Maderas Golf Club-Poway CA

kchiefsfan · July 15, 2012

I wanted to take a minute to tell those who would like to know about my experience at Maderas Golf Club in Poway CA. We recently took our vacation this year to the San Diego area and after posting the question on where to play in this area, I had decided that one of my courses would me Maderas in Poway which is about a 30 minute drive from San Diego. Let me first say, had I known what an experience this was going to be, I would have been more than happy to drive 3 hours to this course. To begin with, I had called and set up my tee time a few weeks in advance and every time I needed to call everyone was a pleasure to talk to and very helpful. When I called the day prior to my tee time, I was the only one scheduled at that time so they informed me that I could either come an hour earlier and join up with a group of 3, or I could join a group going out 18 minutes after my original time. The only issue I had during the entire experience (and this had absolutely nothing to do with Maderas) was using my iPhone and Google Maps to direct me to the course, it took me about 10 miles out of the way and on the side of a mountain. Where it told me to turn to enter the club house was actually a private residence's dirt road. I called Maderas and they were very helpful, had mentioned that they have issues with this before, and explained to me how to get there and that they were not concerned that I would not be on time. I apologize for not getting the gentlemens name, but as soon as I arrived at the course this gentleman came out to greet me at my car to take my bags and if I had to guess I would say that he was the main golf pro there. He was very courteous and you could immediately tell that he was honored to have me there. He apologized for the incident with Google Maps but informed he would make sure I was taken care of. By the time I got to the course and checked in, the group that was teeing off 18 minutes later was already on the first tee. He made the comment to me "if I can't find you game to go out with, I will play with you today so you do not have to play alone". He proceeded to call some other people that worked there to see if they were planning on playing and he would get together a foursome for us. Seriously? I have never had a golf club treat me this way, it was amazing! The main golf pro taking my clubs and offering to play a round with me so I did not have to play alone, incredible. Fortunately I ended up being able to join the group of 3 going out behind me because at this point, rather than feeling like the club was taking advantage of me, I felt like I was taking advantage of the club. I was treated like a "King" the entire visit. Secondly, the course is absolutely amazing. Fortunately I have been able to play some pretty nice courses in my time and I would rate this courses layout right up there with Kapalua. Challenging, beautiful, everything you would want or need in a golf experience. I also really enjoyed my time with the three I joined up with, David, Bo and Vince. Locals to the area so having a little insight was great. Best part of the golf was seeing Bo come about 6 inches from hitting a hole in one. Oh, I also forgot to get my cigar clip from the cart before I left which the club will be sending to me ASAP. This was by far my best experience golfing I have ever had. Thank you everyone at Maderas and if you are in or ever in the San Diego area, you definitely need to go to Maderas Golf Club in Poway. The only negative, Bo and Vince are Raiders fans, fortunately David was a Chiefs fan, and in most of the huge houses around the course probably live some Chargers players and coaches. Oh well. Please let me know if you have experienced the same treatment while at Maderas. Thank you again everyone. If you go, make sure you get the complimentary Lemonade, it is out of this world!!!

JackpotJohnny · July 15, 2012

You definately picked a good SD course. I wouldn't go as far as to compare the course or the service with Kapalua, but it's absolutely on par with the expectation you would have for a course of that statue.
If you're registered with them you get a free round for your birthday. What I thought was really cool was that every staff member you run into wishes you a happy birthday.
Glad you enjoyed your trip out here.

Clambake · July 16, 2012

Thanks so much for taking the time to write up your experience about Maderas. I'm not affiliated with Maderas in any way other than it being my home course, and I'm very pleased to hear that the staff there treated you to such a great experience. For those of us who play it regularly it is easy to become somewhat jaded to the experience.

I am a little disappointed to hear that they're letting Raiders fans play the course - I need to have a word with the management to make sure that doesn't happen again.