Blcog

The South County of San Diego has lost a couple of courses over the past 2 years. Eastlake underwent a major renovation of the fairway and green surfaces, and the process went slower than hoped. I can now say it worked. The greens are almost perfect, the fairway lies excellent, the rough juicy. and bunkers are sandy. Nice to have another option back in play.

Carlton Oaks is one of the few Dye design tracks in our area. It had great bones, with a variety of holes--none the same. The greens were in very nice shape, and the overall course conditions were very good. Not great, but close. This is one of my favorite courses to play, due to the variety, quality, and value.

Salt Creek is one of the few courses on our region with a links style feel. Fast undulating fairways, large greens (in great condition right now), and trouble to both sides if you are errant. The course plays shorter than its length due to the run in fairways, and three of the par 5's are reachable from the appropriate tees for your game. Just a real golf experience, and very fun, with lots of memorable holes.

Eastlake is a resort style course, with slopes at edges of fairways to keep your ball in play. A very lush course for the San Diego region, with ample rough, and very smooth greens. The par three holes are all very good, and two of the par fives are excellent birdie opportunities.

Steele Canyon is in great shape right now, from tee to green. The challenge on this course is elevation change, and lots of hazards. This is the only Gary Player Signature course in San Diego, and it is unlike any other in San Diego County. A great value!

Carlton Oaks is one of the best layouts in San Diego County, a rare local Dye Design remodel of an already testy track. Depending on the tees you choose, this can be a pleasant river valley/links style round, or a championship quality, and brutally long, test of skill.
Due to ongoing drought conditions in our region, the course is investing its water use on the fairways and green complexes. This makes the rough areas less lush, and visually browned. Sort of in the Pineshurst #2 direction. The look is great, and you can usually chop your way back to the well conditioned green areas. This course is a great value.

Carmel Mountain Ranch winds along canyons on the side of a mountain, and has a some noticeable elevation changes. The greens are in very good shape. While not scary fast, they are quick and roll true, and have a lot of contours. That makes it important to control your distance to pins. If you want to score, keep it below the flag!

But, this course is suited to tough wind, as it has a distinct links look and feel. Nicely maintained, but not crazy fast greens. One of the better layouts n Maui, and for the cost of green fees, the best value.

The full length Sycuan courses are both well maintained, and provide both nice vista, and challenging golf.