+1 for Mt Woodson and Crossings. I’m not sure I would go so far as to say TP North has better views than South but I’ve more consistently had a fun day playing North.
I’m curious of this thread’s take on Balboa. I wouldn’t recommend it for @BuffaLouies trip but it’s the course I played the most when I lived in Point Loma due to its price and location. My understanding is that it’s a muni managed by a third party (or maybe it until recently was managed by a third party?). My take is that it, along with its 9-hole par 32 course, are great for practice, has some interesting and quirky holes, could be better taken care of, and would be the star muni in most other towns if it didn’t have to compete with TP.
I’m almost certain that TP, Balboa, and Mission Bay are all staffed and managed by parks&rec of San Diego city. The only quirk is that food&beverage at Torrey is contracted out to the Lodge so those employees aren’t city.
Also while South has some great views, I personally think on the North the vantage point of #8 tee looking over the front nine towards the ocean and the tee area on #11 looking towards the ocean are better than anything on the South. Plus you have the obvious 14/15/16 combo which is the best views on property (eg picture I took at sunset that @Soly 's wife actually painted for me)
Another vote for Torrey north being more fun than south.
If you are willing to head all the way down to the city, Coronado muni has to be one of the most fun, awesome character, cheap muni with amazing views. But can be very hard to get on.
Really appreciate the help, all. Mt. Woodson is very much my vibe but I will try and get all of these in. The company has 4x10s going so Friday golf is very much a thing.
Will be sure to find time for TP North if Farmer’s cleanup allows and let you know a midwesterners take on which Pacific views trump other.
If there’s anyone in LA/OC/SD areas that wants to get involved with some local meetups, shoot me a DM and I can get you added to our local WhatsApp chat. Putting together a match play tournament.
Ended up getting out there this afternoon. Played the north course which is running the back nine first, which was absolutely stunning. I got to the golf course about 2:00 for my 3:30 tee time because I wanted to go to the driving range and poke around the pro shop. Checked in and they said I could jump my tee time up an hour so I took that. I had a nice 9 holes with a man, his wife, and their 25ish year old son who were all locals. I’m glad I got the hour bump in tee time because it was pretty dark by the time we were wrapping up.
I appreciate all those who said it would be worth it. It absolutely was.
That’s awesome, you got the scenic nine holes. I guess with the construction of the range for the US Open on 1 and 18 North they’ll do back nine first until mid Summer.
Yeah, the 18th hole is considerably shortened and the “green” consists of a spray paint outline in the fairway. They’re putting the driving range for the US Open there.
Got a buddies trip coming up in the end of march to your city. Got a tee time on Saturday at Torrey South but still looking for any recommendations for a tee time on Sunday and Monday.
Our only other ideas so far are Balboa Park and then spending a day down in Coronado and playing there as well.
We are staying what looks like about 10-15 min northeast of Balboa Park so any other ideas for food, drink, or activities would be great, thank you!
If you want to play towards where you are staying then those courses make sense. If you’re willing to pay the money, a Monday twilight round at Torrey Pines North might not be a bad idea. I think the furthest course I would recommend where you don’t need to travel too far is probably Maderas.
I presume you’re somewhere around Normal Heights by your description? The North Park/University Heights/Hillcrest area has a lot of good food options. Just to start off I’d say La Vecindad Neighborhood Tacos and Pomegranate are two of my top picks in that area.
The beer scene in North Park is great if you’re into that. I always take people to a Bottlecraft.
In terms of activities during COVID I guess you’re limited to walking around and sightseeing? Balboa Park itself is great (it’s bigger than Central Park) as well as the waterfront of downtown is pretty cool with all of the ships. If you have time there’s always the Zoo.
In addition to what “alexbooyah” recommended, I’d also consider Steele Canyon. Like Maderas (a Johnny Miller design), it’s about 40 minutes from where you are staying. Steele Canyon (Gary Player design) is easier than Maderas, and usually cheaper.
If you can get out on Coronado, do it. Terrific value and if you’re on a buddies trip, you’re probably not too worried about a 5 hour round.
That sounds like a solid plan @LoneStar You have a great mix of layouts between those 3 courses. TP south will be a sure test with the course getting ready for the US open in June. Coronado and Balboa are a tremendous value and very unique from one another. Balboa plays up and down canyons with awesome views of the city. Coronado is a flat course on the bay. All 3 courses are a great walk IMO if you’re capable.
thanks for the reply. I am glad you mentioned walking because we were just having that discussion last night for specifically Torrey. it seems most people think it is doable there?
Balboa is the hardest to walk of the three but that’s because it’s a hilly walk not because there’s a lot of ground to cover between holes. Torrey is an easy walk and Coronado is the easiest. The hardest part of Torrey South to walk is the approach to 13, screw that hill with a vengeance.
Every local who plays walks because it’s faster and easier. Reasonably in shape people will have no trouble whatsoever.
You definitely want to walk TP since it’ll be cart path only. It’s best so you can take a straight line to your ball. Even if you barely miss the fairway and have a good idea where your ball landed it can be difficult to find.
