Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa

For the money they charge, I would expect a course in better shape, ESPECIALLY on the last day of May. Tee boxes aren’t level, and several with missing grass. Fairways were punched, no notification of that... and they also wanted $170 for a mid week afternoon time. $33 got you 3 domestic beers, and an over priced, microwaved potatoe/egg breakfast burrito that was supposed to come with chorizo. Must’ve been an off day? I won’t be returning to find out. To put in a different perspective; Poppy Hills in Pebble Beach, CA charges $130 ($102 to NCGA members) for the same time, AND that course warrants the price tag.

This was my first time on the North Course at Torrey Pines. I was very curious to see what all the fuss was about after the recent redesign.

Right off the bat, you can tell this is a very different course from the South. While the fairways are still generally narrow, the rough seemed a little gentler. There seemed to be fewer hazards in play off the tee, which made tee shots much less strategic. In this sense, the North is more open than the South. On most holes you can hit away without much worry about whether you'll still have an approach shot.

However, the greens quite complex. Unfortunately, they were recently punched when I played, but you can still see how much more contour they have compared to the South (and it's not like the greens on South are flat!). Hole 8 in particular has a crazy green with a shelf on the left side and a deep thumbprint on the right side. A perfect compliment to a shorter par 4.

I found the back 9 to be very enjoyable. The almost driveable 11th and the very nice par 3 12th are fun holes. 14-17 were my favorites though. 14 you hit a semi-blind tee shot up a chute framed by tall pines towards the ocean, a very cool site. 15 is a stunning downhill par 3 with a great view of the ocean and of #4 green on the south course. 16 boasts a dramatic tee shot from an elevated box with the ocean all along the left. When you reach 16 green, you are totally isolated from everything with no other holes in sight. This is a very cool and unusual feeling because most of the two courses are tightly confined. 17 offers you one last beautiful tee shot over a canyon that extends along the left hand side. Very enjoyable hole.

Overall, I don't think the North Course is quiet a challenging as the South, or as strategically interesting. However, I think it wins hands down for scenery and fun. There are many holes where you can see the ocean and many others where canyons are visible. Add those to the areas the course has left sandy and let the brush grow up and you get a beautiful scene and one quite different from the South Course that is mainly green.

I think this course is very worth your time and a better value for the price than South. Personally, I'd still pick the South Course if I could only play one, but the North Course is a fantastic option that is cheaper, prettier, and more fun for the average golfer.

I don't usually double up reviewing courses, but it's been 4 years since I first played the South Course and thought it was a good time for a follow up.

This was one of the first really nice courses I played in the country, so of course I gave it 5 stars the first time around. Having played at several other great courses since then, I think 4 stars is right since there are no halvsies here.

The South Course is difficult. The fairways are narrow, and the rough is sticky (and a little wet both times I've played). If you aren't driving the ball well... you're in for a long day. The greens are no picnic either, but they roll incredibly true and are some my favorite greens I've ever played on. For some reason they just agree with me.

The layout of the course is pretty good. There are hazards place relatively strategically to influence your shot selection. In theory this is great, but because it's such a long course, the average hitter probably has little choice but to hit driver on most holes and take on the risk of the hazards. Otherwise, reaching greens in two would not be feasible. The real point would be, the course is more interesting if you play from the tees that fit your game. Hole 3 is obviously a classic. Number 2 is a fun risk/reward par 4, and one of the few shorter par 4s on the course. My favorite holes are 6 and 7. Six is a sweeping par 5 that forces a decision off the tee. Layup short of the bunkers, play a fade around the bend, or try to blast it right over the bend! Seven is a tough par 4 up the hill. A bunker guards the left side off the tee, but trees guard the right. The green is elevated and depending on the pin position you can be totally blocked off from the right side of the fairway. Very cool hole.

The back 9 stretch of 13-15 is also quite nice with a little variety thrown in on a course otherwise demanding of long, straight drives.

This course is an absolute classic, and for good reason. It's challenging both by layout and environment. The wind will blow and it will hurt! There are a few holes with incredible views... mainly holes 3 and 4. If you're just looking for views, I suggest the North Course. South Course is (slightly) superior golf though.

Final notes:

- since i first played, you can now book online 5 days in advance (even out of state). i was able to book a saturday morning time on friday evening!

- if you are able, walk! the course is more fun to take in on foot and it's almost guaranteed to be a near 5 hour round anyway.

A course worth playing, although expense. The Kia LPGA tournament is there next week so conditions were excellent. Staff is friendly, starter's joke not very funny though. Better course than Torrey Pines, but you cannot see the ocean

Torrey Pines is a muni golf course at a resort price. I was disappointed that cart was not included in the price and no one bothered to tell us that. The cart was the bare minimum. No coolers and no GPS.

The layout was ok, but certainly enhanced by the scenic views of the Pacific Ocean. I thought the course was in fantastic condition. The outside staff was unimpressive and showed a lack of interest in the golfers. No one was present to help with clubs or clean them following the round.

Not worth what they charge. The course is in pretty poor condition for the amount of hype. It took us 5 hours and 20 minutes to play 18. The workers are all very kind and friendly. I play here about every six weeks simply because it’s close to my home. The greens are decent in Feb, March, and April only. It’s realky too bad. This could be a great place.

If you ever get a chance to play The Farms, go! And bring some extra golf balls with you!

Probably one of the most unique, challenging, and incredibly designed golf courses in the country.

No two holes or golf shots are alike here. Filled with tons of elevation changes, sloping and tight fairways, deep bunkers, elevated greens and plenty of hazards, you’ll be forced to hit every golf club in your bag. There is no way to fake your way around this course. Either you’re straight or not. The course gives you nothing, and if you are a serious golfer... look no further.

Great food and service. It’s said to be home to some of the best amateur golfers in the country.

Came back for a couple of pre Christmas rounds at one of my favorite courses. Customer service is still over the top excellent. Course is in great shape for the most part . Fairways were in excellent shape. Very green and lush throughout. Greens were rolling smooth but have a LOT more undulations than I remember. Basically the greens kicked my tail! Some Sand traps were a bit hard packed and a couple of tee boxes on the par 3's were full of divots.

Overall the course is still in really nice shape. The elevation changes mixed in with all the water features makes this track a winner in my book.

Aviara is a challenging course that eases the pain with its beauty.

Some miscellaneous info. Driving range (balls are included with green fees) is mat only so getting a correct tee height for your driver is challanging. Carts have GPS with numbers to the pins. Rounds are generally 4 1/2 hrs long. Beverage cart comes around on a regular basis.

The LPGA play here in March so can see how you measure up against the "girls" on one of their regular tour courses

The customer service Is great. The course itself is a top 3 in all of Southern California, conditions were fantastic. I would only play if you get the afternoon rates due to the cost of playing an Arnold Palmer design. But the signature 18th will be playing into the Sun in the afternoon so I may choose a cloudy day next time.

Top line: expensive course with sub-par muni conditions

I, like most golfers, had the Torrey Pines as a ‘must play’ on my list. While I don’t regret playing it again, you need to lower your expectations for the conditions. If you are playing $200+ for a round of golf, one would expect for there not to be standing water in bunkers and tee boxes that were dirt patches... The layout was very cool that required lots of different shots, and the views were the absolute best.

Bottom line: while it was fun to play the course the Pros play, poor conditions made it less fun

The course and conditions were excellent. I really enjoyed the consistency of the greens.

Concerning price, this course is out of my budget. However, if I can find a way to play less than $130 of my own money, I’ll consider it. To bring the price down I suggest you do what I do and save up credits as a GolfNow frequent player and then apply the earned promo codes for discounted golf. I was able to get my $190 Hot Deal price down to $140 with $50 in promo codes. Furthermore, ask friends and family for GolfNow gift certificates for your birthday. Then redeem it for a round at Aviara.

I enjoyed the round. I’ll play at Aviara again next year.

Yes I mean Heavenly as in the Ski Resort. Sorry Arnold but moguls are for ski hills not fairways.

The water features are fairly spectacular-I guess they should thank Northern Cal for all the water.

It's a pass for me but the LPGA can have it!

BTW My wife is a 15 HDCP and I love playing golf with her. She hated it.

Nice course but overpriced. The price should be around $100 based on courses played in the Scottsdale area.

On my previous visits my group was amazed at the course conditions. It seemed that every blade of grass was perfect. Fast forward to last week: Even though the layout is still great, we were all surprised that the course is no longer immaculately maintained. Not sure its is worth the $170 we paid. Great par 3s!

This course is everything you should want. Great weather, conditions, pace of play and staff. Play the tips and you'll be wounded. Play the proper tee and you'll be totally satisfied. Greens are huge. Plan some 3 putts. It's fabulous so enjoy.

It used to be you could play the North course and avoid a solid kick to the gunt like on the South. No mas. The new bent grass greens repel shots over 130yds unless struck with very precise contact and spin. You better play a tour ball as well. Green complexes were redesigned with a ton of movement and sometimes multiple tiers. Frustrating to hit a 160 yd 7 iron only to see it release off the back. But that's the new reality. Adjust your expectations and enjoy the views. Not a fan of the fact they removed so many trees....but the views are million dollar from most of the course. As mentioned, nines have been reversed. ...meh on that. Still one of the best deals anywhere for twilight. Get on it!

While this is arguably one of San Diego's most beautiful courses with stunning landscaped layouts it's a little pricey for regular play. Pro shop staff a bit confused but Starter and Marshalls definitely make up for it. Treat yourself once!