Im a 7 hdcp that doesnt do much traveling. Recommendation on best way to golf San Diego for 3 days? I will be staying at the Hyatt but have yet to reserve a rental car (should I? I wont need one for any other reason). I will be taking my clubs! Which courses would be recommended? Any tips on best way to travel would be appreciated.

If money is no option rent the car and play Maderas, Barona Creek and Torrey South. If money is an option play Steele Canyon, Coronado or Arrowood!

Rent the car... and I like Aviara too.

And if you're at the Hyatt, there is a little restaurant across from the front court yard called Cafe Japengo. Don't miss it!

i was just there make sure you rent a car as nothing is really close by

Sorry to thread hijack but...

I'm going to be in SD on business in late Sept, and was looking into playing Torrey Pines--is the North course worth playing (relative to the other "bargain" courses you listed)?

Thanks!

The North Course is nice, too! Not near as expensive as its South counterpart, and you can still say that you've played at Torrey Pines!

I'm not sure exactly what you mean by "late Sept.", but be aware that the LPGA's Samsung World Championship is taking place at Torrey from the 17th-20. I don't imagine the North will be open during that time. Both courses will likely be open to the public the next day, though. And yes, the North is worth playing and won't beat you up quite as bad as the South. Everything breaks toward the ocean!

To the OP, I'd have to concur with the other posters on the course recommendations, which have all been good although not budget-friendly. Are you here for a convention or full-time golf?

The Journey at Pechanga is spectacular. Its about an hour from the downtown Hyatt but its worth the trip. Barona is the best San Diego has to offer imo. See if the Hyatt has an agreement with the Manchester Del Mar (formerly del mar Meadows and Del Mar National) it is world class but tough to get on. Maderas is very good. Aviara is one of Palmers best designs imo. Mt Woodson is beautiful and challenging although shortish, but well worth playing. I love Arrowood, its my local favorite. Lots of good choices here in SD.

I would agree with all the above with the exception of arrowood. I was a member there for a couple of years and it is a middle of the road course at best. If you are at one of Manchester's Hyatts you really should get on at the Grand Del Mar. It is the only Tom Fazio course in San Diego and is a very nice track. Torrey is worth the trip also.

Thanks to everyone for the responses. I will check them out! Not sure if this will go the the correct person...However, Im in SD Sept 9-13. She is here for convention, I'll be golfing while she is "conventioning?" Im golfing on the 10th and 11th.

If you plan on renting a car and traveling north then Rancho Bernardo Inn is definitely worth the trip. About 20-30 minutes from downtown if I remember correctly. Also I've heard good things about the Vineyard in Escondido. Which is one or two more exits north from Rancho Bernardo.

I've got some well connected pals in San Diego, and we played the hell out of San Diego. If possible play the La Jolla Country Club, Torrey North and South, Eastlake CC, and Riverwalk. Great courses and fun. Do what you can, and a car is a must. If you have the time, for dinner go to Del Mar and go to Bully's and Red Trochton's, and La Jolla: Barbarella's and Piati's,

I used to do business in SD and have played a few courses. My opinions on the courses are:

Maderas - excellent, nice layout, good condition, reasoanable fee
Meadows Del Mar - similar, although haven't played it in a few years
Aviara - nice enough, but more forgettable than either above. Expensive
Steele Canyon - 2 of the 3 9s are very good. I think the Ranch is the least good
Riverwalk - very compact and packed in a small space. If very short of travelling time and staying nearby, OK
Torrey Pines (both)- overrated in my view, condition variable. Slower than evolution.
Auld Course (now Salt Creek) - not a links or even remotely linksy but interesting open course and decent rates
Singing Hills - a bit off key. Some nice holes, but overall just OK
Rancho Bernardo Inn - nice enough, but not a top course

You need a car.

If your military you can play Torrey Pines as San Deigo County resident by showing your ID Card...the discount is great! I have walked on as a single 3 times and rarely had to wait. Navy North Island has a good course also.

Looks like Torrey South will be shut down from the 13th-21st for the Samsung. You should have no trouble walking on as a single on the 10th or 11th, and the course would be in nice shape, probably with the rough trimmed down a bit (which helps pace of play ALOT).

If you are a member of a club at home, talk to your pro and ask him about a letter of introduction and his suggestion on any private courses he may be able to get you onto. It has worked wonders for me in the past.

Also, I agree about you needing a rent car. Nothing is close.