Golf Options in San Diego

San Diego is a tremendous place to play golf, with year-round great weather including only 10-or-so days of rainfall (hey, it keeps the fairways green) and several fantastic courses to play, both public and private. As a Downtown San Diego resident, I want to call attention to a few excellent deals we get to play two of the best courses in the area. For a modest annual fee of $25.00 and proof of residency Downtown (license or recent utility bill will do), residents are able to get substantial discounts at the world famous Torrey Pines South and North Courses. In addition, the fee allots you a card that allows you to call up to 7 days in advance for tee-times, even as a single player. If you have never been to Torrey Pines, you are missing a great time. Sitting on the cliffs over the Pacific Ocean where paragliders sail by you and canyons abutt many holes, it is truly an amazing scene. The North Course is the easier of the two courses but is more accessible. It is no slouch itself- it is part of the annual Farmers Insurance Open pro golf tournament (the pros play it on Thursday and Friday along with the South Course). It is every bit as scenic as the South Course, and its signature hole #6, a downhill 170ish yard par 3 is breathtaking and camera-worthy. Residents pay only $40.00 during the week and $50.00 on the weekend for the North Course and there is even twilight rates that fall to around $28.00 year round. The South Course was recently rated by Golf Digest Magazine as one of the 25 best golf courses in the country. It's the course where Tiger Woods won his last major, a heart-stopping sudden-death victory over Rocco Mediate in 2008.  It's a beast of a course for the average player, however, with several par 4's over 400 yards and most greens bordered by deep bunkers. Its resident rate during the week is only $68.00 and $76.00 on the weekend, also allowing for reduced fee twilight play. Pleae don't listen to anyone who says it's impossible to get on the course- walk-ups who will play either course at first opening generally don't have to wait long to get on. Besides, hanging out in the Torrey Pines Lodge for breakfast or lunch is worth it. One warning, however- don't venture too far in the canyon area for your lost ball- rattlesnakes roam there in warm weather (although I haven't seen one in five years) and last summer I came face-to-face with a bobcat. But that's part of the charm, golfers sharing space with wildlife, all at Torrey Pines.