San Diego golf trip

[jjw]

I'm putting together a golf roadtrip through San Diego with a couple of my friends in November. 4 days, probably 6-7 rounds.

We definately want to play Torrey Pines, Barona Creek, maybe Aviara.

Any insight?

[erova]

Can't argue with that lineup. Sorry I can't suggest more, but from what I understand about SC golf that's not a bad trip.

Even though you could probably get away with jean shorts and a mid-80's RATT tank top at Torrey, I don't suggest it at Aviara.

I'm definitely going to hit up Barona next time i'm back in that area...

[Long_Ball_Bogey]

Take a look at The Auld Course (maybe under "Salt Creek") and another great course that's near Barona is Mt. Woodson. If you have access to military installations, then maybe the Sea and Air golf course on Coronado Island. Enjoy San Diego golf, dude!!! I miss it big time. -LBB

[jjw]

Any tips for snagging a tee time at Torrey?

[Maverick]

As a SD native, but currently in LA, and having played at TP numerous times, if you want to "snag" a tee time w/o going through a broker you need to basically sleep in the parking lot. Not kidding, there's an established sub-culture of golfers so you'll know what you need to do when you get there. I used to get there around 10 pm with some beers and it'd be an all night golf talk/beer party.

From what I remember you put your golf bag, bring a thrasher, and put it next to the one in front of you by the starters window. This is going to save your spot the next morning when the starter starts taking wait list names.

You'll probably have to stay up until the next guy comes and does the same..

Things might have changed a little bit..when you get there ask the locals..they'll set you straight..

[jjw]

Really.... actually sounds like fun, but probably not for this trip. What's up with the brokers? Had any experience with em?

[Long_Ball_Bogey]

Last time, I did it through a tee time website. If you know someone who is a SD resident, get them to make the tee time--it's MUCH cheaper!!! I didn't know this at the time or I would have had my in-laws reserve it for me. Hopefully some guys from the forum who live in the area can give you better info. -LBB

[Chas]

I will second Mount Woodson. It's a beautiful and quite challenging course - for me at least. Lots of altitude change and tight fairways - bring lots of balls unless you're a sharpshooter. Which I'm not.

You don't have to play Torrey to have a good time in this golfing mecca ......

[jjw]

Yeah I know know there's a lot more than torrey. How about Carlsbad? Is it far from SD?

[erova]

i used one of the reservation services for $25 and it worked out just fine. booked it about 60 days out, if i remember right...

[x-forged]

definately play barona if you can. Other courses mentioned in the thread are good too. Mt. Woodson is an decent track in Ramona, pretty tough but not very long. If you wanna shell out the dough try and play Maderas. Like mentioned before, salt creek(auld course) is a nice links style course in chula vista.

other nice courses in the area-
coronado(cheap, on the water, easy course)
eaglecrest- in the boonies, but worth the drive
riverwalk- in the city, well kept, and pretty fun to play
the crossings in carlsbad- its new, in good shape, really nice layout

for all the courses in the san diego area, go to www.golfsd.com

[Chas]

I'll take your advice and play Barona myself sometime soon. I've heard nothing but good things about it, but just haven't made it there yet - for no good reason.

I agree, Salt Creek is also a great course - and an usual links style as you say.

p.s. for a Phil-wannabe (and who isn't around here? ...), how come you aint got FIVE wedges?

[twotacosfor99cents]

  jjw said:

Yeah I know know there's a lot more than torrey. How about Carlsbad? Is it far from SD?

Carlsbad is about 30-40 minutes from downtown San Diego - and Barona is farther. About a hour 15 or so.

I have to tell you though - Aviara is one of my favorite courses in SD. And it's not a hassle to get on. [EDIT: NEvermind, I see you're going in November] Also, when are you going to Torrey Pines? It's obviously closed right now for the Open, and will continue to be closed for a bit for ground repair. I think the South Course is supposed to reopen June 19th. I also recommend Encinitas Ranch up in North County. I also, of course, can recommend a lot of private courses up there too, but unless you know a member, I don't know how you can get in.

[x-forged]

  Chas said:

p.s. for a Phil-wannabe (and who isn't around here? ...), how come you aint got FIVE wedges?

keyword "wannabe." having a fifth wedge would pretty much make us twins, and i don't want to steal his thunder

... yeah, twotacos, encinitas ranch is a nice one. i think barona is a little closer to downtown though. it only takes me about 35-40 miniutes to get to barona from kearny mesa, and carlsbad is a little longer drive.

[jjw]

Thanks for all the input.

I'm going on the trip in November, Torrey should re-open by then yes?

[gortyl]

What do you southern Californians think of Carlton Oaks in Santee or The Grand Golf Club? I played these two back in March and really enjoyed them both, especially the Grand Golf Club. Carlton Oaks was about to host a Golden State Tour stop and a Canadian Tour stop. It could have been in better shape, but I liked the layout. The Grand Golf Club was a fun course in great shape with some of the best customer service I've ever had at a course. Just curious what the locals think of these....I'd play them again although The GGC was very pricey.

[x-forged]

I have never played the Grand, but I've played Carlton Oaks a few times. Personally, I think Carlton Oaks is just OK. I think if your down in San Diego, its not one of the "must play" courses but its a pretty nice course. There are some tough holes on that course too...

[bogeyhitter25]

There's absolutely nothing that compares to southern California golf.