Carlton Oaks GC
A view of a hole at Carlton Oaks Golf Club.
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Rating Index Rating
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3.2
1888 Reviews (1888)
5 Stars
243
4 Stars
674
3 Stars
457
2 Stars
280
1 Stars
234
Conditions
2.7
Value
3.4
Layout
4.0
Friendliness
4.3
Pace
3.5
Amenities
3.5
63.3%
Recommend this course
1214 out of 1888 reviews
Read Reviews
Average Rating
Avg Rating
3.2
57 Reviews (57)
5 Stars
5
4 Stars
17
3 Stars
22
2 Stars
8
1 Stars
5
Conditions
2.9
Value
3.6
Layout
4.1
Pace
3.4
Amenities
3.7
StaffFriendliness
4.5
66.7%
Recommend this course
38 out of 57 reviews
Read Reviews
Average Rating
Avg Rating
3.2
137 Reviews (137)
5 Stars
18
4 Stars
46
3 Stars
38
2 Stars
19
1 Stars
16
Conditions
2.8
Value
3.6
Layout
4.1
Pace
3.6
Amenities
3.6
StaffFriendliness
4.4
67.9%
Recommend this course
93 out of 137 reviews
Read Reviews
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AI summaries based on real golfer reviews
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Course Highlights
Carlton Oaks features a challenging Pete Dye layout that consistently earns praise for its interesting design and playable greens. Exceptionally friendly staff and affordable pricing make this a rewarding value for San Diego golfers.

About

Holes 18
Type Resort/Public
Par 72
Length 7304 yards
Slope 142
Rating 75.1

Carlton Oaks Country Club is the only public Dye Design golf course in San Diego. The course is covered with hundreds of mature trees interspersed with sparkling blue lakes and meandering creeks. The layout offers a diverse mix of holes that all possess a unique character. They all offer different challenges in the form of either water hazards of strategically placed sand traps along the fairways. Tricky pot bunkers and interesting elevation changes were also incorporated into the design as well as Dye's signature railroad ties. There are five very different sets of tees that offer a challenging round from the back tees but also enough playability to appeal to a range of skill levels. In addition to the enjoyable layout, Carlton Oaks is one San Diego's most centrally located courses, sitting just minutes from downtown and many of the city's major attractions.

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Carlton Oaks Golf Club
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Course Details

Year Built 1958
Golf Season Year round
Architect William W. Mast (1958) Perry Dye (1989)

Rentals/Services

Carts Yes - $15.00 - $25.00
Clubs Yes

Practice/Instruction

Driving Range Yes
Golf School/Academy Yes
Teaching Pro Yes
Pitching/Chipping Area Yes
Putting Green Yes

Policies

Credit Cards Accepted VISA, MasterCard, Amex Welcomed
Metal Spikes Allowed No
Walking Allowed Yes

Food & Beverage

Bar, Grill

Lodging

Lodging Available

Available Facilities

Banquet Facilities

Available Activities

Swimming, Billiards
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Reviews

3.2
1888 Reviews (1888)

What Golfers Are Saying

The 19th Hole is Great For:
Drinks 37
Patio Dining 20
Watching the Game 20
Course Challenges Include:
Bunkers 54
Water Hazards 53
Undulating Greens 41
This course/club is great for:
Advanced Golfers 44
Locals 35
Walkers 24
This Course's Location is:
Convenient to the City 38
In the 'Burbs 35
Worth the Drive 26

Numbers based on reviews tagged with attribute.

Reviewer Photos

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Overall Rating
Recommended
Handicap
Age
Type of Golfer
Gender
Played On
Reviews 4
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Previously Played
Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Default User Avatar
Commented on 10/06/2023

Hello and thank you for your 5-star rating! We're delighted you enjoyed your round. Please book another round with us soon, and thanks for choosing Carlton Oaks Lodge & Country Club!

Played On
Reviews 64
1.0
Top 1000 Contributor

NOT Maintained

This course is in terrible shape. The fairways are pockmarked with bare dirt everywhere. You need to be impaired to pay full price to play here...it is a serious ripoff!

Conditions Poor
Value Poor
Layout Average
Friendliness Fair
Pace Fair
Amenities Fair
Default User Avatar
Commented on 09/15/2023

Hello, golfbuddy5657. Thank you for reviewing the course. We would like to apologize for your recent experience.

We're sorry to hear you were less than satisfied during your round. We pride ourselves on our providing great service and the high-quality standards we maintain.

We would like to make things right. Please reach out to our management team at the pro shop.

We hope to hear from you soon.

Played On
Reviews 2
Skill Advanced
Plays Once a week
2.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing

Sucks for the money

Worst $80 for any course I’ve ever played.

Conditions were horrible. Tee boxes uncut, fairways full of weeds, two of the greens even had six inch high clumps of dirt on them for no obvious reason

Conditions Fair
Value Poor
Layout Good
Friendliness Fair
Pace Average
Amenities Average
Default User Avatar
Commented on 09/15/2023

Hello, u000007862827. Thank you for taking the time to review and leave your feedback on your recent round with us. It is always our utmost goal to provide our golfers with a fun and enjoyable time and we apologize if we missed the mark. Please feel free to reach out to our staff in the pro shop with any additional concerns. Thanks for choosing Carlton Oaks Lodge & Country Club.

Played On
Reviews 3
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
3.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played

Tee box/ bunkers

Tee box’s were really bumpy with a combo of dirt and grass. The bunkers were compact and hard, with about a 1/4 loose dirt.

Conditions Average
Value Average
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Good
Pace Good
Amenities Good
Default User Avatar
Commented on 09/15/2023

We appreciate you taking the time to review the course and rate us, 1maxxrexx. We are going to pass on your feedback to the team. Thanks for visiting Carlton Oaks Lodge & Country Club, and we hope to see you again in the future.

Played On
Reviews 16
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a month
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Conditions Good
Value Excellent
Layout Good
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Fair
Default User Avatar
Commented on 09/15/2023

Hi, jimmymo1955. We appreciate you taking the time to review the course and rate us. Thank you for the 4 stars! We aim for a 5-star experience, so we always welcome feedback for improvement. Thank you for playing Carlton Oaks Lodge & Country Club.

Played On
Reviews 6
Handicap 15-19
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
1.0
Previously Played
Perfect weather
Used cart
Conditions Poor
Value Poor
Layout Good
Friendliness Average
Pace Average
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Default User Avatar
Commented on 09/08/2023

Hi, u000002678561. We appreciate you taking the time to review the course and rate us. We see you rated the course 1 star and are interested in learning what we can do to improve for your next visit. We take single-star feedback very seriously at our course. You are welcome to comment further or reach out to our team in the golf shop. We always appreciate the feedback. Thanks for choosing Carlton Oaks Lodge & Country Club.

Played On
Reviews 2
Skill Advanced
Plays Once a week
2.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing

Conditions suck

Worst conditions for the money I’ve ever experienced at a golf course.

This includes tee to to green. Worst $80 I’ve ever spent to play.

$56 for rental clubs that were well beyond their prime without even getting a sleeve of balls to go with

Conditions Fair
Value Poor
Layout Good
Friendliness Average
Pace Good
Amenities Average
Default User Avatar
Commented on 09/05/2023

Totally agree! I felt like I got ripped off for $80.

Played On
Reviews 6
Handicap 20-24
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
1.0
Previously Played

Course is in poor condition….Not worth $80!

I felt like I got taken today for $80. This is a $40 course all day. Tee boxes are in rough shape, some are covered in 1” thick clover beds. Some fairways better than others, but lots of patchy areas. Transition areas are horrible. Lots of overgrown weeds and landscape. Lots of dead trees and bushes and piles of dead brush everywhere. Lots of huge gopher mounds all over the fairways. Always the same thing with this course, it has so much character and potential but never any maintenance done. Sand traps are all terrible, most are just dirt or mud. Plenty of other good course around San Diego that don't overcharge you.

Conditions Poor
Value Poor
Layout Average
Friendliness Average
Pace Average
Amenities Fair
Default User Avatar
Commented on 09/08/2023

Hello, u000002678561. Thank you for reviewing the course. We would like to apologize for your recent experience.

We're sorry to hear you were less than satisfied during your round. We pride ourselves on our providing great service and the high-quality standards we maintain.

We would like to make things right. Please reach out to our management team at the pro shop.

We hope to hear from you soon.

Played On
Reviews 4
Handicap 10-14
Skill Advanced
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Perfect weather
Walked

Someday we'll have sand

This course has a lot of history, I enjoy walking the course early in the morning. I have noticed that the greens are being taken better care of. I can only hope someday they'll put sand in the bunkers

Conditions Good
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Default User Avatar
Commented on 09/08/2023

Hello, CarltonOaks1. Thank you for visiting us at Carlton Oaks Lodge & Country Club. We appreciate your 4-star rating and review. We hope you join us for another round soon.

Played On
Reviews 1
2.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Hot weather
Walked
Conditions Fair
Value Average
Layout Average
Friendliness Average
Pace Poor
Amenities Average
Difficulty Moderate
Default User Avatar
Commented on 09/08/2023

Hello, u000005183325. Thanks for taking the time to leave us a review. We see you rated the course 2-stars and are interested in learning what we can do to improve for your next visit.

We take customer feedback very seriously at our course. Please reach out to our team in the golf shop and tell us what's on your mind.

Played On
Reviews 1
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
2.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played

Archie Bunkers

The course is in very poor shape tee to green. Greens are in average shape. The bunkers are terrible with zero sand. I used to live this course but it has gone downhill.

Conditions Fair
Value Fair
Layout Good
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Average
Amenities Good
Default User Avatar
Commented on 09/08/2023

We apologize for the poor condition of the course and the bunkers. We appreciate you taking the time to leave this review and we will work on improving the conditions for a better golfing experience in the future. Thank you.

Played On
Reviews 134
Skill Advanced
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
Conditions Good
Value Good
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Amenities Excellent
Default User Avatar
Commented on 09/01/2023

Hi, u000001325690. We appreciate you taking the time to review the course and rate us. Thank you for the 4 stars! We aim for a 5-star experience, so we always welcome feedback for improvement. Thank you for playing Carlton Oaks Lodge & Country Club.

Played On
Reviews 16
Skill Intermediate
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Conditions Good
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Amenities Good
Default User Avatar
Commented on 09/01/2023

Hi, jimmymo1955. We appreciate you taking the time to review the course and rate us. Thank you for the 4 stars! We aim for a 5-star experience, so we always welcome feedback for improvement. Thank you for playing Carlton Oaks Lodge & Country Club.

Played On
Reviews 2
Handicap 15-19
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Hot weather
Used cart

Carlton Oaks

It was a good time! Got randomly matched with some active Army guys, I'm a veteran Army paratrooper so this was a bonus. Pace of play was an issue as it seemed like the group in front delayed us by about 30 minutes. They said their food order was not ready. But I definitely like this course!

Conditions Good
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Average
Amenities Excellent
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Default User Avatar
Commented on 09/01/2023

Hello, mikewell73. Thank you for visiting us at Carlton Oaks Lodge & Country Club. We appreciate your 4-star rating and review. We hope you join us for another round soon.

Played On
Reviews 1
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
1.0
Previously Played

Not good.

T boxes, bunkers and traps and greens were all horrible.

Pitch marks surrounding all the pins like they did it on purpose and dreadfully slow.

Compressed mud in the traps and bunkers. After a couple of tries we didn't bother to try anymore. Awful. T boxes had dirt and inconsistently heights of turf. Some boxes were 8' wide and others were 18' wide.

Course maintenance is a joke.

Conditions Poor
Value Poor
Layout Poor
Friendliness Good
Pace Good
Amenities Good
Played On
Reviews 2
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
2.0
Previously Played

Severely overpriced but great layout

For 80 plus Dollars around I would expect at least decent sand traps I would rate them a one out of 10 most greens have well over 50 ball marks. I think a fair price for the condition of the course would be about $45 Sunday morning with the cart

Conditions Fair
Value Poor
Layout Good
Friendliness Average
Pace Average
Amenities Poor
Played On
Reviews 4
Handicap 10-14
Skill Advanced
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Perfect weather
Used cart

Long Time Favorite

The twilight rate is awesome. I can normally get in about 14 holes before sunset. The course would play a lot better if people would take care of the greens and repair ball marks.

Conditions Average
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Average
Amenities Excellent
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Default User Avatar
Commented on 08/25/2023

Hello, CarltonOaks1. Thank you for visiting us at Carlton Oaks Lodge & Country Club. We appreciate your 4-star rating and review. We hope you join us for another round soon.

Played On
Reviews 130
I Recommend This Course
3.0
Verified Purchaser
Top 250 Contributor
Previously Played
Hot weather
Used cart

carlton oaks

Greens good, no sand in bunkers, average french fries, fairways still kind of green. Noisy by freeway.

Conditions Average
Value Average
Layout Good
Friendliness Good
Pace Good
Amenities Average
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Default User Avatar
Commented on 08/25/2023

We appreciate you taking the time to review the course and rate us, akent. We are going to pass on your feedback to the team. Thanks for visiting Carlton Oaks Lodge & Country Club, and we hope to see you again in the future.

Played On
Reviews 9
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Average
Amenities Good
Default User Avatar
Commented on 08/18/2023

Hello and thank you for your 5-star rating! We're delighted you enjoyed your round. Please book another round with us soon, and thanks for choosing Carlton Oaks Lodge & Country Club!

Played On
Reviews 150
Handicap 10-14
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
3.0
Verified Purchaser
Top 250 Contributor
Previously Played
Perfect weather
Used cart

Concrete bunkers

FIX the Sand Traps. They are rock hard. Just a turn of the blade would soften them.

Conditions Average
Value Average
Layout Average
Friendliness Average
Pace Good
Amenities Average
Difficulty Moderate
Default User Avatar
Commented on 08/18/2023

We appreciate you taking the time to review the course and rate us, KFranzese. We are going to pass on your feedback to the team. Thanks for visiting Carlton Oaks Lodge & Country Club, and we hope to see you again in the future.

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