Among the golf course closings in San Diego, this likely will be the quietest. They also have a performance center with a 12 hole . Licking your wounds on the patio of the Lodge at Torrey Pines with dinner and drinks at sunset is a worthy consolation prize no matter your score. Architect John Harbottle III has deftly blended rolling terrain with handsome directional bunkering and ultrafast greens to produce a truly memorable outing. . Greens fee: $115. What is the hardest golf course in the United States? Head Golf Pro: Renny Brown, PGA. 12. San Diego is also home to 11 leagues and 3 stores that sell disc golf gear. There are three 9s available at Steel Canyon, these include the Canyon, Ranch, and Vineyard. The South Course At Torrey Pines Golf Course San Diego. Aviara Golf ClubWith its lavish clubhouse and exquisite grooming, Aviara rivals the finest California private clubs. The two courses the Champions and the Legends Course have undergone renovations in recent years as part of a $50 million dollar overall improvement program at this storied resort. If you're looking for a uniquely challenging experience should head to The Farm's Golf Club. The Olympic Club (Lake), San Francisco . Aviara Golf Club. The script is completely flipped when we look at scores on the South Course. Hole 18 in particular, is one of the most enjoyable. Overlooking the Batiquitos Lagoon just a hundred yards or so from the Pacific Ocean, the course moves up and down hills and around seven lakes, presenting an unforgettable variety of lies and scenery. The par-four 365-yard 16th was Mackenzie's favorite hole in golf, with its blind drive and its challenging approach to a three-tiered green. Farmingdale, Old American Golf Club. Steel Canyon Golf Club. Green fees: $250-275. Though technically in San Diego County, Rams Hill Golf Club in Borrego Springs is in no man's land: about two hours from San Diego airport and about 90 minutes from Palm Springs. Designed by renowned golf architect Tom Fazio, it is the only course of his making in San Diego. Finishing holes border the lake, and the par-threes are especially challenging and memorable. It's pricey ($229 on weekends) and requires some advance planning to procure a tee time (go to sandiego.gov for details), but it's worth it for the magnificent views, top conditions and championship history. Pasatiempo's only snags can be slow play, due to the course's growing popularity, and a somewhat indifferent attitude in the pro shop. From the 1st hole, it offers up beautiful views of the city. Set in the Barona Valley about 30 miles northeast of the city, this track is worth the drive, especially if you're looking for a secluded getaway with a casino on the premises. Nicknamed the Parachute, this is a 450-yard par 4 hole that has a tonne of elevation from the tee. 14. Rancho Carlsbad Golf Course. A pair of challenging courses awaits players at TPC San Antonio, with the 7,400-yard Oaks Course co-designed by golf icons Greg Norman and Sergio Garcia being the more sinister sibling. Greens fees are a bargain too: $42-$57. 4h Jeff Passan. Canyon is the toughest, narrowed by creeks and trees, while Mountain features elevated tees, sumptuous views, and spacious landing areas. 5050 Arroyo Road, Livermore; 925-456-2475;www.wentegolf.com. Greens fees: $175-$225. Why pickleball is the feel-good game craze we all need right now. Originally, the construction team mistakenly doubled the size of the front nine greens. Incline Village Golf ResortChampionship CourseOkay, okayit's in Nevada. At the adorable par-three third hole, a one-shotter that's set against the sea, you'll know why some call Torrey Pines the "workingman's Pebble Beach." Carved through the pine-covered Sierras at a top altitude of 6,500 feet, featuring tight tree-bordered fairways, beautiful turf, and glorious occasional glimpses of nearby Lake Tahoe, this "mountain" golf course became one of my favorites the first day I played it. He's a modern master, and Pelican Hill stands as one of his best. Built in the late 1920s and host site of the original Bing Crosby Pro-Am from 1937 to 1941, this elegant Max Behr course, a tribute to design economy, should be played for reasons of charm and history alonebut it doesn't lack for challenge. The experience is certainly grand at this exclusive Tom Fazio design that's open only to resort guests and members. This story was published before Summer 2021, when we launched our new digital experience. Course At Wente VineyardsAnother upscale public newcomer, this Greg Norman signature course started gathering accolades from the day it opened in 1998. There is a collection of reputable San Diego golf resorts, but the municipal roster is also one of the best in the country. 8), and a tough finishing holea dogleg par 4 that wraps around water. The Mountain West provided a taste of madness as No. This very busy, very picturesque municipal course offers a completely different waterfront golf experience than its coastal cousin, Torrey Pines. With excellent views, amazing staff, and a forecaddie for each group, the Grand Golf Club has one of the best golf courses in San Diego, no doubt. Combine that with a par of 73, and a ridiculous Course Rating of 80, and you've got one of the most consistently challenging courses in the . The greens are in great shape, and the course demands a nice variety of shots, including a few blind ones and uphill approaches. The field is +201 on the South . Words by T. Cole Rachel, Photography by Yagazie Emezi and Joshua Sanchez. Hasn't happened yet, but I'll keep trying. Ignore the help and play this gem with your bag on your shoulder. 18 is tough also. The course is a true target-style design offering shot-making challenges you will never forget. This previously private, member-built classic that dates back to 1895 is a must-play for any golf enthusiast or student of classic design and club architecture. Par: 72. 7. Learn more about Coronado Golf Course. Visit website. It is also one of the hardest golf courses in the world to get a tee time. 22. 14. Alternatively, if the best San Diego golf courses dont quite cut it, consider enlarging your search and check out our guide for the top golf courses in Californiaas well. June 16, 2021 at 7:58 p.m. EDT . Greens fees: $300-$350. Google Maps . Greens fees: $85-$125. 11480 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla; 619-570-1234. Copyright 2023 GolfNow. Food is hit or miss but compared to other private clubs, it is certainly on . Edgewood Tahoe Golf CourseAnother California beauty although technically just yards over the Nevada line, the redoubtable Edgewood has been quite nicely spruced up by Tom Fazio, the nephew of George Fazio, the course's original designer. 3, which overlooks the Pacific from its cliff-top perch. A longtime host of the LPGA's Kia Classic, it's a favorite stay-and-play experience for couples when combined with the newly renovated Park Hyatt Aviara Resort. However, rather than undo the work, officials decided to enlarge the other greens to match. For prestige and beauty, it's hard to beat Torrey Pines, site of the epic 2008 U.S. Open (which Tiger Woods won on a broken leg) and the future site of the championship . Some golfers love the busy and affordable munis, while others would prefer to pay the premium resort green fee for better conditions and quieter round. Words by Alex Frank, Photography by Ana Hop. The next time youre around the area, consider swinging by one and checking it out for yourself. Pelican Hill Golf ClubPelican Hill aficionados like to say that this Newport Coast club, featuring a pair of spectacular Tom Fazio layouts, is southern California's answer to Pebble Beach. Torrey Pines North, host of the Farmers Insurance Open, is also a must play with arguably better ocean views than the South course. In 2020, Golf Pass ranked Old American as the second toughest public golf course in the United States, after a survey of thousands of its users. At 6,590 yards, the course is long enough for big hitters, and fairly open. Written By: SoCalPulse Contributor. Top 20 Best San Diego Golf Courses. 11. Tops in the San Diego area, this pretty golf course is situated in the heart of golf's Silicon Valley, near the manufacturing complexes of Callaway and Taylor Made, among others. Are you game? The course spans more than 8,000 yards, making it the longest golf course in San Diego. Website: www.golfcoronado.com. Bodega Harbour Golf LinksUp the coast highway in the village of Bodega Bay, where Alfred Hitchcock filmed The Birds, is one of the state's treasures, a marvelously conditioned resort course that, just like a Hitch character, has two distinct personalities. Architect: Mike Strantz. Neighboring municipalities like Carlsbad, Coronado and Oceanside also deliver affordable, fun munis for all. Despite its pedigree, La Costa has added family tees and was named the No. It was created by William P. Bell and is located on a peninsula, with 18 holes total. 10. The recent addition of a Spanish-style full-service clubhouse with a thoughtful staff and an award-winning pro shop makes Pelican the perfect afternoon getaway for golf purists and harried L.A. executives. But the tight doglegs, water hazards, and length of the course (7,087 yards from the tips) can be a serious test for the better handicap player, which is the reason both the U.S. Open and U.S. in Party Equipment Rentals, Casinos, Party & Event Planning. Coronado Golf Course. Though the resort seems to be constantly battling the fatigue factor, skipping this terrific Dick Wilson-Joe Lee jewel would be a big mistake. This will be welcome news for many, as some reviews noted that the upkeep of the course had slipped a little. For dinner, to briefly escape Pebble's madding crowds, consider a 25-mile jaunt down Highway 1 to Big Sur's magnificent restaurant Cielo (at the venerable Ventana Inn). Tecolote Canyon is a centrally-located, 18-hole short course designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr. For buddies trips, these abbreviated layouts make for a great, casual afternoon round or a place to stretch your legs if you're cruising up or down the coastline. Are golf tees too common an item to be worth adding to your golf collection? 1 to 25 . A bargain for locals (who pay a fraction of what out-of-towners pay), Torrey Pines, located along the bluffs above the Pacific just north of San Diego, is the host of the PGA Tours Farmers Insurance Open, and was the site (South Course) of Tiger Woods 14th major win, the 2008 U.S. Open, in which he beat Rocco Mediate in a playoff. If not, expect to pay a premium for green fees. Like its sister course, the North is a gem, with spectacular views and immaculate conditioning. The Farms Golf Club. This is most apparent on the front 9 which are not up to the conditions we would expect of such a course. Fairways are tight, greens are tiny, bunkers are difficultclassic in every wayand the terrain imparts a majestic solitude in places. The technical challenge comes from large, intrusive pine and oak trees that pinch fairways tightlyand make straight driving a must. Where: 3007 Dehesa Rd, El Cajon, CA 92019. The Pines (The International Golf Club & Resort: Bolton, Mass.) San Diego is a cracking area to play golf. San Diego Golf Courses. The pilgrims keep coming in droves, and the answer is an unequivocal "yes." For any golfer, even the top 100 courses in the world are difficult to play. 1300 Sylvan Road, Monterey; 831-373-2700; www.pebblebeach.com. Pete Dye Course Courses in the United States Arizona. Hotel guest green fees: $250-275 (includes forecaddie, twilight and replay rates available), Here's a course that is poised for a huge upgrade and could vault up this list. It is one of the hardest golf courses in the world to get a tee time. Book a Tee Time at National City Golf Course. To many, this will be advantageous over some of the more isolated courses. The premium is on decisive shotmaking, and the afternoon wind can capriciously determine whether it'll be a good walk spoiled. Greens fees: $80-$100. CNN calls it the second-toughest golf course in the entire world and PGA Tour professionals have called "Carnasty" the . You could spend a lifetime collecting perfect golf experiences here. Designed by: Ted Robinson. La Costa Resort And SpaKnown for its many PGA Tour tournaments, golfing dons, and an enduring rumor that Jimmy Hoffa is buried beneath the 18th green, La Costa is often overlooked in modern guides promoting the best and brightest golf in the state. The course has undergone two major renovations, one in 2001 and another in 2019, the latter costing $14 million. In both cases the views of the ocean and the Sonoma hills are inspiring. Amaury Bouhours, the 33-year-old chef at the helm of Le Meurice in Paris, combines tradition and innovation. - stanholden, 2020 review of Coronado Golf Course. Aviara is designed by Arnold Palmer who is one of the greatest golf players who ever lived. Signature Hole: 16th hole which is a par 3. 3. 20 Clubhouse Road, Santa Cruz; 831-459-9155; www.pasatiempo.com. The former has just 250 members! Ever found yourself wanting to play golf in San Diego? Presidio Golf ClubIf you can't get on the grass at Olympic or San Francisco Golf Club (the city's two most elite and wonderful courses), fret not. Greens fees: $55-$60. The back nine, meandering through the stately Monterey pines, can soothe and haunt you, especially when the fog rolls in and the deer come out to feed at dusk. Its highly affordable, and for what you are getting, its a must-try if you are in San Diego. 22651 Pelican Hill Road South, Newport Coast; 949-760-0707; www.pelicanhill.com. Red Mountain Ranch Country Club, Mesa, 1986 (with Perry Dye) Karsten Golf Course at ASU, Tempe, 1989 (with Perry Dye) California. Going into Round 3 . It's immensely popular and can host over 80,000 rounds annually, so its conditions might be a step below top resort courses, but the setting and enjoyable layout more than make up for it. The South Course At Torrey Pines Golf Course San Diego, California. Forget your score and remember the views. 25. The course is open for both La Costa club members and guests. 1 McClure Way, Seaside; 831-899-7271; www.bayonetblackhorse.com. Too bad Ralph didn't play golf, because the same can be said of golf in the Golden State: It is plentiful, wonderful, and remarkably varied, ranging from $12 goat farms with world-class views of the Pacific to the most elite public course in the world, Pebble Beach. While he's played some of the most prestigious courses in the world, Tucker's favorite way to play the game is on a great muni in under three hours. DrTee 1 year ago. Park Hyatt Resort Aviara (home of the LPGA Kia Classic), the Troon managed Maderas Golf Course, the JC Resorts group of courses: Rancho Bernardo Inn, Encinitas Ranch and others, Singing Hills Golf Resort at Sycuan, Steele Canyon and The Crossings are but a few of the newly created or redesigned upscale daily fee resort courses now available to . Large oaks, small greens, and barrancas everywhere you look, easy to walkbut enticingly dangerous to play from the rear tees. The best golf and casino experience in San Diego, hands down, is found at the Barona Resort & Casino. Torrey Pines (South Course) Southern California has a well-deserved reputation as one of the best golf destinations in the country. The total package here, highlighted by Fazio's delightful shaping of rugged terrain and generous playing corridors, along with lots of beautification on the perimeter, sets the standard for San Diego resort golf. Signature Hole: 3rd hole which is 201 yards. 18. . 2700 17-Mile Drive, Pebble Beach; 800-654-9300; www.pebblebeach.com. A tricky downhill par 3. Not all of the best golf courses in San Diego are within view of the coast, however. There are also a handful of highly reputable military golf courses. To our bellies and elsewhere. It has earned a reputation as arguably the best value golf course in America, but scoring a tee time here isn't easy. The Coronado Golf Course overlooks the San Diego Bay and features over 6,000 yards of space. Signature Hole: 9th hole which is 305 yards. Coronado Golf Course. Throw in all sorts of off-course activities from beaches to a Padres game, a fabulous dining scene, microbrews galore, and luxurious accommodations and spas, San Diego delivers on all fronts. Green fees: $129-149 non-resident. If you can't get on the grass at Olympic or San Francisco Golf Club (the city's two most elite and wonderful courses), fret not. Pebble, like St. Andrews, is for true peers of the game. The Ocean South Course winds through narrow canyons, imparting a feeling of blissful isolation before flinging you down to the edge of the sea and a splendid view of Santa Catalina Island. The Grand also features an enormous clubhouse with top amenities and a plush practice area with bunkers, chipping green and a double-ended range. In the golf course building boom of the past two decades, monster courses (under the guise of the "PGA championship" moniker) were built faster than $600,000 tract houses in San Diego County. Arrowood; Aviara; Coronado; Cross Creek; Enagic Golf Club at Eastlake; Encinitas Ranch; La Costa; Maderas; Mt Woodson; Pala Mesa; Rancho Bernardo Inn; Riverwalk; Steele Canyon; Singing Hills; Temecula Creek Golf Club; The Crossings at Carlsbad; Twin Oaks; Vineyard; San Diego Golf Trail . 13. Rounds also include a forecaddie. Coronado Golf Course. By Anngmesa. And urban golfers have several great options just minutes from downtown. But aside from a similar bluffside setting and its championship tee yardage, the North is very dissimilar from its notorious next door neighbor. Best year-round golf city in America? words by Nina Renata Aron, photography by Skye Parrott. Top 50 toughest golf courses in the U.S. - Golf Advisor. Some say it borders on the unfair, like most stadium courses, which are designed to inflict maximum pain on the pros and entertain mere mortal spectators at golf tournaments. . #1 HARDEST COURSE EVER MADE! Carmel Valley Ranch Resort, Carmel Valley . You won't soon forget it. Follow Brandon on Twitter at @BrandonTucker and on Instagram at @btuck34. The walking culture is quite strong as long as the property isn't too mountainous. While all the courses on the U.S. Open rotation are challenging, the South Course at Torrey Pines is among the most . Generous, often times bowled fairways designed by Arnold Palmer wind up and down hillsides full of colorful flora. Marine Memorial features a regulation 18 holes and a 9-hole par-3 course. Pete Dye's Ocean Course tops our eclectic new ranking of America's 50 Toughest Golf Courses. Spyglass Hill Golf CourseRobert Trent Jones' West Coast tribute to Augusta National and Pine Valley has never been betteror more difficult. 15. Let's take a look at the best public and private golf courses San Diego has to offer. Its the only Arnold Palmer design in the area, but this course is as much botanical garden as it is golf. Mike and I started this journey in January of 2017. 10 Best SoCal Golf Courses. The North is just as scenic as its neighbor but wider, shorter and its greens are more receptive to all playing abilities. Olympic? Salt Creek Golf Club in Chula Vista, has one of the best par 5s in the area as well as views of Mount Miguel and the Pacific Ocean on a couple of holes. Bay Hill's par 3s might be the toughest on Tour (and they have a huge impact on the Arnold Palmer Invitational) Jason Lusk. 55-955 PGA Boulevard, La Quinta; 800-742-9378. Several of the holes on the back nine are inspired (especially 14 through 17), and you'd better not count on achieving your handicap on this closing run. https://www.youtube.com/mightygoat/join If you enjoyed this video be sure to hit that THUMBS UP, . Fans of Cond Nast Traveler alsorated it as the top golf resort in Southern California. Our course is a pleasure for golfers of any skill level to play. A US Open Golf Course in San Diego. When you call to make your reservation, our staff will ask the number of players in your group and the day and time you would like to play. One of San Diego County's most dramatic golf course settings, Mt Woodson Golf Club is set amidst towering ancient oaks, huge granite boulders and sparkling lakes. The staff are friendly, the course is always in great condition, and the sites will keep you well-engaged even during slower periods. 6. Golfers can choose from a wide variety of portable launch monitor price points and user experiences. A first-time traveler to Africa examines the complicated relationship between safari tourism and conservation. 131 reviews of Balboa Park Golf Course "Balboa Park Golf Course is a true muni gem. What started as a simple passion project to make fun golf videos of amazing courses has taken us to place. Green fees: $165-175, The 54-hole Singing Hills Golf Resort at Sycuan features a really neat setting in El Cajon. 17700 Arnold Drive, Sonoma; 707-996-0300; www.sonomamissioninn.com. We have booked more tee times at Torrey Pines than [] Player sentiment toward this course is very high. Managing Editor for GolfPass and was the founding editor of Golf Advisor in 2014, he was the managing editor for Golf Channel Digital's Courses & Travel. About National City. But the real improvement has been on the course itself, with the recent restoration of two of Thomas' "lost" holes, a magnificent long par-three seventh and a devilishly handsome eighth, a bending par-four where anything but a straight, well-struck approach shot can balloon your score. The iconic Omni La Costa Resort features two championship 18s, the Champions and Legends Courses. Notice the amount of green AM tee times. Players should aim slightly to the right as the natural slope will cause your ball to roll to the middle. Each has its own unique look and feel which helps to provide a nice rounded playing experience. An intimate look at Yosemite National Parks big wall climbing community, and what it takes to get to the top. To date, his golf travels have taken him to over two dozen countries and nearly 600 golf courses worldwide. stands Mission Trails Golf Course, 6,000 yards, par 71 . The hardest San Diego county golf course is Torrey Pines. Call for details 858-289-8208 or book online info@casinoconcepts.net. Plus, it's in good shape for the number of rounds played annually. It's a traditional golf design from the 1960s on a generally flat parcel of land surrounded by steep hills, so its subtly is great for all ages and abilities. Ultimate Value: The best season to play golf in San Diego, The Grand Golf Club at the Fairmont Grand Del Mar, has been tapped to extensively renovate the property, Ask GolfPass: Best public golf courses in Naples, A stronger, healthier 2022 golf game starts now, Equipment Report: The 2021 Holiday edition has eyes on these Black Friday golf deals, The best portable launch monitors for golf, Civilians welcome at these top accessible military golf courses, 7 up-and-coming women's golf apparel brands, Golf's newest collectable: custom logoed tees, Golfzon Leadbetter Academy opens at Reunion Resort outside Orlando, What golf's 'Patio-gate' episode of 2023 reveals about the limits of change in a centuries-old obsession. Shinnecock Hills Golf Club Southampton, New York Image Credit: Shinnecockhillsgolfclub.org. This saw the course extended to a sizeable 7,800 yards. 23600 McKean Road, San Jose; 408-323-5200; www.cinnabarhills.com. The length alone, which spans more than 7,800 yards from the black tees, makes it a test of physical endurance unlike many other courses used by the PGA Tour. Not to mention a killer ice plant, magnificent sand dunes, and the photogenic lighthouse. By Chuck Culpepper. December 07, 2011 . The San Diego Golf Trail. For many golfers, the fact it was the stage for the incredible Tiger-Rocco duel of 2008 is reason enough to make the trip to San Diego (I have a relative who had to book a round on the South while in town despite hardly ever playing golf before. Tot Hill Farm Golf Club. But the natural beauty of this SoCal city doesn't stop at the blue Pacific coast. Cinnabar Hills Golf ClubA newcomer to the San Jose area, this engaging two-year-old 27-hole public course has quickly become the pride of the Silicon Valley golf scene. La Quinta Hotel guest greens fees: $50-$205. Aliso Viejo Golf ClubTeam Nicklaus (Jack and son Jackie) has done some engaging and, in places, brilliant design work here, producing a trio of creative and not overly long nines that make for one of the best golf experiences in the entire Orange County area. It's relatively off-the-beaten-path location also keeps its green fees a little lower compared to the top resorts and Torrey Pines in the market. Maintenance has improved markedly in recent years, as word of this course has leaked out, and the greens can be lightning fast. The Willow Glen and Oak Glen courses are fairly similar in quality and style, but if you only have time for one round, Willow Glen has a few more standout, picturesque holes. words by Sophie Mancini, illustration by ahonen & lamberg. The challenging course demands long and short tee shots, a refined short game, and superb . This San Diego area golf course was designed by Dick Wilson in 1965 and it is well known in the golfing world, having been the venue for 37 PGA Tour events. Thanksgiving may have passed but the effects of celebratory eating around the table, and also possibly social imbibing during all the various football games throughout the weekend, are sticking with us. There is sharp disparity in green fees from the resident muni rates to high-end resort golf. San Diego certainly makes a compelling case. Greens fees: $225-$250. The 10 Best Golf Courses in Utah - Rated By Real Players, The 10 Best Golf Courses in Wisconsin - Rated By Real Players, The 10 Best Golf Courses in Massachusetts - Rated By Real Players, The 8 Most Expensive Golf Courses in The World By Green Fees, 15 Best Golf Courses in the Scottsdale, AZ Area, Most Expensive Golf Courses in the World by Green Fees. Coronado is just a 6,500-yard layout tightly squeezed onto the eastern side of the island beside the Coronado Bridge. . Pine Glen, located in the Singing Hills Golf Resort at Sycuan in San Diego's East County, is an 18-hole par-three golf course that will help you fine tune your game. The Lodge has never looked better, and the new Casa Palmero Spa is nonpareil for soulful pampering after or before a round. Formerly known as EastLake Country Club, the course opened in 1991. The longest golf course in the world at 8,548 yards, Jade Dragon Snow Mountain includes a 711-yard par-five (and two more that measure over 680 yards), a 525-yard par-four and a 270-yard par-three. Aug. 12, 2014 8 AM PT. Encinitas Ranch has elevated tees as well as some distant ocean views, plus the course is super playable. 5. A tour of Phil Mickelson's San Diego, where just about everybody has a Phil tale. Healthy rough and narrow fairways put a premium on a long, straight tee ball. Sign me up to receive emails from GolfNow and NBC Sports golf brands. There are two 18-hole courses at this classic Carlsbad resort, each with a distinct look and set of challenges. The only negative: During the busy summer season it can be difficult to get on. Torrey Pines, South Course - San Diego, CA. Phone: 858-581-7171 or. Goat Hill Park (Oceanside), Crossings (Carlsbad), LaCosta Champions (Carlsbad) Parrish 1 year ago. If the course is booked, consider jaunting over to nearby Sea Ranch Golf Links, another seaside sweetheart that had a devoted cult following as a nine-hole track (it was listed as one of the best in America) until original designer Robert Muir Graves came back and built an equally companionable second nine. Players are treated to views of the bay, the marina, the Sand Diego skyline and the historic Hotel del Coronado. Or cruise north and visit stops like the great vibe at Goat Hill Park in Oceanside or 27-hole Oaks North (near Maderas). The turf is always hard and seemingly unwatered, but that's half the charm of the place. The emphasis is clearly on your short-game skills, with approaches over water and handsome bunkering that force you to think hard before you pull the trigger, and menacingly sloped putting surfaces that can make you three-putt in the blink of an eye. There are no homes in play on the course, the practice facility is top notch and the clubhouse is efficiently sized compared to some of the more opulent area clubs but has a solid restaurant menu for lunch or dinner with many local beers. The Lobos enter the GCU/ASU Classic 6-9 after most recently recording a 1-4 effort last weekend at the Troy Cox Classic. Named a top casino course by Golf Digest, Barona Creek is also an Audubon Sanctuary course that blends beautifully with the native landscape of creeks, grasses and California oaks. The Jayhawks have won six in a row in the sport's toughest conference and lead the country . But the course almost straddles the state line, and from the Golden State golf junkie's point of view it deserves to be mentioned with the best of its neighbor to the west. June 15, 2021 9:31 am ET.