Carlton Oaks Lodge, Ascend Hotel Collection

The greens were in great condition, fairways practically non-existent. Having the good greens made the round worthwhile.

After 15 holes we had been on the course for 5 hrs already. We stopped playing and grabbed a beer and wings which was the best part of our day. The Marshall drove by twice but he didn’t even say Hello to us. They really need to speed up terrible golfers. This course is not worth the money.

Once you got to the green, the greens are great, but getting to the green the course is not in good shape.

Gopher holes everywhere on the fairways!!!!

Disappointed that the high green fees did not reflect the bad condition of the course.

I’ve played almost every single course in San Diego Carlton Oaks has a nice layout. But the course is in rough shape. It’s not worth more than $40 to play with a cart. But with that being said, you won’t find a full 18 with a cart for $40. If you are new to golf this is a good bang for your buck.

Great course for the cost during the weekdays. Too expensive on weekends for course conditions. Plays pretty long so is a challenge but fun water features and some tight hole designs.

Carlton oaks was designed by a Pete Dye family member .

The layout is awesome

HOWEVER it’s zero taken care of

Do not pay more than 40 bux to play here

Do not expect much and you’ll be fine

I keep hoping conditions get better, but they got a bit worse from the last time I played in May 2025. The bunkers have minimal sand, the rough is a mine field due to gophers and the fairways camouflaged with thin grass and many many bare spots. The greens were ok and playable. I wouldn't play there again for a while, probably once I hear from word of mouth that the course has improved. I understand that money is probably tight and I'm sure there are some kind of water restrictions. A superintendents job with a good budget is made a lot easier. I'm sure the super here has his hands tied and is doing the best he can with the budget he was provided.

The entire course is basically a wreck. If you’re off the fairway, it felt like you were just going over a million speed bumps (I actually almost lost my phone because of this), of the few fairways I hit, I almost lost my ball in the middle of it, even the cart paths are just bumpy too. Are ball cleaners not a thing in CA? Didn’t see one the entire round.

The ONLY good thing about course conditions was the green and the fact they had water jugs (which is rare that I’ve seen these days). The cart girl was very friendly too, which is an added bonus but doesn’t change my rating.

For the price and openness with tee times during the week. Look no further than Carlton Oaks. Also the food at the clubhouse is killer!

This review has two stars simply due to the on course staff and the greens, everything else needs improvement. Catching fliers out of tee boxes so balls are flying twenty yards further. The fairways have more mole holes than even Chula Vista golf course (if you know you know). The on course staff are friendly and the greens roll true, but do not spend your money here on the weekends unless it’s to eat at the bar. Probably the worst 70 dollars I’ve spent on a Sunday round,