- Architect: William P. Bell
(Originally - 1921)
- Par/Yardage/Slope/Rating:
- 72/6288/127/71.1 (blue)
- 72/5821/124/68.9 (white)
- 72/5821/125/74.6 (w-white)
- 72/5389/120/72.1 (w-red)
- Walking: Unrestricted
- Reservations: Up to 7 days in
advance.
- Remarks: Near downtown, in the very
heart of Balboa Park. The course underwent extensive redesign. If you
make par on #16 (par-5) send me e-mail. The original course was built in
1915 and the course record (old course) belongs to Sam Snead, who shot a
60 in 1943. This course, together with Torrey Pines, hosts the San Diego City Amateur
every June.
A devilish little course. Its deceiving short yardage makes it look
easier than it actually is (if easy at all). Perhaps it's the perfect
example of when the USGA slope/rating system, seemingly based mostly on
distance, fails to capture the true difficulty of a golf course. Some
holes have no bail out, forcing the players to play very safe, short of
greens, to avoid disaster. Agressive play will, sooner or later, lead to
disastrous consequences. A good course for not-very-long and straight
hitters, and patient players. A bad course for those who are wild off
the tee and inaccurate iron players. |
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