Boys golf trip-flying into San Diego. UPDATE

[dano632]

Sorry to hijack, but what time would a guy have to leave Del Mar to get to Balboa Park for a 730 am tee time?

[stevoleB]

I don't live there, but google maps has it taking 26 minutes at 3 am, so if it is a work day, then I would give yourself 45-an hour to be safe.

[forecast6236]

Thanks for all the great info guys as I'm headed to the SD area March 5. Just called Torrey, on the South holes 1 and 2 will be closed and they're chopping 2 of the par 5s into par 3s with temp greens followed by par 4s. Only reduction in rate is for the cost of the cart. I've played the South before so I'll be skipping it this time around which leaves me open but I don't have any hookups for private clubs. I've played Maderas which I thought was just ok and really enjoy Balboa and Coronado. I'll probably just stick to those considering how cheap they are unless anyone can recommend some public must plays under $150?

[rangersgoalie]

I don't live there, but google maps has it taking 26 minutes at 3 am, so if it is a work day, then I would give yourself 45-an hour to be safe.

 

The traffic can get pretty dicey.....and the range is at best, a warm up range.

Someone told me the breakfast is ok at Balboa, so leave plenty of time and have breakfast somewhere.

[Jcard]

Thanks for all the great info guys as I'm headed to the SD area March 5. Just called Torrey, on the South holes 1 and 2 will be closed and they're chopping 2 of the par 5s into par 3s with temp greens followed by par 4s. Only reduction in rate is for the cost of the cart. I've played the South before so I'll be skipping it this time around which leaves me open but I don't have any hookups for private clubs. I've played Maderas which I thought was just ok and really enjoy Balboa and Coronado. I'll probably just stick to those considering how cheap they are unless anyone can recommend some public must plays under $150?

 

Do you know when this starts? I'm supposed to be playing the south on the 5th of Feb, basically wondering if I should switch to the north if possible. Thanks for your help

[Zac1321]

I tried doing some research on this because i never connected the dots that the renovations were coming up so soon. the city website says 18/19 of February. based on what ive read sounds like the course wont be fully opened without any temporary greens etc for at least a year

[Jcard]

Yeah I saw a city site and an article that said mid to late February. Also saw one that stated as early as the 9th. I'm assuming I'll be okay on the 5th even though it is close.

[thevaporz]

Del Mar to Balboa maybe around an hour at that time. You'll be heading right into rush hour traffic downtown for a weekday work commute and airport traffic. Tobey's cafe is great for breakfast plus the view on the patio overlooking 18 green and skyline is outstanding. The greens are in fantastic shape right now too.

[thevaporz]

Thanks for all the great info guys as I'm headed to the SD area March 5. Just called Torrey, on the South holes 1 and 2 will be closed and they're chopping 2 of the par 5s into par 3s with temp greens followed by par 4s. Only reduction in rate is for the cost of the cart. I've played the South before so I'll be skipping it this time around which leaves me open but I don't have any hookups for private clubs. I've played Maderas which I thought was just ok and really enjoy Balboa and Coronado. I'll probably just stick to those considering how cheap they are unless anyone can recommend some public must plays under $150?

 

Depends how much driving you're willing to do. All of these on Golfnow Hof Deals Aviara ~$180, La Costa ~$60, Steele Canyon ~$60, Sycuan Willow Glen or Oak Glen courses ~$50, all around half hour drive from airport. Rams Hill ~$100 two hour drive through switchback two lane highway. Might wanna stay there overnight. Check underpar.com for specials in the area too. Also greenskeeper.org for aerification alerts.

[dano632]

Just got back from SD...thank you to those who gave advice!!

 

Played The Crossings at Carlsbad on Monday...interesting course, was in decent shape, staff was phenomenal.

 

Played Balboa Park Tues..what a trip!! Greens were great, fun layout, 4:15 round. I especially liked the clubhouse!

[thevaporz]

Balboa celebrating its 100th anniversary this spring. Love this course. There was a proposal a few years ago to redesign the range and add a new building/restaurant/reception area and new parking lot but it all fell through after Torrey North got the redesign and US Open 2021. They can't touch the original clubhouse building, historic property.

 

The range sucks at Balboa though. It's slanted and they got cheaper mats that don't even have rubber tees for hitting driver, you have use broken wood tees or short ones.

 

The 9 hole course is fun too if you're short on time.

[stevoleB]

So it looks like we got our itinerary set for our trip.

 

Day 1 - Arrive at noon - Rancho Santa Fe GC at 1:45 pm

Day 2 - Goat Hill Park early am, - lunch- The Bridges at Rancho Santa fe afternoon.

Day 3 - Aviara

Day 4 - San Diego GC

 

*We skipped Torrey as 2 of us already played both courses and the other two did not care to play the North course as the South was closed.

 

Fly home to hopefully Spring like weather.

 

Thank you all for all your tips and help!

 

Can't wait for this one!!

[tw422]

Was just a few trip advisor reviews I read. Said starter claims 5 hour is standard pace of play.

 

POP in SoCal at public courses is always going to be 5 to 6 hr range. I moved here from East Coast 3 yrs ago and have rarely finished a round in under 5 hours. 5-6 hrs is typical. Too many people and not enough good public courses.

[stevoleB]

Was just a few trip advisor reviews I read. Said starter claims 5 hour is standard pace of play.

 

POP in SoCal at public courses is always going to be 5 to 6 hr range. I moved her from East Coast 3 yrs ago and have rarely finished a round in under 5 hours. 5-6 hrs is typical. Too many people and not enough good public courses.

 

Hence 3 out of the 5 courses we will be playing are private. I read that as well.

[stevoleB]

So the trip was a huge success. Thank you to all for the suggestions and help.

 

In the end we played

Rancho Santa Fe GC - Was a good track, conditions were good. Greens great. Course not overly memorable, but a fair test.

The Bridges at Santa Fe - Great track, a lot of fun and in great shape. quite the place and lots of $$ there!

La Costa - Was really shocked at how rough of shape the place was. Nothing exciting about the course. We were supposed to play Aviara on the Monday after the event, but being the only comp'd group on a packed green fee tee sheet, I understand why they couldn't do it.

Goat Hill Park - So much fun and so glad we played it! Greens were mint, the rest rough but that is what we expected. some tough shots actually. For $18 with cart at 4 pm, can't beat that deal!

Last round at San Diego GC - Nice old school feel and was in great shape. Super laid back atmosphere as well for a private club.

 

We stayed in Oceanside which was Awesome! Ate at Urge, and LTH.

 

So many courses to try next time!

 

[enfuego]

Cool to hear you enjoyed Goat and found Urge and LTH. La Costa apparently has grass that struggles part of the year, hopefully you got comp'd or found a hot deal for the rough shape it was in. We had a ton of rain in march (not normal) and most places are in great shape.