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Steve_ Shaffer

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Re: san diego golf- hidden gems??
« Reply #50 on: July 22, 2016, 09:04:21 PM »
Mike,


Goat Hill is worth a trip but we don't know how many days are golf days. I'll have to ask Mrs. S.  ;D
"Some of us worship in churches, some in synagogues, some on golf courses ... "  Adlai Stevenson
Hyman Roth to Michael Corleone: "We're bigger than US Steel."
Ben Hogan “The most important shot in golf is the next one”

Pete Lavallee

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Re: san diego golf- hidden gems??
« Reply #51 on: July 23, 2016, 08:55:02 AM »
There are two courses at Ranco Bernardo, the Inn course is public, there is also a CC. The Inn course is a nice
Billy Bell Jr. Course. Dining at the Inn is highly rated. I haven't played the CC but you might be able to gain access if staying at the Inn.


Encinitas Ranch is a Cary Bickler design, wide open front nine with the back nine playing through canyons. Very close to Lego Land off I5.
"...one inoculated with the virus must swing a golf-club or perish."  Robert Hunter

Robert Mercer Deruntz

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Re: san diego golf- hidden gems??
« Reply #52 on: July 23, 2016, 12:22:19 PM »
Encinitas Ranch is a waste of time,  unless you want to play on a property that could have produced a Doak 9, but managed a 1.5!  This shows why Bickler belongs with Fleming as the most incompetent course designers in the business!  RB Inn found a way to play sopping wet in the driest months of the drought and they have taken watering to rice paddies extremes this summer.  There are a couple good holes, but overall golf amongst homes, but a hotel that sets the standard for service.  Carlton Oaks, after a few Korean owners trying to game the city for a condo development on the driving range, has a new Japanese owner who has brought the fairways up to the best condition in 10+ years.  Bunkers are still a sand and clay adventure, but they are trying to improve conditions.   Due to a lack of water, the greens are firm and roll out well.  This course when playing firm is easily the most challenging in SD.  Madras is not terrible, but way over priced.  They survive because the owner is a Mexican billionaire in which the golf course neighborhood provides a perfect place for his estate to be secure without drawing interest. 

David Stamm

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Re: san diego golf- hidden gems??
« Reply #53 on: July 23, 2016, 12:24:50 PM »
RBI is a better course than Encinitas Ranch by far. Encinitas Ranch was a blown opportunity and is......unfortunate. My daughter goes there once a week to play in a girls program, so I am very familiar with the course.


The Inn course is better than the private CC course. I don't much care for the CC, FWIW.

Goat Hill has to be seen to be believed. It is a wild ride with some over the top holes, a result of the very severe property. Still, it's worth seeing simply because of what Ashworth has accomplished there. It's working in it's efforts to bring affordable golf in a unique, quintessential California surfer type atmosphere combined with a town/community gathering spot ala Scotland. I like it, but would not want to play there all the time because of the severity of the course. It's a tough walk.
"The object of golf architecture is to give an intelligent purpose to the striking of a golf ball."- Max Behr

Steve_ Shaffer

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Re: san diego golf- hidden gems??
« Reply #54 on: July 23, 2016, 10:18:59 PM »
All,


Thanks for your thoughts. We will play at RBI one day. Carlton Oaks looks promising. How about Carmel Mountain Ranch? It seems to be closer to RBI. Their website reveals a recent renovation. Seems to be a housing development course. Wanted to play Marine Memorial but they have a ladies club event every Tuesday morning.
"Some of us worship in churches, some in synagogues, some on golf courses ... "  Adlai Stevenson
Hyman Roth to Michael Corleone: "We're bigger than US Steel."
Ben Hogan “The most important shot in golf is the next one”

Charles Lund

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Re: san diego golf- hidden gems??
« Reply #55 on: July 23, 2016, 10:58:03 PM »
You might look at Greenskeeper.org and see what it says recently about Carlton Oaks.  I usually play it in winter when bermuda is dormant.

Carmel Mountain Ranch did a renovation and reopened some time ago.  I think they took out a lot of grass and went with enlarged waste areas.  One of the outside services at Maderas plays Carmel Mountain as home course and spoke positively of the renovation.

Farther up I-15 from Rancho Bernardobis Golf Club of California,  built by Landmark in early 2000s to be a private course. We go up there from time to time.

Charles Lund

Mark Kiely

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Re: san diego golf- hidden gems??
« Reply #56 on: July 24, 2016, 07:02:22 AM »
I feel the turf reduction at Carmel Mountain Ranch hurt the course. I had played it a few times many years ago, and then returned last December to check it out, post-turf reduction. It's too tricked out in spots and plays too firm to have nothing but crushed granite if you stray from the fairway and minimal rough. This causes it to play very much as a "target golf" course. There are still a few interesting holes, but nothing I'd go too far out of your way to see.


My album of 23 photos from that day can be viewed here:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/24952137@N00/albums/72157661406587549/with/23206922389/
My golf course photo albums on Flickr: https://goo.gl/dWPF9z

David Stamm

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Re: san diego golf- hidden gems??
« Reply #57 on: July 24, 2016, 12:12:00 PM »
Carmel Mountain Ranch is just terrible,  with or without turf reduction.

Mt. Woodson is not a bad option. It's shortish, but has  some fun holes.

Steve, if you can make Marine Memorial work, it's really one of the best options in the area.
"The object of golf architecture is to give an intelligent purpose to the striking of a golf ball."- Max Behr

Steve_ Shaffer

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Re: san diego golf- hidden gems??
« Reply #58 on: August 02, 2016, 12:31:26 PM »
Pete,


Unfortunately, Marine Memorial has a tournament scheduled on one of our golf days so we'll play RBI and nearby Mt. Woodson ($39 senior rate!)
"Some of us worship in churches, some in synagogues, some on golf courses ... "  Adlai Stevenson
Hyman Roth to Michael Corleone: "We're bigger than US Steel."
Ben Hogan “The most important shot in golf is the next one”

Steve_ Shaffer

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Re: san diego golf- hidden gems??
« Reply #59 on: August 12, 2016, 01:35:26 AM »
Just returned. Played Mt. Woodson & Rancho Bernardo Resort Course.


Mt. Woodson is a very interesting course. Short but challenging. 6000y. Cartball. I can't imagine anyone walking there. Reminded me of a mini Wolf Creek. Requires a few plays to figure out some holes and get used to mountain  greens. For $39 senior rate, it's a good value course. Recently sold. New owners doing some work.
http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/2016/may/10/mt-woodson-golf-course-new-owner/


http://mtwoodsongolfclub.com/


RBI is another interesting course. My first experience on zoysia/kikuyu grass. 18 is a strong finishing hole- dogleg right, then uphill to a green fronted by a lake. Wm F Bell 1962 design. Very good bunkering. Greens were a little slow as the pro said it's a resort course and they're keeping them up for the summer.Having well water helps in CA..
 http://www.ranchobernardoinn.com/golf/courses


Some pictures here:
https://www.yelp.com/biz/rancho-bernardo-inn-golf-course-san-diego

"Some of us worship in churches, some in synagogues, some on golf courses ... "  Adlai Stevenson
Hyman Roth to Michael Corleone: "We're bigger than US Steel."
Ben Hogan “The most important shot in golf is the next one”

Pete Lavallee

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Re: san diego golf- hidden gems??
« Reply #60 on: August 14, 2016, 09:11:24 AM »
Steve,

Glad you enjoyed your golf in SD. Mt Woodsen is an interesting experience, unwalkable is quite a good description. Although the scorecard says 6000, there are some fictitious back tees which don't exist to get to that number. They claimed the environmentalists wouldn't allow them to be built! Still the elevation changes keep you honest. Quite a few holes that can be driven, at your peril. Probably more prudent to lay up off the tee but where's the fun in that!  A coworker recently bought a house there with a putting green in the backyard, so he decided to take up golf; we have played there few times with him and the course has grown on me a bit.

RBI struggles with overwatering as its a bit inland, no one was ever fired for putting too much water on their greens! Although the course is the work of Billy Bell Jr the waterscape on 18 is surely the work of Ted Robinson. Eye catching but perhaps a bit out of place.

Next time make sure you get out to Barona Creek, you will not be disappointed.
"...one inoculated with the virus must swing a golf-club or perish."  Robert Hunter

David Stamm

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Re: san diego golf- hidden gems??
« Reply #61 on: August 14, 2016, 11:26:31 PM »
Pete, I can't remember.  Was the waterfall there before Curley did his work?
"The object of golf architecture is to give an intelligent purpose to the striking of a golf ball."- Max Behr

Pete Lavallee

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Re: san diego golf- hidden gems??
« Reply #62 on: August 15, 2016, 10:43:03 AM »
It was there the first time I played it.  If it was Curley, Robinsons son should sue for copywrite infringement!
"...one inoculated with the virus must swing a golf-club or perish."  Robert Hunter

goldj

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Re: san diego golf- hidden gems??
« Reply #63 on: September 14, 2023, 10:09:32 PM »
Anyone having any new thoughts on San Diego area golf, public or private.  The last post here is about seven years ago and, surely, there’s something new there or maybe even opinions have changed.


JG

Steve_ Shaffer

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Re: san diego golf- hidden gems??
« Reply #64 on: September 14, 2023, 11:19:28 PM »
I'd try Marine Memorial GC @ Camp Pendleton:
Unyielding to the seasoned, yet playable for the novice, William P. Bell’s Marine Memorial Golf Course has been praised for its bunkers, ingenuity, and innovations in golf course construction. Enjoy the Marine Corps heritage of this course and play for the history, the heroes, and the tradition.
Open to the public. Apply for base access. There is a one-week wait for processing. Once approved, access is valid for 90 days.

https://pendleton.usmc-mccs.org/recreation-fitness/recreation/outdoor-recreation/marine-memorial-golf-course
"Some of us worship in churches, some in synagogues, some on golf courses ... "  Adlai Stevenson
Hyman Roth to Michael Corleone: "We're bigger than US Steel."
Ben Hogan “The most important shot in golf is the next one”

Greg Hohman

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Re: san diego golf- hidden gems??
« Reply #65 on: September 15, 2023, 08:30:05 AM »
Does no mention of Admiral Baker North mean it’s a bit hidden or inspires no love? I prefer it to some mentioned so far. Centrally located, not expensive, no civilian restrictions. Popular, but tee times available.


The South course is the less gifted brother.
« Last Edit: September 15, 2023, 08:33:30 AM by Greg Hohman »
newmonumentsgc.com

Pete Lavallee

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Re: san diego golf- hidden gems??
« Reply #66 on: September 15, 2023, 08:59:07 AM »
A lot has changed since this post was started! I used to be able to access all the military bases with my DOD Retiree card but those were made invalid on August 31.


Barona is no longer open to the public. They have severe water issues and are waiting for a pipeline to be built from the wastewater treatment plant in Ramona. Until then just 9 holes are open with 2 flags per green. They are only watering tees and greens. The course is only open to Tribal members and high rollers from the Casino.


Salt Creek, Warner Springs and Carmel Mountain have closed due to lack of water.


San Vicente Resort, 15 minutes north of Barona completely redesigned their greens with Andy Staples and the results are stunning. Definitely the place to tee it up in SD now. $70 during the week.


Sycaun has changed back to Singing Hills to avoid confusion with the new hotel at the Casino. The tribe just finished a renovation on Oak Glen, they are working on Willow Glen now. The par 3 course Pine Glen will close in October to make soccer fields for the new MLS Team.


Admiral Baker North redesigned their greens about 10 years ago and they are still A4 bent with paspalum green surrounds. Conditions here are very good. The trouble is the Military, Retirees, DOD have first priority for tee times so opening could be scarce for the general public which is welcome. Right near the old Jack Murphy Stadium. Avoid the South course which is slated for a redesign once the survey for unexplored ordnance is completed!

The only new course built is Arrowood in Oceanside, a very hilly housing track. Also the Golf Club of California went public, it’s located in Fallbrook.



« Last Edit: September 15, 2023, 09:10:13 AM by Pete Lavallee »
"...one inoculated with the virus must swing a golf-club or perish."  Robert Hunter

Greg Hohman

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Re: san diego golf- hidden gems??
« Reply #67 on: September 15, 2023, 01:20:23 PM »

Admiral Baker North redesigned their greens about 10 years ago and they are still A4 bent with paspalum green surrounds. Conditions here are very good. The trouble is the Military, Retirees, DOD have first priority for tee times so opening could be scarce for the general public which is welcome. Right near the old Jack Murphy Stadium. Avoid the South course which is slated for a redesign once the survey for unexplored ordnance is completed!
Pete, good to hear about the South redesign. Do you know any details?
newmonumentsgc.com

DFarron

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Re: san diego golf- hidden gems??
« Reply #68 on: September 15, 2023, 02:38:41 PM »
Goat Hill is fun, in better shape than it has ever been in and you can meet some interesting people.


Other than that, San Diego probably has some of the most uninspired golf of any major American city, which considering the weather is a shame !

Ben Malach

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Re: san diego golf- hidden gems??
« Reply #69 on: September 15, 2023, 08:07:29 PM »
Since nobody has mentioned it. I have been enjoying my casual games at The Loma Club in Point Loma, designed by A. G. Spalding.


It's casual like Goat Hill but only 9 holes. It's a nice place for a quick game to kill some time before a flight as it's right beside the airport. It really rests on the few holes overlooking the harbour but it is one of those places that is really embracing the more casual side of golf. As you can see kids, surfers, business men and all manner of people enjoying the spot.


I think I might play it tomorrow as I have a lag day in San Diego.
@benmalach on Instagram and Twitter

Pete Lavallee

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Re: san diego golf- hidden gems??
« Reply #70 on: September 15, 2023, 08:12:06 PM »
Greg,


The South Course at Admiral Baker was originally a short “beginners course”. Around 20 years ago they lengthened it and put in dwarf Bermuda greens. Those greens lasted about 5 years and are now perfect circles of Poa Annua. Their motivation for the redesign is that officials said they can’t let water laden with fertilizer or pesticides leech in the adjacent San Diego River. MWR has $5MM in the coffers to perform the work. They have selected Cary Bickler to do the work. Apparently he had drawn up a plan but it has not been made public. I suspect there will be a detention pond added somewhere. They said they don’t have enough money to reroute the cart paths so the layout will probably be unchanged. Work was meant to start this spring until the Ordnance Survey was mandated; apparently the place was a Military training ground in WW II. The Army Corps of Engineers has a contractor who has a large machine which can scan 3 feet below any digging. I asked in the Pro Shop last week how things were going and with a sigh they said: it’s in the hands of the Environmentalists now.
"...one inoculated with the virus must swing a golf-club or perish."  Robert Hunter

John Ezekowitz

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Re: san diego golf- hidden gems??
« Reply #71 on: September 16, 2023, 05:20:07 PM »
I'd like to throw in a plug for the Lomas Santa Fe executive golf course in Solana Beach. It is cheap, accessible and really fun with hilly terrain, a decent variety of yardages and greens that are usually in excellent shape. It is one of the better Par 3 courses I've played and has a great vibe - I usually play as a single and always have a good time.


Also, Balboa Park has been doing some tree removal on the back nine and the holes around the canyons look better than ever.

Pete Lavallee

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Re: san diego golf- hidden gems??
« Reply #72 on: September 16, 2023, 05:54:44 PM »
John,


The tree removal on #10 was the result of a visit from the USGA Agronomist during the last US Open at Torrey Pines. He suggested removing the massive Eucalyptus from behind the green; it must have been over 100 years old and its demise was surely imminent. The skyline view to downtown is now quite impressive. He also recommended removing the one to the right of the green side bunker. It’s made a dramatic change and the hole doesn't play any easier. He also made a suggestion on how to fix the 4th hole; I’d love to hear about that!
"...one inoculated with the virus must swing a golf-club or perish."  Robert Hunter

Tim Leahy

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Re: san diego golf- hidden gems??
« Reply #73 on: September 16, 2023, 11:01:36 PM »
When I lived in SD I used to like Encinitas Ranch alot when Torrey was too busy. Challenging course with great greens and ocean breezes although not on the ocean you could see it.
Also Maderas was very challenging and always in great shape.
Carlton Oaks and Mission Trails are inland courses which were always challenging and fun with the later on Lake Murray with some great views.
It's been some time since I have been down there so maybe some of the locals can confirm current conditions.  8)
I love golf, the fightin irish, and beautiful women depending on the season and availability.

Dan Gallaway

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Re: san diego golf- hidden gems??
« Reply #74 on: September 17, 2023, 09:15:29 AM »
Looks like Barona Creek has shut down 9 holes due to water conservation.