Next month I will be in San Diego on business. As usual I will try my best to make some time for golf. I have played Torrey south, Riverwalk, Vineyards at Escondido, Eastlake, and most everything in the Carlsbad area. I am thinking I might go to Torrey north, partly because I have never played it. I am staying in the Gaslamp and was wondering if there are any other good tracks that are somewhat close? Thanks.

Go across the bridge to Coronado, awesome course, also Balboa Park Muni. If you have access to Google Earth, toggle on the "Places of Interest" and pick the golf course layer and scan the area for courses that are within your range of travel. Good Luck.

PM me when you're going to be in here and maybe I'll take a few hours off of work and go play. I usually play in the North County area (Encinitas Ranch, Carlsbad Crossings)

Somewhat close? Nothing I recall. I've visited Coronado a while back, flat and short, and wouldn't go back. Aviara on the other hand offers a test of skill and eye candy, fun but not cheap. I've played Arrowood GC in Oceanside many times, it offers a good test of skill too, always in great condition and reasonably priced. I visited Rancho Bernardo Inn recently, course was fun and in great shape. If you're a private club member with privileges it would be worth investigating The Bridges in RSF.

Salt Creek or Steele Canyon are both good choices in the East County. If you dont mind a 45 min drive Barona is superb.

Cool!! Thanks for the info Coronado was on my radar. You are a lucky man to live in the greatest city on earth. This summer will be the 6th year in a row my family has vacationed in Carlsbad.

I second Barona if you don't mind the drive but also take a look at Maderas in Poway.

Maderas is a nice track. They probably have repaired all the bridges by now. Be sure to check Troon's website for coupons for Maderas.

Linxman 2 has it right. Play Riverwalk before Coronado, why torrey north, play the south

I have alreay played Riverwalk and Torry south. I guess before I die it's my goal to step foot on as many different golf courses as possible. That's why I am looking for others that I have not played.

Carlton Oaks is a very challenging course that's worth a look. They've recently had Stage 1 of PGA Tour Q-school there, as well as the fall Canadian Q-school. The Sycuan Resort courses are also good options that haven't been mentioned.

I'd recommend Salt Creek, Barona, Aviara, Steele Canyon, Maderas.

Carlton Oaks is so-so.

The only ones that are "close" as you asked for are Torrey and Coronado. Torrey North front side is a great 9 holes. I wish you could just play the front side on both courses, North for the front and South for the back. Now that would be a great course.

Coronado isn't the most difficult, but it can be a nice relaxing round!

Thanks for the info NATER. "Close" is an issue as I am going to need to play hooky for awhile to get to the course. What about Balboa Park? Is it a typical muni dump? BTW, by looking at things I am wondering if you might work near Rutherford Rd???

I have not played Balboa Park, its on my list. I have heard its an ok place to get a round in, if you just need to get one in...



Nater

Carlton Oake is San Diegos only Pete Dye course. It will test you for sure. I vote for Arrowood in Oceanside though.

Fresno boy Jason, you said I'm a lucky man for living here, well I'll agree with you 100%. My wife is from this area and she wouldn't move to Bakersfield (were I lived for 35 years), so I move down here in '02. Way easier transition for me. (ya think???)

I do feel your pain 'cause I don't miss the fog and smog.

I live about 1-2 miles S/E from Cally

If you're truly pinched for time, Coronado may not be your best bet. It is known for long rounds, unless you can get out very early. Also, while close mileage-wise, don't underestimate the time it can take to travel across the bridge at certain times of the day.

I played Balboa this past Sat. afternoon. Greens were aerated about 3 weeks ago and are now filled in, but were still slightly bumpy. I picked up a few mud balls in the low spots. Otherwise, the fairways and rough were in great shape. Also, there is a shorter 9 hole course at Balboa which keeps some of the real choppers off of the big course and helps the pace of play quite a bit.

Hope this helps!

Carlton Oaks is a great track but it was not designed by Pete Dye. It is a Dye design, but not Pete.