while any of these days are fantastic to attend, there are a few you might want to mark on your calendar.

• March 28: Women’s Leadership Day
• March 29: Military Appreciation Day
• March 30: Family Day/Junior Clinic
• March 31: Final Round/Trophy Presentation

The Kia Classic Junior Clinic will be held on Saturday, March 30th at 3 p.m. on the driving range. It’s open to kids of all ages and makes for a great family day, especially as children ages 17 and under receive free admission into the tournament all week.

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3. You Can Bring the Family

Yes, you should absolutely bring your kids to this golf tournament in particular. The LPGA is known for being a bit more casual and kid-friendly.

While at the Kia Classic, I saw many father-daughter pairs, mother-son duos and entire families engrossed in the action. Some kids were golf enthusiasts and decked out in their best gear. Others toddled down small grassy hills, just happy to be out with the family, and likely inspired by these fantastic women athletes (even if they’re a bit too young to realize it yet). 

This is a perfect chance to hopefully pique interest in a sport that one can enjoy over a lifetime, especially at the Junior Clinic.

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4. It’s an Awesome Outdoor Activity

Aviara Golf Club’s championship Arnold Palmer 18-hole and par-72 coastal layout course stretches 7,007 yards and is uniquely sculpted through rolling hillsides, native wildflowers, and picturesque ponds. It’s hard to feel stressed out there.

Skip the gym and log some steps while following favorite players along the course. Or, stay at one hole and watch multiple players pass through. How you enjoy your time outside is up to you.

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5. You Can Cheer on a Local

Carlsbad native Alana Uriell will play in the Kia Classic for the first time this year. Aviara is her home course, and while she’s played it more times than she can count she’s not resting on her laurels. “If you’re looking for a really good course to challenge your skills, it’s going to be this one,” she says.

Attending tournaments like the Kia Classic, inspired Alana to play golf professionally. “My mom used to take me to events that went on here (Aviara Golf Club), La Costa and Torrey Pines for just women,” she says. Even at a young age, the fact that many LPGA players took the time to interact with fans by signing autographs and drawing pictures for kids wasn’t lost on her. With the LPGA she says, “You can be so chill and awesome and play amazing golf.” And, that’s what she does now.

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6. This Is World-Class Golf

Aviara Golf Club has been named by Golf Digest and Golf Magazine as one of the top resort golf courses in America, and the #1 golf resort in San Diego by the readers of Condé Nast Traveler. 

The spectacular course sports lagoon views and a location in front of Park Hyatt Aviara and Four Seasons Residence Club Aviara, North San Diego—two of my favorite San Diego hotels. Why not spend the night, too?

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7. You’ll Unplug 

Cameras and tablets are not permitted inside the tournament and phones need to be silenced. I had media credentials to document my morning, but it’s refreshing that you can’t snap photos, take phone calls (outside of the main areas) and yield to other distractions brought on by digital devices. Your full attention will and should be on the players in action.

Plus, I’ve been reading so many studies about how your brain needs to unplug. Why not try it here?

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Put the Kia Classic on your spring break to-do list. Have you been?

*Written in partnership with Kia Classic