Castle Creek Country Club in Escondido?

ALTSean · August 7, 2012

Who's played here and what are the conditions like recently? I did a seach on here and didn't find anything and the last review on greenskeeper.org is from May 5th and was not very good. Rates seem very reasonable for a "country club," but I don't want to drive 45 minutes north to play a dog track.

Clambake · August 7, 2012

I haven't played there in over a year so I can't help you with current conditions, but Castle Creek is NOT a country club in the strict definition. It is a "just OK" little course tied in with a 1 star "resort" and some surrounding housing development. It plays like, feels like, and is kept like a normal little muni. It doesn't have a driving range, and the pro shop area is kind of grungy. But it is a pleasant enough layout and has some pretty holes, although most are pretty blah.

Pepperturbo · August 7, 2012

It was about a year back, and won't be going back. First off, NO practice range, just a net to hit into, and at the time no PGA Pro on site. Unusual course layout with some squirrely hole designs that I didn't like, and tree lined fairways. Toughest hole is a 627yd Par 5 that's wide open, then #10 at 450yds, pay attention to green on #11, some short Par 4's, #13 is especially squirrely design, #14 requires target tee shot over water and water on 2nd shot, then #17 is 215+yd Par 3 on the back that plays over a wash that's testy. I played from the black tees 6600+yds... Oh, and it can play slow if the field is full, because to the average golfer, it's tight and testy. How well you score has to do with your skill.

ALTSean · August 8, 2012

Thanks for the info guys. I probably will skip it this weekend then. I'm looking a decent, reasonably priced course to take some out of town family too. I was thinking Mt. Woodson, but recent reviews state that it is in poor shape. I may try The Vineyard, but I've taken them there before and was looking for some place new without breaking the bank. We can only play on Saturday morning so that limits our reasonably priced options.

Pepperturbo · August 8, 2012

Arrowood Golf course in Oceanside has always been in good condition, nice scenery and a good test of golf. Some people considered it difficult; I like it. Other options towards Castle are Pala Mesa and Twin Oaks in San Marcos. Also, Eagle Crest in Escondido is a good test of golf.

JackpotJohnny · August 10, 2012

[quote name='Pepperturbo' timestamp='1344446748' post='5430742']
Arrowood Golf course in Oceanside has always been in good condition, nice scenery and a good test of golf. Some people considered it difficult; I like it. Other options towards Castle are Pala Mesa and Twin Oaks in San Marcos. Also, Eagle Crest in Escondido is a good test of golf.
[/quote]
+1

If you're gonna pass on the vineyard, eagle crest is always in good shape and a great option. Woods valley and pala mesa are also other good ones in the same area.
A little pricier, but twin oaks, and arrowood are both great courses.