CARLTON OAKS COUNTRY CLUB (1950)

SAN DIEGO REGION

Resort: 18 hole: cost $40 - $80

9200 Inwood Drive, Santee, CA 92071

Tel: (619) 448-8500    

Designed by William Mast, Perry Dye (remodel). This challenging course plays on flat terrain, but has all the ingredients of a solid course: water, rough, strong bunkering, and length. Phil Mickelson terms the 18th hole one of the best in golf. Carts are included in the green fees. From San Diego (about 14 miles northeast to the course): Take Highway 52 east off either I-5, I-805 or I-15. Exit on Mast Boulevard and head north. Turn right on West Hills Boulevard and then left on Carlton Oaks. Turn right on Inwood Drive to the club. Carlton Oaks is the New York City of golf courses. If you can score well here, you can score anywhere, a demanding test.

CARMEL MOUNTAIN RANCH COUNTRY CLUB (1985)

SAN DIEGO REGION

Public - 18 hole: cost $38 - $99

14050 Carmel Ridge Road, San Diego, CA 92128

Tel: (858) 487-9224     

Designed by Ron Fream. This steep and rugged course plays through homes, so there are no parallel fairways. Carmel Mountain Ranch features barrancas, pot bunkers, streams, and natural rock formations. It usually receives high marks from local golfers, but is not walk able. From San Diego (about 20 miles north to the course): Take I-15 north, exit on Carmel Mountain Road and proceed east. Turn right on Highland Ranch Road and turn right again on Carmel Ridge Road.