San Diego Area Course Recommendation

[tacrispy]

Buddy of mine and myself are heading to San Diego late may to play Torrey South, Maderas, and La Costa Legends. We are looking to maybe add a course and are looking at Coronado Golf Course, Barona Creek, or maybe Torrey North. Just curious as to what opinions are on the courses. We are leaning Coronado since the rates are much cheaper. We are staying at The Torrey Lodge so maybe could get a discount on North? Barona looks awesome from pictures. Any ideas?

[Clambake]

No discounts on either Torrey course when staying at the Lodge, and personally I'd skip North if you're already playing South. Many feel La Costa Legends is pretty "meh", and although Champions is better it is still only average. If you're not really set on playing La Costa, the Grand Del Mar is much better, and is only about 10-15 minutes from the Lodge.

 

Barona is awesome, but has been in so-so shape recently. I played it 3 weeks ago and the greens were recovering very slowly from maintenance, and they were also tearing up the fairways in a lot of places. I'll probably play it again in the next two weeks and report back if it's in better shape.

 

If you're up for a really fun course but a bit of a drive, Rams Hill is simply awesome. It's a bit less than a 2 hour drive from the Lodge, and there are discount deals right now for $199 for 2 players with $15 food credit and $40 replay. Our group does a long day of 36 about once a month, and it's our favorite course in the county.

 

Another option that's a bit of a drive but not as far is Pechanga in Temecula, a bit under an hour from the Lodge. Fun course, always in good condition. UnderPar has a good deal right now for $179 for two players.

[tacrispy]

Thanks for all the info. Is Coronado worth playing? I have heard good things for how reasonable the rates are. I will definitely check into the other courses. Do you have a regular course you like to play in SD?

[Clambake]

Coronado is kind of worth it, with some caveats. The course itself is very flat and doesn't have a lot of interesting features, it isn't challenging, and they are usually very busy and slow rounds are the norm. It also has a very annoying (to me at least) reservation policy with a non-refundable reservation fee over $16 per person; the greens fees aren't as reasonable as they first seem if you actually want a tee time. What makes it worth playing is the location and the views on a few holes which are along Glorietta Bay, with a couple marinas and the Hotel del Coronado in the background. You'll hear some people say the whole course has great views, but most of the course is away from the bay with no views at all, and there are only a few holes that are waterside - the best views are just driving over the bridge to the course. In my opinion, Coronado is a good "couples" course to visit on vacation, where you come in the morning and play an easy course, then hit the Hotel del for lunch and wander the streets for a bit for some shopping. For a buddies golf trip that is more interested in good golf, I think one would be disappointed.

 

One other thing to expect at the end of May will be marine layer on the coastal courses like Coronado and especially Torrey, or what locals call May grey/June gloom. I often go to Torrey as a single and almost always am paired with people visiting from out of the area, and while they always seem to love the course I've felt sorry for them a few times when the marine layer had moved in and we played the whole round in fog or at least heavy overcast. One time they never got to see the ocean once, even playing the holes right on the bluffs. The marine layer usually doesn't go more than a mile or so inland, and often will break up to mostly sunny along the coast in the mid afternoon, but don't be surprised if your round at Torrey isn't the glorious sunshine and sparkling blue ocean you hoped for.

 

My home course is Maderas and it should be in really good condition in late May. They recently shut it down for a couple weeks for major maintenance, including replacement of all the collars around the greens. It's healing nicely, and in another month should be excellent. I also play Barona a lot and love the course and layout, but was surprised that the wet winter we had seemed to cause them condition problems whereas most of the area courses benefited from all the rains. Along with Torrey, that 3some of courses are the places I mainly play, and then we get around to a lot of different places for more variety.

 

Another course you might look into is Aviara. It's pretty pricy, but the twilight deals are reasonable. Beautiful course that must have the biggest budget for flowers anywhere. The layout is fun and a bit hilly, with huge greens that have a lot of subtle undulations. Service there is impeccable. Rounds can sometimes be a little slow as they get a lot of play from the associated hotel, but they usually aren't aggravatingly slow. I think Aviara is a much, much better course than either of the La Costa options just down the road. I have a couple friends that can play La Costa for free under their corporate membership, but they usually skip it and pay to play Aviara instead.

 

As I mentioned previously, if you can at all swing a full day and go out to Borrego Springs to play Rams Hill, you will not be disappointed. Wonderful layout, awesome conditioning. Combining Torrey South, Maderas, Rams Hill, and Barona (if it's back to good shape) or Aviara or the Grand del Mar would be a pretty awesome few days of great golf!

[tacrispy]

Thank you for the great reply. I think we are leaning towards Barona or rams hill. Any Interst in joining myself and friend to play that Sunday? It'll be may 21. We fly in on 20 and staying at the TP lodge.

[tanksd13]

As mentioned, Barona and Rams Hill are two great choices. I always recommend Steele Canyon as a good alternative. It is a 27 hole, Gary Player designed course that has dramatic elevation changes and conditions will be great in late May. You would be looking at a 40 minute drive from The Lodge (easier drive and cheaper than Barona). Do not waste your time at Coronado. It will take you a minimum of 5 hours to play and the course is average at best.

[WildcatGolfer]

I'll throw out Mt. Woodson as a really fun option. It's a really fun Curley/Schmidt design up in the mountains probably 45 minute drive. Always in really good shape and very different from typical San Diego golf.

[bradski]

As mentioned, Barona and Rams Hill are two great choices. I always recommend Steele Canyon as a good alternative. It is a 27 hole, Gary Player designed course that has dramatic elevation changes and conditions will be great in late May. You would be looking at a 40 minute drive from The Lodge (easier drive and cheaper than Barona). Do not waste your time at Coronado. It will take you a minimum of 5 hours to play and the course is average at best.

 

Steele is a solid 2nd tier course for san diego. but only play canyon/ranch if possible.

 

I'll throw out Mt. Woodson as a really fun option. It's a really fun Curley/Schmidt design up in the mountains probably 45 minute drive. Always in really good shape and very different from typical San Diego golf.

 

MT woodson would be one of the better courses in SD if it wasn't soo short. (5800 yards for the back.) fun course t if you like par 4's between 300 and 350 yards(7 of 10)

[mefnocerous]

Steele canyon is sneaky good. Gary player design, very fun.

Carlton oaks is a tricky Pete dye course. No one plays it because people don't like shooting 95.

Torrey north just got done the remodel, green complexes are links style and a great challenge.

[WildcatGolfer]

As mentioned, Barona and Rams Hill are two great choices. I always recommend Steele Canyon as a good alternative. It is a 27 hole, Gary Player designed course that has dramatic elevation changes and conditions will be great in late May. You would be looking at a 40 minute drive from The Lodge (easier drive and cheaper than Barona). Do not waste your time at Coronado. It will take you a minimum of 5 hours to play and the course is average at best.

 

Steele is a solid 2nd tier course for san diego. but only play canyon/ranch if possible.

 

I'll throw out Mt. Woodson as a really fun option. It's a really fun Curley/Schmidt design up in the mountains probably 45 minute drive. Always in really good shape and very different from typical San Diego golf.

 

MT woodson would be one of the better courses in SD if it wasn't soo short. (5800 yards for the back.) fun course t if you like par 4's between 300 and 350 yards(7 of 10)

 

Agreed it's very short but I know I only pulled driver a few times, it's not like it's open and you can bomb away at those lengths

[tacrispy]

Booked rams hill at 11am may 21. Good thing to have so many good courses to choose from but figured rams hill is rated highly by so many might as well make a day out of it. Any twosome in SD that want to join us?

[Clambake]

If you you haven't found a better deal for Rams Hill, here's their current deal of $165 for two players for tee time after 10am: http://www.ramshillgolf.com/golf/ecom_v2/ecom.php?cat=100785 But keep an eye out as they might have better deals that pop up as it gets hotter in the desert and their play dies down a bit.

 

I'd be delighted to join you with one of your rounds but I'll be popping around Scotland at that time!

[tacrispy]

If you you haven't found a better deal for Rams Hill, here's their current deal of $165 for two players for tee time after 10am: http://www.ramshillgolf.com/golf/ecom_v2/ecom.php?cat=100785 But keep an eye out as they might have better deals that pop up as it gets hotter in the desert and their play dies down a bit.

 

I'd be delighted to join you with one of your rounds but I'll be popping around Scotland at that time!

 

Ah lucky! We're going to Scotland next summer! We got on for $80 a piece, figured that was a good deal.

[Clambake]

If you you haven't found a better deal for Rams Hill, here's their current deal of $165 for two players for tee time after 10am: http://www.ramshillgolf.com/golf/ecom_v2/ecom.php?cat=100785 But keep an eye out as they might have better deals that pop up as it gets hotter in the desert and their play dies down a bit.

 

I'd be delighted to join you with one of your rounds but I'll be popping around Scotland at that time!

 

Ah lucky! We're going to Scotland next summer! We got on for $80 a piece, figured that was a good deal.

 

That's a good price. Check back with them periodically as they toss out new deals every once in a while. One of their better ones is $150 for two, tee off anytime with free replay and $15 food credit. Makes for a great 36 hole day!

[kejoal11]

You can also go to underpar.com and get the journey at pechanga for two players $179 with a $59 bounce back certificate

[Clambake]

I played Barona today, and can happily report it is in much better condition again. They're still working on it a lot, but I can include it back on the "recommend" list. Greens are pretty good with a couple exceptions where they've replaced big sections, and are rolling true and fairly fast. About 3-4 tee boxes are heavily sanded right now but should be decent in a few weeks. Fairways are mostly in good shape, with decent lies and only occasional areas with lack of grass coverage. The native grasses bordering the fairways have really grown from the heavy rains earlier, and although it makes keeping it in the fairway more essential , the fairways are generously wide. Wildflowers are in bloom all around the course right now, so the visuals are very appealing, but I'd guess the blooms won't last more than a few more weeks. In a few weeks Barona should be in very nice overall shape with only a few flaws. I was worried from last time I played there, but I thoroughly enjoyed it today and can easily put up with the ongoing maintenance work. May and June should be great times to play it before the summer heat hits.

[Reif]

Just to put in my two cents:

 

Barona is my favorite course in the county, although I haven't played it yet this year. If you go to Barona, be sure to sign up for the "Players Club" online. It's free, and you have to spend about five minutes at the casino getting your card, but it saves you 20% on the greens fees. Twilight rates start at 1:00 PM, range balls are included, and they have a pretty good putting green and short game area so it's not bad to get there early and practice then go out.

 

Maderas is a very good track as well, my second favorite course, although it's a little pricey.

 

I know it's blasphemous for a San Diegan to say, but to me Torrey south is just not a great course. If you plunked that course down ten miles inland they never would have a PGA stop, much less a US Open there.

 

It's usually in fine shape, especially considering the traffic it gets, but the par fours with a couple of exceptions are mostly long, straight and flat. That said, everyone wants to play it, so my recommendation is: PLAY THE CORRECT TEES. The south is a long, tough course, especially if the rough is up, and if you play too long for your skill level you'll be miserable.

 

I've yet to get out to Ram's Hill since they redid it, but the people I've talked to rave about it.

 

Second what people say about Coronado - it's fine if you're going to be down over there anyway, but I wouldn't go out of my way to play it.

 

Played Carlton Oaks last week - another course where you have to play the right tees, except the rough isn't bad, it's just a tough course. It's a really good layout, but it's never in pristine shape. More of a decent locals course than a destination for out of towners.

 

Again, agree on Steele Canyon as a back up or fourth or fifth day kind of place, and play Canyon/Ranch nines if you can. Really tough par threes, and some tight driving holes.

 

I guess all in all I've pretty much parroted what was written above, but I suspect it's what most golfers would say about the golf in the area.

 

If you get up I-15 a little more, there are some more good golf courses, but it's a little bit of a haul from Torrey.

 

Ram's Hill is a haul, but my understanding is that's kind of in a league of its own.

 

My stay away from courses are Riverwalk, (not a good course) Encinitas Ranch (it's ok but too expensive) Carmel Mountain Ranch (you can play eighteen holes and never have a flat lie), and I disagree with the gentleman above, just not a fan of Mt. Woodson.

[bradski]

Just to put in my two cents:

 

Barona is my favorite course in the county, although I haven't played it yet this year. If you go to Barona, be sure to sign up for the "Players Club" online. It's free, and you have to spend about five minutes at the casino getting your card, but it saves you 20% on the greens fees. Twilight rates start at 1:00 PM, range balls are included, and they have a pretty good putting green and short game area so it's not bad to get there early and practice then go out.

 

Maderas is a very good track as well, my second favorite course, although it's a little pricey.

 

I know it's blasphemous for a San Diegan to say, but to me Torrey south is just not a great course. If you plunked that course down ten miles inland they never would have a PGA stop, much less a US Open there.

 

It's usually in fine shape, especially considering the traffic it gets, but the par fours with a couple of exceptions are mostly long, straight and flat. That said, everyone wants to play it, so my recommendation is: PLAY THE CORRECT TEES. The south is a long, tough course, especially if the rough is up, and if you play too long for your skill level you'll be miserable.

 

I've yet to get out to Ram's Hill since they redid it, but the people I've talked to rave about it.

 

Second what people say about Coronado - it's fine if you're going to be down over there anyway, but I wouldn't go out of my way to play it.

 

Played Carlton Oaks last week - another course where you have to play the right tees, except the rough isn't bad, it's just a tough course. It's a really good layout, but it's never in pristine shape. More of a decent locals course than a destination for out of towners.

 

Again, agree on Steele Canyon as a back up or fourth or fifth day kind of place, and play Canyon/Ranch nines if you can. Really tough par threes, and some tight driving holes.

 

I guess all in all I've pretty much parroted what was written above, but I suspect it's what most golfers would say about the golf in the area.

 

If you get up I-15 a little more, there are some more good golf courses, but it's a little bit of a haul from Torrey.

 

Ram's Hill is a haul, but my understanding is that's kind of in a league of its own.

 

My stay away from courses are Riverwalk, (not a good course) Encinitas Ranch (it's ok but too expensive) Carmel Mountain Ranch (you can play eighteen holes and never have a flat lie), and I disagree with the gentleman above, just not a fan of Mt. Woodson.

 

Ditto, This is a very wise person. The only reason to play torrey imo is location and because it is a tour stop.

[Reif]

Booked rams hill at 11am may 21. Good thing to have so many good courses to choose from but figured rams hill is rated highly by so many might as well make a day out of it. Any twosome in SD that want to join us?

 

So ... inquiring minds want to know ... how did it go, besides being hot?

[BB28403]

Oops , late to the party.

 

The Gas Lamp District in San Diego is a must see! Catch a ball game at Petco field.

[BottleCap]

I'll add to this, my top courses in the region are:

 

Torrey Pines

San Diego CC

Grand Del Mar

Bear Creek

Rams Hill

 

If you're a short hitter, Torrey Pines will be torture. I've been in groups as a single with visitors and many stop keeping score after the front.

 

For short hitters:

 

Maderas

Crosby

Barons

Aviary

Balboa - learned to play here so a sentimental pick

[bradski]

Steele canyon is sneaky good. Gary player design, very fun.

Carlton oaks is a tricky Pete dye course. No one plays it because people don't like shooting 95.

Torrey north just got done the remodel, green complexes are links style and a great challenge.

 

Just to clearify this. Carlton Oaks is a Perry DYE course, not Pete.. They market it as a Dye course which is deceiving.

[PutterKilledTheDream]

Steele canyon is sneaky good. Gary player design, very fun.

Carlton oaks is a tricky Pete dye course. No one plays it because people don't like shooting 95.

Torrey north just got done the remodel, green complexes are links style and a great challenge.

 

Just to clearify this. Carlton Oaks is a Perry DYE course, not Pete.. They market it as a Dye course which is deceiving.

And to add further... many people play this course because it's flat out a solid track.

[bradski]

Steele canyon is sneaky good. Gary player design, very fun.

Carlton oaks is a tricky Pete dye course. No one plays it because people don't like shooting 95.

Torrey north just got done the remodel, green complexes are links style and a great challenge.

 

Just to clearify this. Carlton Oaks is a Perry DYE course, not Pete.. They market it as a Dye course which is deceiving.

And to add further... many people play this course because it's flat out a solid track.

 

This course is one of the most difficult courses in SD and when they have good conditions I would recommend to a good golfer(5 or less handicap). But traveling to SD on vacation it isn't on the top of the list. IMO. They have some good holes but generally the turf conditions are lacking. Don't take my word for it read reviews, as some will be good and many won't.

 

http://www.golfadvisor.com/courses/15568-carlton-oaks-lodge-country-club/

[JackpotJohnny]

Steele canyon is sneaky good. Gary player design, very fun.

Carlton oaks is a tricky Pete dye course. No one plays it because people don't like shooting 95.

Torrey north just got done the remodel, green complexes are links style and a great challenge.

 

Just to clearify this. Carlton Oaks is a Perry DYE course, not Pete.. They market it as a Dye course which is deceiving.

And to add further... many people play this course because it's flat out a solid track.

 

This course is one of the most difficult courses in SD and when they have good conditions I would recommend to a good golfer(5 or less handicap). But traveling to SD on vacation it isn't on the top of the list. IMO. They have some good holes but generally the turf conditions are lacking. Don't take my word for it read reviews, as some will be good and many won't.

 

http://www.golfadvisor.com/courses/15568-carlton-oaks-lodge-country-club/

 

I'll fix that for you, and say IF they ever have good conditions.

Course was in bad shape for a long time, especially the problems they had with the greens.

I haven't been there in awhile, but I have heard it's finally coming around to be in a semi-average condition.

[mefnocerous]

Steele canyon is sneaky good. Gary player design, very fun.

Carlton oaks is a tricky Pete dye course. No one plays it because people don't like shooting 95.

Torrey north just got done the remodel, green complexes are links style and a great challenge.

 

Just to clearify this. Carlton Oaks is a Perry DYE course, not Pete.. They market it as a Dye course which is deceiving.

it IS a Perry dye! Hahah I had to look that up. Had no idea.

It's got the awful railroad ties and pot bunkers and everything.

Like father like son I guess.

[PutterKilledTheDream]

Steele canyon is sneaky good. Gary player design, very fun.

Carlton oaks is a tricky Pete dye course. No one plays it because people don't like shooting 95.

Torrey north just got done the remodel, green complexes are links style and a great challenge.

 

Just to clearify this. Carlton Oaks is a Perry DYE course, not Pete.. They market it as a Dye course which is deceiving.

And to add further... many people play this course because it's flat out a solid track.

 

This course is one of the most difficult courses in SD and when they have good conditions I would recommend to a good golfer(5 or less handicap). But traveling to SD on vacation it isn't on the top of the list. IMO. They have some good holes but generally the turf conditions are lacking. Don't take my word for it read reviews, as some will be good and many won't.

 

http://www.golfadvisor.com/courses/15568-carlton-oaks-lodge-country-club/

 

I'll fix that for you, and say IF they ever have good conditions.

Course was in bad shape for a long time, especially the problems they had with the greens.

I haven't been there in awhile, but I have heard it's finally coming around to be in a semi-average condition.

Course was in great shape last year better than it had ever been. Green fees have increased to asI believe its under new ownership. Agree about it

not being a bucket-list course though.

[Reif]

Steele canyon is sneaky good. Gary player design, very fun.

Carlton oaks is a tricky Pete dye course. No one plays it because people don't like shooting 95.

Torrey north just got done the remodel, green complexes are links style and a great challenge.

 

Just to clearify this. Carlton Oaks is a Perry DYE course, not Pete.. They market it as a Dye course which is deceiving.

And to add further... many people play this course because it's flat out a solid track.

 

This course is one of the most difficult courses in SD and when they have good conditions I would recommend to a good golfer(5 or less handicap). But traveling to SD on vacation it isn't on the top of the list. IMO. They have some good holes but generally the turf conditions are lacking. Don't take my word for it read reviews, as some will be good and many won't.

 

http://www.golfadvis...e-country-club/

 

I'll fix that for you, and say IF they ever have good conditions.

Course was in bad shape for a long time, especially the problems they had with the greens.

I haven't been there in awhile, but I have heard it's finally coming around to be in a semi-average condition.

 

I played it about a month ago, and the greens are good the fairways and rough playable but not great. The problem they have there is the irrigation system is laid out just horribly (and they know it but aren't going to spend the money to fix it), and the course is in the flood plain so some spots simply won't drain, leaving the grass damaged.

 

It's a shame, because it's a great layout and is plenty tough for qualifiers for any level (they can stretch it out to 7300, and it plays every inch of it from there). From the back they've got a 470 and a 510 yard par 4 into the wind, and 18 is a beast of a finisher, 440 into the wind, all carry over water on the approach shot especially if the pin is on the left side. I'm a 4 and I can't play it from the tips.

 

It's plenty playable from the blues or the whites. I wouldn't play there more than once every few months, but I would certainly recommend it to anyone in SD who hasn't been there in awhile; you'll use every club in your bag.

[bradski]

[

 

 

It's a shame, because it's a great layout and is plenty tough for qualifiers for any level (they can stretch it out to 7300, and it plays every inch of it from there). From the back they've got a 470 and a 510 yard par 4 into the wind, and 18 is a beast of a finisher, 440 into the wind, all carry over water on the approach shot especially if the pin is on the left side. I'm a 4 and I can't play it from the tips.

 

It's plenty playable from the blues or the whites. I wouldn't play there more than once every few months, but I would certainly recommend it to anyone in SD who hasn't been there in awhile; you'll use every club in your bag.

 

if the wind is blowing even a little this can likely be the toughest course in the county. I've seen us open qualifying where the top are shooting 1-2 under at best.

[tw422]

just played Torrey South yesterday. Had perfect weather and course conditions were 9.5/10. That course is a beast. Nothing gimmicky - just right in front of you but the rough and green complexes are unbelievably difficult. The rough is like hitting out of wet lettuce. Played Green tee's (6600 yds) and thoroughly enjoyed it. It's very much a pro style course and it reminds me a bit of Bethpage Black.