Can anyone suggest a good course in San Diego for a 20 handicapper?

[SQ Bimmer]

I am hoping to find a well reviewed course for under $50/person with cart pretty much anywhere in San Diego. I know plenty exist, but just curious if anyone on here can suggest one that may be better than the other. I have checked golf.com's "thrifty 50" list, but not a single San Deigo entrant. Although I was glad to see Rustic Canyon on there in spot #2, which is about 10 minutes from my front door.

Thanks!

[Shindig]

I played the Vineyards in Escondido about a year and a half ago and I remember enjoying it.

Also, there's this "Torrey Pines" - see if you can qualify as a resident.

[SQ Bimmer]

Not baller enough for TP... someday though. Someday I would like to play there as well as Pebble Beach. Would like to see my handicap in the low teens at least before spending the $$$ so that I can enjoy it and play the courses with a little strategy, rather than just pray that I clear hazards, make turns, and stuff.

I will certainly check out your suggestion of The Vineyards though, thank you.

[max power]

Vineyard, Sycuan (Singing Hills), Cottonwood, Woods Valley in Escondido, a handful of municipal courses-Balboa, Chula Vista, Mission Trails.

[Clambake]

Not baller enough for TP... someday though. Someday I would like to play there as well as Pebble Beach. Would like to see my handicap in the low teens at least before spending the $$$ so that I can enjoy it and play the courses with a little strategy, rather than just pray that I clear hazards, make turns, and stuff.

Don't be afraid of TP, especially the North Course which actually has some better views than the South and easier to get on. A lot of people think that TP is too difficult to enjoy as a higher handicapper, but I found it quite enjoyable even when I used to spray the ball around a lot more. And from my experience, you'd likely be one of the lower handicap players I see there - TP still gets a lot of duffers. As other mentioned, the Vineyards is a good value, and I've played it a lot. The first several holes are actually pretty tough and call for precision, but after that the course gets easier. The Coronado course is also a fun muni, and although it isn't particularly challenging or a 4 star experience, the views are great and it is always fun. I'd stay away from the Doubletree (so-so course, no range to warm up, high price for what you get), Carmel Mtn. Ranch (conditions have been really crappy for years), La Costa (really bad conditions lately, certainly not worth the high price). Riverwalk in Mission Valley has 3 decent nines, but it is really overpriced unless you get a good deal through GolfNow or Click4TeeTimes.

[Fat Slice]

I enjoyed Cottonwood, and IIRC it's quite reasonably priced.

[sacm3bill]

Another vote for Vineyard, but I highly recommend Mt Woodson: gorgeous course, every hole unique, never crowded, $50 twilight rates.

[mdl]

How about out east? My in-laws live in Bonsall, and there are a couple of courses right near there, but they're all fairly pricey and none have looked very inspired to me. Anyone played out there near the 15, more north county?

[Bobz007]

+1 on cottonwood decent track at a decent price.

[kris]

No, do not play Cottonwood. It is a beat up course, greens suck, fairways are dry. It's just all around not that enjoyable in my opinion. Singing Hills (Sycuan) is 10 x better, much better maintained and better layout imo (also my home course). Steele Canyon is better than both though although it is expensive for non-county residents.

Riverwalk is also a great course. It is slightly expensive but still pretty cool. Carlton Oaks is a decent option. Although I have not played either, I have heard good things about both Mt. Woodsen and Carmel Mountain Ranch.

[PiustheDrGolf]

- Torrey Pines - North Course
- Balboa Park GC
- Mt. Woodson (Twilight)
- Coronado
- Vineyard

[pendlebg]

Just got back and played Torrey Pines and Coronado, like them both very much.

Torrey Pines South you can play as a 20 handicap, just play off the Gold Tees, they are about 6000 yards. I am a 14 and played the Whites at about 6600 yards. If you are longer and not so straight then the Whites are playable. Do not worry about score, just enjoy the round.

The putting is what will get you, very fast greens but they do hold very well, my foursome had a lot of 4 -5 footers go 5 feet past (or more) . The rough was very manageable I found. This time of year it is easier to get on if you go in the morning, get there on a weekday by 5:30 a.m and you will get on no problem, not sure about weekends. Even easier to get out if you want to play the North, almost everyone that came out wanted to play South as I did. Also, call ahead to the course and check the schedule, they will tell you the best days to come out in the morning to get on early.

Coronado is also a lot of fun and the views are great. A lot of locals there so tougher to get on but I showed up at about 6 a.m., first tee time was about 6:45 and I was out on the course around 7:30.

Those are the only 2 I can speak first hand about but Torrey pines is an incredible course and worth the money (unless you want full service and to be catered to your every whim, which does not happen there), but everyone who is there is very nice.

[flap]

My 2 favorites are Steele canyon and Red hawk in Temecula.

[SQ Bimmer]

My 2 favorites are Steele canyon and Red hawk in Temecula.

I'm in Temecula tonight actually. My GF is likely going to be staying here while I head down to San Diego, so I am going to have to find a course in north SD/Temecula area for Sunday. Thinking about Woods Valley since it's a decent price after 11 AM and around Escondido. Checked out a couple courses in Temecula in the past, and you really do get what you pay for out here...

[max power]

I was back home in San Diego for 5 days about 6 weeks ago and played The Crossings in Carlsbad and was terribly impressed. Obviously not a resident anymore, but $60-70 tee times can be had online 2 or 3 days in advance.

[Golf_Gal]

We have a timeshare over at the Welk Resorts and they have 2 really nice golf courses there. Their Par 3 course, The Oaks, and then their Fountains course which is REALLY nice.

[flopdarock]

had a bad experience at the coronado course...
ps i definately wouldnt be wary of playing tp regardless of hcp... its a great place to play... just bring plenty of balls