Best public course between San Diego and Rams Hill

[BirdieRoll]

I'm looking at making a trip next spring to the San Diego area. If leaving downtown SD for Rams Hill, is Maderas, Barona, or another course the best option to play on the way?

 

I'm looking for a nice public course that's pretty much right on the way to RH as it'd be an afternoon round and I'm guessing the drive in the dark towards Borrego Springs is desolate to say the least.

 

Also, any nice but affordable lodging options near RH? Looking to spend my money on the golf so something affordable (<$200 a night) is preferred.

 

Thanks in advance.

[Zac1321]

both barona or maderas CAN be on the way with detours, maderas more so than barona. Mt woodson is right on the way and is a decent option as well. one of those would be your best bet on the way out there

[MikekiM]

Can always detour to Journey at Pechanga in Temecula or Cross Creek in Temecula.

[bradski]

> @Zac1321 said:

> both barona or maderas CAN be on the way with detours, maderas more so than barona. Mt woodson is right on the way and is a decent option as well. one of those would be your best bet on the way out there

 

Ditto, there really aren't any other options that are near this level without driving an hour out of the way. Aviara is not a terrible option also but add's a solid 30 minutes or more. The possible routes are in Yellow. Pechanga is over an hour out of the way.

 

[bradski]

**regarding lodging, ** You can search for places in Borrego springs which there are maybe 3 good ones and then some sketchy places. you likely want to drive back a little bit that night. Also that town Julian that is 2/3rds of the way there is known for it's many apple pies and shops. i would highly reccomend stopping for a bite. It does close early most nights.

 

 

I would consider staying at Barona and driving the hour back. Barona resort is a casino property that has a buffet, nice steak house, and good italian restaurant. would be a great place to eat, sleep, play a few hands, and the practice facility is top notch.

[Zac1321]

> @MikekiM said:

> Can always detour to Journey at Pechanga in Temecula or Cross Creek in Temecula.

 

good choices but significantly out of the way

 

> @bradski said:

> **regarding lodging, ** You can search for places in Borrego springs which there are maybe 3 good ones and then some sketchy places. you likely want to drive back a little bit that night. Also that town Julian that is 2/3rds of the way there is known for it's many apple pies and shops. i would highly reccomend stopping for a bite. It does close early most nights.

>

>

> I would consider staying at Barona and driving the hour back. Barona resort is a casino property that has a buffet, nice steak house, and good italian restaurant. would be a great place to eat, sleep, play a few hands, and the practice facility is top notch.

 

Another option, i think borrego springs resort does a decent stay and play package. Idk if any others agree but ive found that course and De Anza country club great values and if youre going to be in borrego springs anyways they arent bad options compared to cost and availability of some of the other higher end publics in the greater san diego area

[Sparky14]

My family has stayed at the Borrego Springs Resort. It was a nice place, not too fancy and not too expensive. However, don't worry about the stay and play deals, as the Resort course is not open this season (and may not survive). I'd only played there once two or three Decembers ago, and it was the nicest conditions I'd ever seen on a golf course. Absolutely perfect grass everywhere - greens, fairway, rough all like a perfect green carpet. I was very sad to hear the course was not opening this season. De Anza is still a nice course, but I was ready for another BS Resort and Rams Hill day.

[Zac1321]

> @Sparky14 said:

> My family has stayed at the Borrego Springs Resort. It was a nice place, not too fancy and not too expensive. However, don't worry about the stay and play deals, as the Resort course is not open this season (and may not survive). I'd only played there once two or three Decembers ago, and it was the nicest conditions I'd ever seen on a golf course. Absolutely perfect grass everywhere - greens, fairway, rough all like a perfect green carpet. I was very sad to hear the course was not opening this season. De Anza is still a nice course, but I was ready for another BS Resort and Rams Hill day.

 

damn that sucks i didnt know that. i was of the same opinion as well, incredible conditions for a very good price, i loved the short par 4 on the back 9 over the water, so much fun to hit a few balls on it trying to go for the green from the tee

[TinkerGolfMan]

[PutterKilledTheDream]

Was just out there last week; course in stunning condition as usual. Best lodging option is 5 minutes down the hill from Rams at Casa Del Zoro. Very nice cozy little resort; good food, drinks and they’ll even shuttle you to your tee time.

 

[Socrates]

I think they might have been confused because the golf course closes during the hot season. They don't bother with trying to keep it going when it's 120º F outside. Once it cools down a little they get it back up and running. Saves a bunch of $$ and water.

[Sparky14]

PutterKilled is talking about Rams Hill. It is open this season and fantastic as usual. De Anza CC is open as usual.

Borrego Springs Resort golf course did not open for the 2019-2020 season following the 2019 summer shutdown. Whether the course ever returns is uncertain.