San Diego on business...

NickCarraway · January 14, 2010

I'll be out in San Diego this February for two weeks on business, and I definitely plan on getting in some Golf. Any good value course recommendations?

Thanks in advance!

jas904 · January 14, 2010

There are a ton of great courses in the area but it isn't the greatest area for value. My recommendation for a good value would be The Crossings in Carlsbad, if you can swing a 1/2 hour drive north up I 5. Go to their website and get on their email list, they send some pretty decent specials. It's a fun track.

Blackfinn · January 15, 2010

Price aside, look at Maderas, Aviara, RiverWalk (popular and central), of course Torrey Pines. PM me if you are looking for cheap or mid-value - tons in SD County to choose from.

RainShadow · January 16, 2010

Try San Vicente in Ramona. It's a little outside SD proper, about a 40 minute drive. Play from the back tees and you'll use every club in the bag during the round. Ted Robinson designed course.
My folks live off the first green and my dad says the course is in fantastic shape right now.
Probable about 40-50$ including cart.

jrsharp21 · January 17, 2010

If you can get a tee time or get on the course, check out the Coronado Golf Course. It is right next to the water and it is very reasonably priced. The hardest part is getting a tee time.

ballgolong · January 17, 2010

I am going to have to respectfully disagree about The Crossings. It is a HORRIBLE golf course. Worst designed course I have ever played.... and I know multiple people that share this opinion.

If you are looking for the Best Value for money, try Woods Valley in Escondido. Fantastic layout, good condition and a great course. If you play during the week, and you walk, it is only $20 after 11. You cannot beat that value in San Diego. Coronado is nice, but it is always crowded, and pretty short. Expect a 5 hour round if you play there.

To be honest, golf in San Diego generally sucks. I have lived here 16 months. Courses are generally expensive and/or short and/or poor condition. You can find nice courses, but you will pay. Aviara, Torrey South to name a few. Mt Woodson I hear is nice, but its only 6,200 yards. Carlton Oaks is ok. Tough as nails. Be aware though, I got stuck behind a 5 ball, and counted 6 5-balls on the course the last time I played there.

Sycuan Willow and Oak are OK. Some funky holes on both courses.

I heard Salt Creek is nice, but I have not played there.

Vineyard at Escondido is OK. First 9 is not very good. Back 9 is much better.

Steel Canyon is OK too. Make sure you play the Canyon/Ranch nines.

As I said. Not many options. I highly recommend Woods Valley. I can't really highly recommend any other course. If you want to book a tee time, make use of GolfNow.com and EZLinks.com (for Steele Canyon and Sycuan).

http://www.golfnow.com/sandiego

https://specials.ezlinks.com/CouponTest/Reservations/Specials.asp?selStartDate=01%2F19%2F2010&selState=CA&submitbutton=Find+EZLinks+Special+Rates

propredicr · January 17, 2010

Just was out in SD for business this past week. Played Riverwalk and Barona Creek and enjoyed both. Riverwalk was a bit pricey at $85. Barona Creek was $64. Both were in great condition and the greens were immaculate. Barona holds the Nationwide Tour Championships and is rated very highly amongst courses in SD and in California. It is about a 40 minute drive inland from downtown. I believe the Sunday round at Riverwalk was about 4:30 and the Barona Creek round on a Monday was 3:30.

Tried to get on Torrey South...no such luck and very, very expensive.

ballgolong · January 17, 2010

YES.... I forgot about Barona. I really liked playing there. Fairways are wide open. Greens are a challenge. Make sure you sign up for the "Players Card" at the casino to get the $18 discount on the rate. If you play after 11AM, your rate will be $64 with the discount.

toddnt · January 17, 2010

Arrowood, Barona, Aviara and Torrey are must plays! Carlton Oaks is a beast from the tips!

markheardjr · January 19, 2010

Torrey South is like $215 to walk, you better show up around 5:15 if you want to play. You can get on the North course cheaper if you play on a weekday. There are a ton of great courses up near Temecula. I just played Redhawk this last weekend to prepare for a tourney there in March. That course was the best $55 I've spend on golf in a long time. Island par 3, 4 tiered greens, Deeeeeeeeeeep Carnoustie style bunkering on a few holes, 6 feet elevation change on a single green! Awesome!

sharkiesj · January 19, 2010

You've got to play Torrey. Even if its the North Course. Nice. You can't go to SD and NOT play Torrey Pines. Next, I'd recommend Barona Creek, Aviara(expensive, try Golfnow.com), Maderas(expensive) or Coronado(cheap muni but a blast). The Crossings is a complete embarassment. Stay far away. If you play here I'd personally hunt you down and beat you silly with a stupid stick. Horrid, god-awful layout. Play here only if you wanna get completly ripped off. Steele Canyon, Carlton Oaks, RiverWalk is nice as well but a step down from the aforementioned. You could drive a bit north and play in Temecula but I wouldn't really think it would be worth it. Stay in the SD area.