Other than Torrey, what must play courses do you recommend in San Diego?

[Harob11]

In SD for a week and looking to play a couple rounds of golf. Can anyone recommend a few must play courses other than Torrey?

 

Thanks!

[Chilidog]

Maderas and Aviara (Carlsbad) are the other two I would recommend. If you stay the Grand in Del Mar, you can play the course there as well which is outstanding. If you want views but very average golf, Coronado would be an option. Barona Creek would be an option if you want some casino time as well. Maderas and Aviara would be the first two after Torrey for me unless you stay at the Grand.

[Harob11]

Great man I appreciate it!

[gggpcc]

Torrey South was phenomenal when I was there 2 weeks ago. Also played The Bridges which was awesome. The Pro recommended Coronado as well. Pretty cheap too he said.

[traderjason]

For cheap, I prefer Balboa or Mt. Woodson (which is a drive to Ramona). Both very fun, shorter layouts but still challenging and nice views/scenery. For medium price, Steele Canyon. For expensive, try to get Maderas on Golfnow.

[JumboJack]

Coronado...

[Twitch12]

Aviara is phenomenal, they have a LPGA event there. San Diego has a pretty weak selection of courses considering the population and proximity to the major OEM's.

[Clambake]

[quote name='Twitch12' timestamp='1431921417' post='11576942']San Diego has a pretty week selection of courses considering the population and proximity to the major OEM's.[/quote]

Given the cost of trying to build a course anywhere near coastal lands, it's amazing we have any decent courses at all. By the time you factor in the extremely high cost of land, scarcity of water, oppressive building regulations, and the iron fist of the Coastal Commission, it is nearly impossible to build anything that isn't going to cost $400+ a round just for the course to break even. The Crossings in Carlsbad was the last new course built and cost over $45 million to build, took over 20 years to get completed, loses a few million $ per year, and is a very mediocre and quirky design as a result of the many compromises needed to appease the many legal challenges. We in San Diego are blessed with the best weather and the worst golf course business environment in the country.

[andrew_m]

I like Encinitas Ranch and Maderas. Encinitas is in a very nice area with a fun, easier layout, and Maderas offers a really upscale, semi-private experience. I think you'll be missing out if you don't at least check out Encinitas Ranch!

[PutterKilledTheDream]

[quote name='Clambake' timestamp='1431928448' post='11577204']
[quote name='Twitch12' timestamp='1431921417' post='11576942']San Diego has a pretty week selection of courses considering the population and proximity to the major OEM's.[/quote]

Given the cost of trying to build a course anywhere near coastal lands, it's amazing we have any decent courses at all. By the time you factor in the extremely high cost of land, scarcity of water, oppressive building regulations, and the iron fist of the Coastal Commission, it is nearly impossible to build anything that isn't going to cost $400+ a round just for the course to break even. The Crossings in Carlsbad was the last new course built and cost over $45 million to build, took over 20 years to get completed, loses a few million $ per year, and is a very mediocre and quirky design as a result of the many compromises needed to appease the many legal challenges. We in San Diego are blessed with the best weather and the worst golf course business environment in the country.
[/quote]
So true, nailed it.

[59Mr.59]

Really enjoyed Maderas and Balboa Park in addition to Torrey South. Balboa has the public feel whereas Maderas feels mort resort-like. Maderas is also a Johnny Miller design so you have to hit it semi-straight for it to be enjoyable I think.

[PutterKilledTheDream]

BajaMar? Margi's and shrimp tacos?

[AZGolfer1969]

[quote name='Clambake' timestamp='1431928448' post='11577204']
[quote name='Twitch12' timestamp='1431921417' post='11576942']San Diego has a pretty week selection of courses considering the population and proximity to the major OEM's.[/quote]

Given the cost of trying to build a course anywhere near coastal lands, it's amazing we have any decent courses at all. By the time you factor in the extremely high cost of land, scarcity of water, oppressive building regulations, and the iron fist of the Coastal Commission, it is nearly impossible to build anything that isn't going to cost $400+ a round just for the course to break even. The Crossings in Carlsbad was the last new course built and cost over $45 million to build, took over 20 years to get completed, loses a few million $ per year, and is a very mediocre and quirky design as a result of the many compromises needed to appease the many legal challenges. We in San Diego are blessed with the best weather and the worst golf course business environment in the country.
[/quote]

Best breakdown of San Diego golf on here. My buddy in Orange County drove me down to The Crossings and said it was a great course. I have never laughed so hard about this tricked up course and told him to never book this place again. Pretty bad when the best you can say about a course is the planes and constant buzzing of the power lines isn't as distracting as you think. Then I heard the financials of it.. thanks taxpayers

[sabram]

I'm surprised no one has suggested Barona Creek. One of the best courses in SoCal. Lots of room off the tee, plays firm and fast, great strategic bunkering and interesting greens.

 

Barona Creek pix - https://flic.kr/s/aHsk288j51

 

Barona Creek #12 h approach P1050807 (2)

[PepsiDuck]

I'll be in San Diego tomorrow morning...planning on playing Coronado, unless something better pops up on Golfnow...

[rlonergan]

I thought Balboa was a cool old track.

[ryanmn4]

[quote name='rlonergan' timestamp='1432065039' post='11588054']
I thought Balboa was a cool old track.
[/quote]Balboa does have some cool holes, especially on the back nine. I enjoyed it

[JLo_73]

Maderas and Barona Creek. Been a few years but really enjoyed both!

[PutterKilledTheDream]

[quote name='ryanmn4' timestamp='1432297095' post='11607190']
[quote name='rlonergan' timestamp='1432065039' post='11588054']
I thought Balboa was a cool old track.
[/quote]Balboa does have some cool holes, especially on the back nine. I enjoyed it
[/quote]
Balboa has improved more in the last year than any other track in the city. Fairways and greens are really good these days, with the addition of the new cart path and the holes with new tee boxes. Yes a short, old-school course, but I enjoy playing there over Torrey North. I love how you get to work through the bag off the tee. I've never seen anyone go real low there despite the yardage on the card. Deceivingly more difficult than it looks on paper and the city am scores to prove that.