Barona Creek Golf Club

Barona Creek is a challenge, but good shots are rewarded. The greens are large and undulating and demand deft touch on and around the dancefloor. It is penalizing to be above the hole facing a downhill shot. The first hole is straightforward but demanding. My partner made birdie playing the hole as it was meant to be played, while I made double-bogey trying to hack out of the long grass that guards the right side of the fairway. The bunkers are country club, pillowy soft. The fairways are firm and perhaps somewhat unforgiving. We played after Thanksgiving and the rough was dormant, totally understandable and routine, but perhaps an eyesore for someone expecting more for the purchase price. The course is absolutely worth the trip and I look foward to my return.

From the reviews my group was extremely excited to play the golf course. The course was in terrible condition, fairways were trash, had to search for grass to place the ball in an area that wasn't bare. The greens were ok, but again not expected for the money we all paid. The remarks from staff, we had a lot of heat this year so fairways are a little dry, I play in Arizona year round, never have I seen fairways this bad. Too bad, because the course looked like it could have been enjoyable if we all had not been so frustrated with the conditions.

FEW.

Barona, by far, has one of the best layouts in San Diego, but playing this course recently has me wondering if this course will ever be in the great condition it once was several years back. The greens were in pretty good condition, fast as always, but the fairways were in horrible condition. I can compare it to Salt Creek before it closed down. If Salt Creek weren't closed and I had a choice playing between the two, I would much rather play Salt Creek. If you are retired military or a first responder, Sycuan does try to take care of you with the Gold card, what does Barona do? If you want to play on a course that has grass in their fairways and a reasonable price, DON'T go to Barona.

I went to San Diego to get away from the snowy winter of my home town. Barona Creek provided the golfing experience I desperately needed.

The weather tried to ruin the day. Having never played in fog before, I knew it would be interesting. The course itself wouldn't allow a wet foggy day ruin the day. I thoroughly enjoyed the challenging but fair layout that offered a links experience, mixed with Southern California scenery.

Everything was in great shape and the staff was very friendly and helpful. My only complaint was having to fork over another $60 to play another 18 holes that day...but I couldn't resist.

Considering how much we paid to play here, we were disappointed in the overall conditions of the course. Fairways for the most part were brown with many dead patches. Some of the greens were suffering from some sort of problem and were damaged and difficult to putt on. They are shutting down for 10 days early next month. Hopefully the course will be in much better shape come October. One bright point is food and beverage is reasonably priced compared to many other courses. However, at this point, cannot recommend playing here.

Colossal rocks and surrounding hillsides frame the scenic Barona Creek, located a half-hour's drive northeast of San Diego. It's got all the challenge and length (7,448 yards from the tips) of a championship course (it hosted the 2007 Web.com Tour Championship), but I love that it's still fun for everybody else not on a tour of significance. Fairways feel ultra-wide. Gentle elevation changes on the front nine give way to more extremes on the back. The short drivable par 4 at no. 14 and the elevated 15th tee overlooking the entire valley highlight the round. Taking the time to find and play Barona Creek never gets old.

Don't miss Barona, best course in San Diego after Torrey Pines. It's well worth the drive and the Money...