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Brett Waters

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Southern California/Arizona Trip Recommendations
« on: December 15, 2021, 10:49:08 AM »
Hello all,


Long time member, though I do nothing but lurk these days. I am from NC and have been fortunate to play quite a bit along the Eastern Seaboard and a short stint in Hawaii. My buddy is getting married at the end of March out in San Diego. I am planning on taking a week or so to go out and make the most of the trip.


I am quite flexible. Desert golf intrigues me and I have always wanted to play out there. (I realize San Diego is not desert...) Preliminary options include flying straight into San Diego, or Phoenix/Los Angeles and driving. Maybe even Vegas, but that is increasing my drive time. My hope is to get at least two rounds while I am out there.


Any suggestions? Looking for some unique and solidly fun public course options along any of those routes. I am dumb to golf in any of the areas (other than what I have seen on Google Maps). Thanks for any input!
« Last Edit: December 15, 2021, 10:52:41 AM by Brett Waters »

Matthew Petersen

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Re: Southern California/Arizona Trip Recommendations
« Reply #1 on: December 15, 2021, 11:37:27 AM »
Rather than flying into Phoenix or Vegas, you might consider flying into Palm Springs (may be hard to get a direct flight) or perhaps Ontario, which is a short drive to Palm Springs. You could play Rams Hill or, perhaps if you have the ability, Stone Eagle, in the desert.

Brett Waters

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Re: Southern California/Arizona Trip Recommendations
« Reply #2 on: December 15, 2021, 12:04:43 PM »
Rather than flying into Phoenix or Vegas, you might consider flying into Palm Springs (may be hard to get a direct flight) or perhaps Ontario, which is a short drive to Palm Springs. You could play Rams Hill or, perhaps if you have the ability, Stone Eagle, in the desert.


Thanks for this. I considered Palm Springs area as well! I just checked and it looks like I could get into ONT just as easily (one stop) as the other destinations. So I guess I should add this to the list of possibilities! Public courses are really my best option at this point.

Tommy Williamsen

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Re: Southern California/Arizona Trip Recommendations
« Reply #3 on: December 15, 2021, 12:43:20 PM »
In and around the desert are:
[/size]Rams Hill[/size]Desert Willow Golf Resort: Firecliff I enjoyed the course
PGA West: TPC Stadium Course (sould play it once to have done it)
Where there is no love, put love; there you will find love.
St. John of the Cross

"Deep within your soul-space is a magnificent cathedral where you are sweet beyond telling." Rumi

Jordan Standefer

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Re: Southern California/Arizona Trip Recommendations
« Reply #4 on: December 15, 2021, 03:54:25 PM »
"Remember—we live next door to the ocean but we also live on the edge of the desert... Beneath this building, beneath every street there's a desert. Without water the dust will rise up and cover us as though we'd never existed!"
-Mayor Bagby, CHINATOWN

You've cast a wide net, Brett!

The answer for public golf in SD used to be Barona Creek, but they are currently only 9 holes and severely limiting public play. (And are apparently dealing with major conditioning issues.)

Ram's Hill is well regarded, but at least 90 minutes from most places in SD County. (I've driven further on a day trip to play an interesting course!)

You could do a lot worse than Torrey Pines, especially if you can swing an early twilight round during the week (to save a little $). Coronado is a fun municipal with some nice views around the bay, but I wouldn't exactly build a "golf trip" around it.

If you're considering Palm Springs, Escena (by the airport) is my favorite public design. La Quinta Mountain and PGA West (Stadium) are good, too (but that is the most expensive time of year). Marriott Shadow Ridge, either Indian Wells Resort course will be a good day out. Silverrock is better than it used to be after some back 9 renovations a few years back.

You're looking at an 8+ hour drive from PHX and will be fighting for tee times with all the people visiting for Spring Training.
« Last Edit: December 15, 2021, 03:57:15 PM by Jordan Standefer »

Brett Waters

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Re: Southern California/Arizona Trip Recommendations
« Reply #5 on: December 15, 2021, 06:26:23 PM »
Tommy: Thank you for the info! Ram's Hill had not crossed my radar in my early searches. Looks to have potential!




Jordan: I definitely have options (which I like). Maps showed me a sub-6 hour drive from PHX, which is not a big deal at all for me. I love driving around new places. Torrey crossed my mind. Good info on the peak rates and Spring Training. I was not sure when the golf season was out there, nor did baseball cross my mind. All of this is very great, and I appreciate it!!

Mark Kiely

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Re: Southern California/Arizona Trip Recommendations
« Reply #6 on: December 15, 2021, 09:05:49 PM »

If Barona Creek hasn't reopened all 18 by then (which I doubt they will), then:
  • Mt. Woodson - Super short, mountainous Schmidt-Curley design that's lots of fun
  • San Vicente Resort - Great new bentgrass greens designed by Andy Staples
  • Rams Hill - Already covered. Be prepared to devote a full day to getting there and back. I was just there Sunday
  • Coronado
  • Native Oaks
  • Camp Pendleton Marine Memorial - But you need base access, which can be obtained at the Visitor's Center
  • Torrey Pines - If you can get a time and don't mind the cost


I've never played Aviara or The Grand Del Mar, two expensive resort courses.

Check Greenskeeper.org prior to your trip for maintenance alerts and current conditions.

My golf course photo albums on Flickr: https://goo.gl/dWPF9z

Greg Hohman

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Re: Southern California/Arizona Trip Recommendations
« Reply #7 on: December 15, 2021, 09:20:49 PM »
If none of the above work out, Desert Dunes? It's a RTJ Jr. in Desert Hot Springs, which is across the 10 from Palm Springs.
newmonumentsgc.com

Tim Leahy

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Re: Southern California/Arizona Trip Recommendations
« Reply #8 on: December 15, 2021, 09:30:09 PM »
You can't go to SD and not play Torrey Pines South and North. Forget the cost. Save money on flights and driving elsewhere. When you watch the US Open or PGA Tour stop on TV and say, "Oh, I hit it there or made that putt" it will be worth it. The ocean views and Kikuyu rough are not found many other places and the courses provide a great challenge to any golfer. Follow in the steps of Nicklaus, Miller, Watson, Woods, Rahm, etc. You can't say that about many courses that have public access. 8)
« Last Edit: December 16, 2021, 05:21:25 AM by Tim Leahy »
I love golf, the fightin irish, and beautiful women depending on the season and availability.

JHoulihan

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Re: Southern California/Arizona Trip Recommendations
« Reply #9 on: December 15, 2021, 11:47:22 PM »
MLB spring training is planned from Feb 27 to March 29. As of today baseball is on hold, with date to begin play still TBD. This creates 2 questions for you. Do you wanna share the course with many visitors, both slowing the pace of play and increasing the cost. Golf here in PHX along with the rest of the world has gotten so busy. If you have 1 or 2 places that you really wanna play you should contact them now. This will allow you to find out about availability and pricing. If you wanna know more about golf in the desert you have so many GCA posts to review. A very love/hate relationship here but something I believe that you should do at least once.  Favorite courses, especially public, will have you making a list of 10 or 20 courses to read more about.


Justin from Phoenix
« Last Edit: December 18, 2021, 01:21:37 AM by JHoulihan »

Pete Lavallee

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Re: Southern California/Arizona Trip Recommendations
« Reply #10 on: December 17, 2021, 08:08:12 PM »
Although the answer for golf in SD was always Barona Creek they have fallen on hard times; they aren’t able to produce enough reclaimed water from the Casino, Hotel and Buffet to water the course sufficiently. They have closed the 9 holes furthest from the clubhouse and kept the closest 9 in play. No fairway irrigation and apparently they have had troubles with the 9 greens that are in play; very sad.


I definetly second the San Vicente recommendation; just 10 minutes north of Barona Creek. The new Pure Distinction bent grass greens designed by Andy Green are awesome and at $55 to ride during the week and $75 to ride on the weekend it’s the best deal in town! Great 19th hole too! It’s worth it just to play the new Biarritz green on the par 3 15th.


Getting a tee time at both Torrey and Coronado is very difficult due to their popularity. Both however offer an advance booking with a surcharge. Even the locals are scoffing up the tee times at Torrey taking the hit with the surcharge, so that would be the way to go if a round there is a must. An advanced booking with the surcharge at Coronado means you have to tee off after 10:00.


Rams Hill is a wonderful but unwalkable course surrounded by mountains on 3 sides with the Salton Sea on the other. It’s in pristine condition as they close during the summer months. Although I never thought I’d recommend a Fazio design it is quite nice and surely the equal of any public offerings in the Palm Springs region.
"...one inoculated with the virus must swing a golf-club or perish."  Robert Hunter

Brett Waters

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Re: Southern California/Arizona Trip Recommendations
« Reply #11 on: December 17, 2021, 10:44:58 PM »
All,


Thank you so much for the info! Perhaps I'll look into Torrey after all.

Rams Hill also appears to have potential as well! Those may be my top two options at this stage.


I am sad to hear about the conditions out there - did not realize the drought conditions y'all are dealing with until researching a bit after your post, Pete.


Thanks so much!

Brett Waters

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Re: Southern California/Arizona Trip Recommendations
« Reply #12 on: December 17, 2021, 11:07:08 PM »
I did some diving on Torrey. Looks like it will run me $300 for a round on the south course that week M-Th...

Craig Van Egmond

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Re: Southern California/Arizona Trip Recommendations
« Reply #13 on: December 17, 2021, 11:59:56 PM »
Although the answer for golf in SD was always Barona Creek they have fallen on hard times; they aren’t able to produce enough reclaimed water from the Casino, Hotel and Buffet to water the course sufficiently. They have closed the 9 holes furthest from the clubhouse and kept the closest 9 in play. No fairway irrigation and apparently they have had troubles with the 9 greens that are in play; very sad.


This is so sad.   :'(


I really liked Barona Creek.

Jeff Schley

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Re: Southern California/Arizona Trip Recommendations
« Reply #14 on: December 18, 2021, 12:42:37 AM »
Wow didn't know Barona had sunk so low. That is depressing. I second Torrey Pines recommendation as it is an iconic course that while expensive worth a play.

If you go to Palm Springs to play in the desert look into the various deals for stay/play.  I used to use these more so in the summer at the LaQuinta Resort and play all of the PGA West/LaQuinta resort courses for almost nothing in the summer. They have unlimited golf with a night. Indian Wells Golf Resort and Mission Hills does as well. So while I like other public's there, I would go with the stay and play for one night then you get golf from check in day one to the end of day 2. Enjoy.
"To give anything less than your best, is to sacrifice your gifts."
- Steve Prefontaine

Brock Lynch

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Re: Southern California/Arizona Trip Recommendations
« Reply #15 on: December 19, 2021, 08:18:27 PM »
In Rancho Mirage, I've always liked the Pete Dye Course at the Westin Mission Hills.

Pete Lavallee

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Re: Southern California/Arizona Trip Recommendations
« Reply #16 on: December 20, 2021, 07:23:52 PM »
Another lesser know option in SD is the North course at Admiral Baker GC, a facility operated by the Navy just down Friars road from the old Jack Murphy Stadium; the general public is welcome and the green fees are very reasonable. It’s a good layout by Jack Darry who also designed Coronado GC. The greens were redone about 7 years ago with A4 bent grass and are still 95% bent; a real treat in SD County, the land of Poa Annua. Green side chipping areas are Paspalum. Reservations are made with active duty, retirees, DOD and then the general public having priority. So early morning tees will be hard to come by; but a singalong stands a good chance. Mens Club has the course from 6:00 to 11:00 on Tuesday. Definitely a 3 on the DS; avoid the South course which is a 1 at best!
"...one inoculated with the virus must swing a golf-club or perish."  Robert Hunter

Brett Waters

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Re: Southern California/Arizona Trip Recommendations
« Reply #17 on: December 21, 2021, 05:29:14 PM »
All,


Thanks so much for all the info thus far. You have definitely given me some things to think over. I am somewhat leaning toward the Palm Desert area at this point in hopes of fulfilling the desert golf desire. (That Spring Training thing scares me off a touch since PHX is the mecca out west. I am trying to be somewhat budget-friendly since I am already spending a week out there.)


Still plenty of options of where I can fly in at this point, but that's a good thing. I appreciate you all and will continue to research and build this trip!


Brett

Charles Lund

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Re: Southern California/Arizona Trip Recommendations
« Reply #18 on: December 23, 2021, 01:39:10 AM »
I played Rams Hill Monday for the first time and rode over from the Rancho Bernardo area.  The course was in nice condition with enough elevation changes and contouring to make it interesting.  Conditioning was very good.  The rate of $130 seemed realistic so it was fairly priced in my opinion and worth playing.  I'll mention I have had a condo in Rancho Bernardo since long before the course opened and it is my first time there.  I generally don't have issues with motion sickness but the windy character of the mountain roads left me wishing i had taken dramamine before each leg.  So it is a different kind of 90 minute drive than what is generally found in Southern California.


I generally tried to play Desert Willow Firecliff when I went to the Palm Desert/Palm Springs area, along with Marriott Shadow Ridge, both public facilities and not at all alike.


Last year I drove up to Oak Quarry near Riverside and played it again.  Given that it was built on an abandoned quarry, it reflects an interesting reclamation of an area that probably had limited public use potential.  The Curley-Schmidt design makes good use of significant elevation changes and there is a lot of width.  I think the green fee was about $90 for a later morning tee time last spring.  Curley-Schmidt also did Marriott Shadow Ridge.


In the Rancho Bernardo/Poway area there is Maderas Golf Club, which Troon Golf manages,  I've played it three times since returning to the area in November.  It's a course with some blind tee shots on many holes, narrow fairways and landing areas on a  couple of holes on the front nine and a great stretch of holes from #12 to #18.  Some green complexes have overly severe slopes, particularly with greens running close to 12 on the stimpmeter.  If you can go out there with someone who knows the course, getting into position will improve the experience and there are some holes where hitting less than driver is important for longer hitters. It's one of the higher priced public courses in the area, but you can get discounted tee times with three day advanced booking with a Troon West Coast twosome card.  I prefer it over Aviara or LaCosta.  I haven't played the Grand Del Mar since it was Meadows Del Mar.


I played Native Oaks a week ago.  It was formerly known as Woods Valley. I have a Troon West Coast twosome card and played it for $42.  I preferred the back nine over the front nine, but both nines had quite a few very good holes.


I haven't been to Steele Canyon in over 10 years. 


For Torrey Pines South, you can book in advance for a $30 booking fee but non-residents pay very high rates and the booking fee is not refundable if you don't want to plan on the rare days of heavy rain.


If you fly into Ontario, you are close to Oak Quarry and not far from Palm Springs/Palm Desert.  In the future, if I play Rams Hill, I will play it on the way back from Palm Desert so I don't have to drive or ride on the windy road out and back on the same day.  Alternatively, I would head over to Palm Desert, stay there, and play there or head toward Riverside to Oak Quarry.


Charles Lund

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