Solo Weekend in San Diego (Feb 2020) - Tips and Suggestions?

KParks · January 27, 2020

Taking a long weekend with the non-golfing Mrs. in February (20 -> 23) and since we won't have the kiddo she wants spa time and so I've got the green light to golf a couple of times while we are there (so planning to go out solo).

I've already booked a tee time for Torrey South on Friday @ 10:20 am (was the only time at any point while we were there that was definitely available and figured that was a decent time to be able to warm up and still finish, ideally with a semi-decent pace?). Understand the course might not be in perfect shape after the Farmers this weekend but hopefully will be looking decent and they'll have had a chance to cut down the rough a bit by then? Also that is more on the list because I've never had the change to play it and would love to have played it myself before the US Open next year. Not really expecting it to be worth the price, but still just want to have done it at least once.

After that looking for a second round on Saturday or early on Sunday (we will probably be leaving mid afternoon Sunday to drive back up to LA). We are staying in Rancho Santa Fe and the hotel says they have arrangements with The Farms, Del Mar Country Club and Aviara (if it is anything different than what is publicly available I don't know, I suspect not) and so I've reached out to them for availability and info. At the same time, there are a ton of courses down there so I thought I'd reach out here and see if anyone had any additional tips or suggestions.

Thanks!

RobYakes · January 28, 2020

Play Maderas. It's significantly cheaper than the courses you mentioned, but a great public track with tons of bang for your buck. A Johnny Miller design, always in good shape and a fun but tough test. I think you can get on for like $75-$100.

KParks · January 28, 2020

Thanks, I've heard great things about Maderas other places as well so will definitely check it out!

RobYakes · January 28, 2020

GolfNow or TeeOff usually has deals at Maderas. Just looked at their rack rate and it's crazy ($180-$225 in the mornings). Early afternoon ($100) or via TeeOff will get you out for $75-$100 with cart.

thevaporz · February 1, 2020

Torrey 10:20am should finish no problem. Usually 5 hour rounds. They cut the rough the day after the tournament and conditions are fantastic right now. Still be prepared for some frustrating shots that disappear into the rough though. I'm not sure how short they'll cut it but anything off the fairway right now even if you and your partners see it you still won't find it!

If you have access to the Farms and Del Mar CC and willing to pay the price (no idea) I would definitely play there as a bucket list courses. Both are very highly rated. I've lived here my whole life and I've never played any privates (except Lomas Santa Fe CC).

Aviara is public and it used to be on Golfnow Hot Deals for around $150 but I don't see it available anymore. Maybe they stopped using them.

I highly recommend Maderas. Omni La Costa is a suggestion too (36 holes Champions or Legends). Golfnow or TeeOff will usually have deals.

KParks · February 4, 2020

Thanks, great info. Decided to go with the Farms as it was more reasonable than Del Mar CC. Farms they are only charging $180 plus $60 for a caddie (had to get either a forecaddie @40 or bag caddie @60), Del Mar CC was $245 plus $150 for a four-caddie (I'm guessing you could share this with your group... but I'm a single). Both places I said I was more than happy to play with people but they didn't know what would happen so I think I'll be much happier at the Farms with a caddie on the bag if I am solo.

digger71 · March 4, 2020

How did it go at the Farms?

KParks · March 4, 2020

Had a great time although the weather didn't cooperate for the front. Had some rain (actually even hail for around 5 minutes) in a weird front nine of weather as we had bands coming in and out but then it cleared up and was pretty gorgeous for the back.

Course was in very good shape (especially considering the amount of rain that fell in a few spurts while we were out there) and had a super interesting paring (a young/new LPGA tour member, and two SoCal HS golfers who were CRAZY good). Suffice it to say I was by far the biggest hacker of the four of us but still managed to hold my own and not embarrass myself too much.

Fun layout with some very memorable holes. Definitely worth the price of admission.

Sjewell94 · March 11, 2020

Out of curiosity do you mind sharing which hotel had the connections? Heard great things about the Farms and and Del Mar but just need a way to get on. Also, if you are ever back in the area and can do a drive, Rams Hill is a fantastic track. About 1.5 hours east and closes June~October but its a beautiful Fazio track.