Coastal North County Golf Course Review

Golf is a BIG sport, in case you haven’t noticed. It is a $7 billion industry, with 25 million golfers alone in the U.S. If you are a golfer or are thinking about taking up the game, you couldn’t find a better place then coastal North San Diego. The area offers some of the best and most beautiful public courses, many with gorgeous views and lush, rolling greens. Here is a quick review of some of the finest and most fun places to tee it up along the coast, from Carlsbad to La Jolla.

Four Seasons Aviara Golf Club and Resort: Located in one of the most prestigious areas of Carlsbad, the Aviara Golf Club is in great shape and presents a beautiful and challenging layout for a resort course. Although on the pricier side, you will not be disappointed. Practice your long putts on some of the biggest greens in the county. There is also a world class golf school by Kip Putterbaugh on the premises. Visit http://www.fourseasons.com/aviara/golf.html for more information.

The Crossings at Carlsbad: Carlsbad’s newest $68 million golf course provides some stunning views and a beautiful clubhouse, along with great prices for a round of golf. A few drawbacks include some awkward holes that had to be constructed around protected open space, the fact that it is a carts-only course (not favorable for the traditionalist golfer), numerous power towers along the perimeter, and frequent planes overhead taking off from neighboring Palomar Airport. But The Crossings is a great deal and the greens are usually in good shape, providing for a fun round. Visit http://www.thecrossingsatcarlsbad.com/kemper/courses/layout10.asp?id=182&page=3854 for further information.

Encinitas Ranch: Encinitas Ranch is a relatively easy, wide open course with nice ocean views. A great beginner course due to the lack of many sand traps or challenging holes, the ocean breezes and decently priced rounds will provide for a fun day. For more information visit http://jcgolf.com/courses-encinitas.php.

La Costa Resort: The recent renovations to the famous La Costa Resort and Spa have brought prestige back to the locale. Unfortunately the course was not upgraded, and with the loss of a big annual PGA event the upkeep has suffered. Course conditions are somewhat poor, with bumpy greens and a lack of sufficient sand in the bunkers. Walking is permitted with a caddie. Prices are on the high side but the views of surrounding La Costa are beautiful and the clubhouse and restaurants are fantastic. For more information please visit http://www.lacosta.com/golf.aspx.

Torrey Pines: Torrey Pines is by far the most spectacular, most challenging, and all around best course for the money in San Diego. Almost tournament-ready all the time and exceptionally well- maintained, Torrey is home to PGA tournaments and provides for a challenging game; the South course is likely as tough as any course in the world. The greens and rough are perfect and you will not be disappointed. Prices can be a bit high if you are not a resident, but even so it is well worth it to play a course like this. If you are planning on playing on the weekend I advise you get there at sun-up, as it is first come-first-to-tee-off, and it can be slow if you get there later. For more information visit http://www.torreypinesgolfcourse.com/.

The bottom line is that if you are a golfer, or would like to be one, you will never be bored in San Diego. By the way, if you ARE a golfer (or would like to be one), you have to check out this AMAZING line of golf products. Yes, I am a little biased but it is a fact. You can even check out the press on it. Visit http://www.iliacgolf.com to see what I mean.