post by Terry Smith, contributor
2600 Golf Course Dr
San Diego, CA, 92102
619-239-1660
For those traveling to San Diego, this is the closest course to the airport and downtown. It’s located on the eastern edge of famous Balboa Park. The course and clubhouse were both built in 1915, but the course has had some redesign to keep pace with today’s technology.
A look at the 1st hole at Balboa Golf Course
The front nine of this course winds it’s way down into narrow canyons and then moves upward onto a mesa that overlooks the city. The backside offers some outstanding views of downtown and the ocean beyond before winding back toward the clubhouse.
Don’t let the length, slope/rating lull you into thinking this is an overly easy course. Balboa is an excellent example of where these ratings prove they are based mostly on length. There are very few “bail out” areas, not a lot of adjacent fairways, and canyon walls that seem to close in on you from every direction. If you’re a beginner, consider the adjacent 9 hole executive course to hone your skills prior to playing the regulation course.
We do enjoy Balboa and play it often, but it is still a municipal course that can sometimes suffer from lack of perfect conditioning. Unfortunately for Balboa, it’s sister course is Torrey Pines whom it seems garners more money from the city and thus better conditions. That being said, Balboa is close enough to the water that it doesn’t get too scorched in the summer and stays in moderate shape year round. Typically, the greens are in excellent shape.
If you’re looking for a fun day of golf and are up for a bit of a challenge, this is a good choice for the average golfer. Make sure you enjoy a bite to eat or a brew on the patio for some outstanding views of the 18th hole and downtown.
