San Diego - Where Do the Locals Play?

[jimwgt26]

Hi All, 

 

I'll be in San Diego for a week in December and planning on playing every day. I've played Torrey before and plan one playing once this trip.  Looking for hidden gems or off the beaten path suggestions? Walking preferred.

 

Thanks

[dvq9654]

I'm not a local, but my brother lives in the area. We've had fun at Admiral Baker (North Course). It's a Navy course open to the public. It's nothing amazing, but walkable and usually in pretty good condition. I'm sure there are better options, but may be worth considering. 

 

Coronado probably worth considering too if only because of the location. 

[WestCoastGolf]

Is Torrey the only course you have played here? How far are you willing to travel in SD, stick to city area or the county? Unless you already have a time at Torrey, good luck. Are you affiliated with the DoD at all? Miramar and North Island have decent courses for a great price. Miramar is open to the public, but it’s just easier to get on if you already have access

[FirstFlight]

On 11/17/2021 at 5:27 AM, jimwgt26 said:

Looking for hidden gems or off the beaten path suggestions? Walking preferred

Mt Woodson. Fits the bill for hidden gem and off the beaten path. About an hour from Diego, and memorable. Definitely not a walking course though. 

[jimwgt26]

On 11/21/2021 at 7:50 AM, WestCoastGolf said:

Is Torrey the only course you have played here? How far are you willing to travel in SD, stick to city area or the county? Unless you already have a time at Torrey, good luck. Are you affiliated with the DoD at all? Miramar and North Island have decent courses for a great price. Miramar is open to the public, but it’s just easier to get on if you already have access

I've played both courses at Torrey many times, Maderas, Balboa Park and Coronado.  I Liked Balboa and happy to play there. Also liked both Maderas and Coronado, don't feel a need to go back this trip.  Willing to drive an hour or so.   

[I3erto]

Nothing hidden about about San Diego.  Too many people.  Here are some other fun public tracks from north to south.  Journey at Pechanga, Golf Club of California, Arrowood, Goat Hill, Crossing at Carlsbad, Encinitas Ranch, Grand Del Mar, Steele Canyon, Singing Hills

 

Rams Hill is another fun course but it is a bit further of a drive.

 

Cheers!

[jimwgt26]

On 11/22/2021 at 11:51 AM, I3erto said:

Nothing hidden about about San Diego.  Too many people.  Here are some other fun public tracks from north to south.  Journey at Pechanga, Golf Club of California, Arrowood, Goat Hill, Crossing at Carlsbad, Encinitas Ranch, Grand Del Mar, Steele Canyon, Singing Hills

 

Rams Hill is another fun course but it is a bit further of a drive.

 

Cheers!

Nice list. I’ll check these out. 

[lowlefty]

Second Steel Canyon

also if funds permit, Aviara is decent track as well. 

[WestCoastGolf]

On 11/22/2021 at 9:35 AM, jimwgt26 said:

I've played both courses at Torrey many times, Maderas, Balboa Park and Coronado.  I Liked Balboa and happy to play there. Also liked both Maderas and Coronado, don't feel a need to go back this trip.  Willing to drive an hour or so.   

As mentioned before, Admiral Baker North is a good track. Baker South has tiny greens if you’re looking for that type of challenge. Enagic in Chula Vista is really coming around, although I still think it is too expensive. In due time I think it will be worth the price of admission, just not yet. I’ve heard really good things of San Vicente Resort in Ramona, but haven’t been out there personally. I enjoyed Twin Oaks, but haven’t been there in a few years so not sure of it’s conditions. I’ve always enjoyed Native Oaks when I have played there. It’s definitely off the beaten path.

On 11/22/2021 at 9:51 AM, I3erto said:

Rams Hill is another fun course but it is a bit further of a drive.

Rams Hill is about 2 hours away, but worth every minute and every cent to play there. Such a fantastic course. 

[jimwgt26]

Update: played Steel Canyon (Canyons/Ranch). Very nice, I’ll give the nod to the Canyon nine. Definitely need to play this track a few times to figure out the lines and nuances. We had four singles in our group. The only one who played before wasn’t interested in offering lines. Lost a few balls that I thought were great shots (uphill dogleg left and a par 5 on Ranch) Some of the down hill tee shots are cool. 
 

FYI: they’re remodeling the clubhouse, so only Port-O-Johns.  Not sure it’s worth $100+, but would play there again. 
 

Mt Woodson: Fantastic. Loved it. Great setting and fun layout.  Weather permitting, I’ll play again.  
 

Surprised I didn’t lose a ball. I hit driver on a few holes I never should have (2, 8, 15 and 17). 
 

For $50 it’s an excellent deal. I prefer walking and avoid courses where you have to ride. However, if I lived in the area Mt Woodson would be in my rotation. 
 

I have a tee time on Torrey South coming up. 
 

thanks for all the replies and suggestions. 

[TheKeegsClub]

Private: Grand Del Mar, Lomas Santa Fe CC, The Farms, Fairbanks Ranch, Del Mar CC, Santaluz, La Jolla CC, The Bridges, Rancho Sante Fe CC.

 

Public: Torrey Pines, Aviara, Arrowood, Encinitas Ranch, Crossings Carlsbad, Maderas, La Costa, RB Inn, Coronado, Native Oaks, Mt. Woodson, Steele Canyon.

 

Exec Courses: Lomas Sante Fe, Reidy Creek, Colina Park, Oaks North, St. Mark, Welk.