Top 5 Golf Courses in San Diego for Under $100 - Almost

[@CheezDaBoss]

"I'll just go there and show you"... I know, any excuse to get out to San Diego! Roberto's is a great recommendation. I was there all the time when going to school.

[@SDGolfGuy]

Completely agree with Balboa/Torrey/Coronado. I might consider The Crossings or Encinitas Ranch over Riverwalk/Mission Valley - although they're not in the core of San Diego. I might also consider Sycuan/Singing Hills.

[@kch7051]

Love the Ranch….it’s local and a challenge. Great layout.

[@jimmydelrio8662]

Torrey is beautiful, but Balboa was always more entertaining. I also think it has way more beautiful views. From 8 holes you get the city, point Loma, and Pacific ocean all at the same time!

[@jobobperry]

There are over 70 public courses within a 40-minute ride in San Diego. For a city resident and being a senior Balboa is the place. It is in great condition and very affordable. Playing time (4 to 5 hours) can be long later in the morning.

[@thegodfather6280]

Forget riverwalk, mt Woodson definitely belongs on the list!

[@matthewtheriault6251]

Mt Woodson is amazing! Loved playing there..

[@TheRyanRanch]

Absolutely a great course

[@markio2010]

100%

[@Victordamus98]

Absolutely agree

[@briansonnenfelt7125]

Dude my thoughts exactly. Mt. Woodson is my favorite course. I was able to bomb a 4 iron almost 300 yds on 17.

[@timkopp2268]

Didn’t realize there were so many “affordable” options. I thought at the start that I would certainly see The Crossings at Carlsbad but clearly that 30 minute drive wouldn’t be necessary. Great video!

[@Enahseladsit]

Singing Hills is severely underrated and not well known. Two great courses. Very walkable and can be challenging if you are hitting it a little wild.

[@austinanderson843]

River ridge blows. Admiral baker should have been on this list instead! I would say Sea N Air also but I think that might be a tough one for the public.

[@ronniecrena281]

*Riverwalk

[@kb0824]

The Roberto's was the best part of this. Growing up in SD and now live in SF this made me home sick.

[@Fried_Bananas]

Great video. Born and raised North County San Diego, loved seeing you shout out Roberto's. Top 5 under $100 for me would be Torrey Pines (residential rates), The Crossings, Mt. Woodson, RB Inn, and The Vineyard as my cheap sleeper. Don't let San Diego fool you, people. Just about everywhere can be played for under $100 unless it's Torrey (non-residential), Madera's, La Costa/Aviara, or The Grand Del Mar.

[@beararmshunt7498]

I grew up and worked at mt woodson its great course

[@Fried_Bananas]

@@beararmshunt7498 Was about to say how overlooked it is but I'm now noticing everyone else mentioning it before me. Only course I've been able to stripe a blind driver shot onto a par 4 green, it'll always hold a special place in my heart

[@michaelrivera7304]

I live in SD also and I agree with your top 5.

[@MM-zb9kc]

@elemnopee. My buddy and I are heading to SD for work. Hoping you might see this. Where would you recommend? We don’t mind paying more than $100 but don’t of course want to get into the $400-$500 range but wouldn’t mind $200+. If it’s Torrey then it’s Torrey but I’ve heard there are much better courses around and Torrey is just famous due to the PGA.

[@Fried_Bananas]

@@MM-zb9kc Torrey's conditions are unmatched which is why I prefer it so much beyond the history and real estate, but you can absolutely get your money's worth elsewhere being non-res. I'd look into Encinitas Ranch (Micah Morris just had a match there on his KZbin channel so you can preview it, it's titled "We played 9 holes and made a new bet on every hole"). He says he's in OC but it's San Diego. Very scorable course (my best round is there), plenty of angulation on the front and back, it's next to the ocean, and always in great condition. Easily my favorite weekender course which is why I selfishly left it out above. But now that I think about it, let me know what area you'll be staying in and I'll see what else is around you. Most courses that I prefer are in North County, which can be a 20-30 min drive if you're staying downtown. It _is_ pretty hard for me not to recommend Torrey South though, as I don't believe there's a single course better than it within a 20 mile radius. It's incredibly challenging which might upset some players but the paper towels in the bathrooms alone make you want to come back. You'll never forget you played there, I can promise you that much. I'd say the few courses that actually rival Torrey South are up in Carlsbad / La Costa like "The Crossings" (affordable) and "Aviara" (expensive). Madera's in Poway is another popular course and closer than those two ^ but I think their rates are overpriced with it being a Troon course rather than a course you'll never forget you played. Either way, let me know where you'll be and I'll gladly help you out.

[@ryanchristensen9767]

I’m born n raised In SD and I love it here. Best part is I’m eating Roberto’s right as he goes there hahaha

[@chief1193]

Admiral baker and the military course on Coronado is awesome

[@michaelrutledge7048]

Have played several area SD courses, but my favorite is Mt. Woodson (Ramona).

[@BabaYaga_1776]

Ew lol

[@TigerHoodsFan23]

Visited my buddy in the Navy back in September, played Coronado. Great course at a good price.

[@samhodgeman4131]

For those that can get on “Coronado Sea and Air” is an amazing course.

[@BabaYaga_1776]

Yes, it’s super long!!

[@gabehernandez5011]

Native Oaks (formerly Woods Valley) in Valley Center is the best public course in North County. I live on Pauma Valley CC and Native Oaks looks just as green.

[@paullefevre8684]

Native Oaks is my home course. The new tribal ownership has teamed with Troon, and the course is in outstanding shape is is a terrific value. Good call!

[@mogusaurelius4541]

Mt. Woodson is another hidden gem.

[@Belg6179]

I have always told my friends, "If you can't get to TJ for Mexican food, San Diego is the best choice you have in the U.S." if you are getting beans and/or rice in your carne asada burrito, you are getting ripped off. Steak, pico, and guacamole should be the only things wrapped in that flour tortilla! Salsa to your liking. Great video Matt. Carlton Oaks is across the street from my place.

[@NUSchoolProjects]

Don't forget to mention that San Diego has one of if not the best Micro Brew scenes in America. Stone, Ballast Point, Port Brewing and Saint Archer. all in SD. There are hundreds more. Mother Earth Cali Creamin is possibly the tastiest beer ever.

[@seanhamilton5468]

Thank you so so much for making this video! I moved out of San Diego to Oregon coast about 2 years ago. My buddy got me into golf before I left and you’ve helped me perfect my game immensely! And you couldn’t of said it better, I say it daily up here, “there is nothing better than San Diego Mexican food! Ya have to get a “California burrito” next time. Much Love Matt and thank you once again

[@donkee9]

Played river walk a few years ago day before I played Torrey south. Twas pretty nice for the money and somehow we got behind a event they had cocktails every other hole and included us for free. Didn’t finish that round 😂. But I played great at Torrey

[@troyrambo6804]

I haven't been to San Diego or California since the 94' Northridge earthquake. First and last trip there. It figures the only time I was ever in Cali, there was a major quake. Only thing I miss was the Mexican food. Some of the best Mexican food I've ever tasted.

[@tomkalivas3300]

The crossings in Carlsbad and Encinitas Ranch are both great tracks too! Great video bud!

[@MetDTHero]

As a San Diego resident, I disagree with your list but I'll keep the secrets.

[@oscyzilla8104]

Balboa is challenging as hell. The signature hole, #16, is one of the most frustrating holes I’ve ever dealt with. The fairway is so damn narrow that any stray shot means your ball is gone. The greens are so hard as well. It may be a 6100 yds from the tips, but if you don’t hit your shots straight, the canyon is going to eat up your ball. Played Torrey south plenty of times and a lot of randos have agreed they rather play the brown tees at Torrey than Balboa because how hard balboa is. It’s great for the price tho!!! Lol

[@gobacks26]

Mount Woodsen is a great place to play. Bring an extra sleave.

[@wesschultz1819]

Mt. Woodson!! is a little off the beaten path in SD but in my opinion is my favorite course in san diego and I have played every one of them besides The Grand

[@christophersipple5498]

Mr SG love this format would definitely like to see more of this 😀

[@wrwerner]

As a San Diego native, I have to say there are some flaws with your choices.... But let's start with the good; Balboa is a very under rated place to play. definitely worth your time. And, I do love Coronado, but it is quite difficult to get on, or at least was the last time I tried. You'd have to go to the course at 5AM 2 days prior to when you want to play and get in line to get a number, that they would then start calling around 6AM to make a reservation. So, Torrey is obviously a must do if you can, but unless you are a single player, almost impossible to get on unless you show up before the sun rises and walk on to play before the first tee time, or get lucky to get a no-show spot. What I would substitute for River Walk, Carlton Hills, would be: Encinitas Ranch.. lovely course that's open and has nice vistas. Mount Woodson.. in the foothills, a challenging but very fun course with views of the mountains. Mission Trails is a nice choice, as is Singing Hills. And one of my favorites is Rancho Bernardo Inn. I know it's a resort style, but it's never let me down. Props for the Roberto's stop, a definite San Diego classic. But if you're in town and hankerin for some Mexican check out Rubio's.. they are known for the fish taco's especial and then there's Point Loma Seafood that's a must stop. Just my $0.02

[@edwinparani]

I’m from SD and Carlton Oaks and Balboa is best bang for the buck courses and a lot of local favorite! Seriously though national city or Chula Vista has one of the best Mexican hotspots!

[@phobowl]

haha. Roberto's is a tradition after playing Torrey. Great views.

[@davidbanks6896]

Mr. Short Game....you absolutely nailed it. 100%. Aside from golf...the best advice is getting 3 rolled Roberto's taquitos with a carne asada burrito chaser. First thing I do on arrival every trip to SD. San Diego Mexican food is the best. Can't find it anywhere else. As a college student at UCSD on a budget, these were the courses I'd play. Torrey twilight at North Course (pre-US Open) I believe was $12.50 with resident card. Balboa and Coronado were always fun. Not sure what greens fees are these days but the splurge in 1994 was to head to Jamul (near El Cajon) and play Steele Canyon, which was maybe $45. If you wanted to really go low budget and just play a few holes at a dog track, Tecolote Canyon and Mission Bay.

[@19thpar3]

I have decided your my favorite golf KZbinr. I’ve noticed the UK has the biggest presence on KZbin, but you lead the pack in my opinion. Happy holidays and new year. I live in Westlake Village and do miss your content that’s local here, but understand why you had to move to the GA.

[@jhsilverstar5292]

San Vicente in Ramona. New Greens and Bunkers. Also, stop by Ramona Cafe for a tasty Cinnamon Role.

[@andrewgilmore9054]

Playing Carlton Oaks tomorrow. Great video.

[@thewedword]

Bro. You nailed it with Roberto's! Rolled tacos its the only way to go! Great job on the courses too, you know what? You are too legit to quit!...

[@16pennynails]

Life long resident. Tricky little Mission Trails, Chula Vista Municipal with the darn water hazard right off the bat, my freinds liked Singing Hills if it is still called that, yeah Steele Canyon and that "parachute" hole, Monte Vista at Cottenwood was my favorite. Just to name a few and a moment of silence for those courses that closed down over the last decade...... Thankx SG!

[@MikeCline]

The editing on this video was phenomenal. So cool! Going to be playin arrowood in a few weeks. What do you think of that place? I know a little further north

[@steviewonder2492]

Great video. The amazing thing is that there are at least 5 additional courses not too far away also under $100. Makes me miss San Diego.

[@briansonnenfelt7125]

Mt. Woodson in Ramona is awesome...

[@kylel8819]

Great video! And thanks for flying delta!!!

[@GardeningWithTheGals]

Love this!!! Always nice to see new courses to know where to play if you only have one or two rounds on vacation

[@jacobmccain8082]

Hard to beat the military courses if you can get on. Theres not a ton of choice in SD surprisingly and even way less in LA. But theres always great tracks to be played if you look hard enough.

[@TheRealEric__1]

North Island is an excellent course

[@Fried_Bananas]

72 courses in one city is plenty, my man

[@user-ln1up9xi4k]

@@Fried_Bananas When you take out the private, military and ones way out in borrego (which is hours from the city and closer to Palm Springs) you're left with very, very few. And with the incredibly stupid closing and development of Riverwalk coming, the center of the city will be down to ZERO. Yes, zero public, full length courses in the city of SD proper. Not plenty.

[@Fried_Bananas]

@@user-ln1up9xi4k I play here weekly without access to private or military courses so I couldn't disagree with you more. I'm literally surrounded by full length public courses in north county but you're also limiting yourself to the center of San Diego.

[@colinalexander8118]

Played Carlton oaks back in 2013

[@breeze7876]

Very nice content mix since you've moved to Georgia. Thanks for the awareness and compelling reasons to watch your channel. Oh and I don't know if I left a comment but your coverage of the impact bag was "gold" Oh and the one about the grip too was like - awesome. KEEP HER COMING . . . Thanks!

[@chriscollins7604]

we are heading down on vacation in January, heard recent reviews for Carlton Oaks that werent flattering. looks ok though

[@brandonmckee914]

Thanks for another great video Mr. SG! Can't wait for the next one

[@ColinSheehan-ot6ks]

Tecolote and mission trails arent bad. Mt woodson is awesome

[@midnightstreetfighter2129]

Heck yeah thank you for the tips!!

[@BabaYaga_1776]

San Diego native here, you need to play the course at Barona Casino.

[@jumperg1]

Would have loved to see you playing your favorite holes on those courses.

[@SpittingNickels]

You couldn't have picked a worse course than Carlton Oaks. The conditions are are such trash. For cheap, play any military course. Most are open to the public and you need to fill out a pass to get in. Two best courses are EASILY maderas (way better than Torrey) and Arrrowood in oceanside. Also, Tacos El Gordo (Broadway location) is the best in SD!

[@johnfoit783]

You could have done a North Country show as well. Love your content.

[@Handletaken4]

Please come to Nebraska and play Prairie Club, Wildhorse, Sandhills, etc. (Not now, of course).

[@dinosaurfiesta]

Dont let Matt fool you. Im in the Balboa mens club and it is definitely a hard walk.

[@vincecruz9723]

Exactly

[@NoPlayJack]

Everywhere on the west coast has a "Bertos" haha and even though they're extremely similar in menu and quality, there's always one or two that stand out.

[@MO-ss7qt]

I've played 3 of the courses you covered. Agree Carlton Oaks is a course to play. Not as pretty as some of the others, but the golf is fantastic. They host numerous qualifying events there. Myself, never played from the tips. That looks really intimidating for my skill level. I find pace of play at Balboa to be more than I can stand. Oh and I think few would argue there's better Mexican food than in San Diego. From taco stand to fine dining, Mexican is rarely a miss.

[@vincecruz9723]

Roberto's is always my go to after playing Torrey. Never eat at the Lodge restaurant.

[@52t99]

Yeah, not breaking the speed record playing Coronado GC is the understatement of the year Mr. Shortgame. Ha ha. Oh, you left out Maderas.

[@GenNowClient]

Maderas is epic

[@RRgolf201]

Maderas is a rip off way too much $$$$

[@jamesadams5870]

Adalberto’s on Rosecrans…absolutely delicious!

[@andrewkozusko3063]

Great video!! Love the content! Do one for Phoenix/scottsdale...might need to increase the $ amount

[@samsanford6429]

As an avid golfer who lives here in SD, gotta recommend Coronado!! Incredible course at affordable rates. My go to course!

[@vincecruz9723]

Agreed but now everyone knows 😆

[@scottp4941]

Love it but just impossible to get a tee time

[@treyhendersoniii3625]

Played every course you mentioned except Balboa. Carlton Oaks is a great course and with wind its very difficult.

[@cbrico929]

Carlton Oaks 😮. I thought for sure you would of picked Mt Woodson 🤔

[@MrShortGame]

Little too far away for most travelers but it is a nice track.

[@marshallbromley7805]

Thanks for the review, as I have played a couple of courses on my visit to Carlsbad but will be sure to check these out on my next visit

[@jakevoordepoorte4751]

Great video! Over the past few years I have played the courses listed in the video many times! I will say that Riverwalk has a fantastic course layout, but is never kept in good condition which is a bummer. So much potential in that course!

[@andregipson9440]

Now that you live in Georgia, you should do the same type of vlog about Georgia courses.

[@paulwhitmer8998]

@MrShortGame how is Mission Snails not on the list lol!

[@jefffox9919]

If you go to Carlton Oaks, hit up Estradas on Mast Blvd just 5 mins away and order a "mini robins" burrito. One of the best burritos in San Diego. There are 3 locations so make sure to go to the one on Mast Blvd.

[@jaimejordan5329]

Love San Diego & Straight up 100% FACT on The Mexican Food!!

[@officialmichaelhudson]

Nothing better than SD, baby!! They literally have it all!☀⛳

[@bobbymontoya9882]

Good choices Mr. SG but I would have put Steele Canyon on here if you’re going to head east. Carlton Oaks has declined a bit. Also Maderas should probably be on here too. Someone mentioned Mt. Woodson as well.

[@bigbizzle2734]

Enci Ranch, Crossings, Lomas Santa Fe Executive, Arrowood, Twin Oaks, Links @ Lakehouse, Vineyard, Mt woodson, Rancho Bernardo Inn, etc.. all great under 100$ if you can find a twilight

[@StephenTestaII]

So funny seeing the spot of Robertos for Mexican Food put in there. Being born and raised in San Diego, and still living here now, that was ALWAYS the spot to go to on beach days. Love the video man, keep them coming!

[@quinnrenfro1]

Dude...I love all your videos! I wish you would have told me you were coming out to my home town of SD.....I actually live in Coronado, grew up here, and I am a Marshall at Riverwalk. You listed pretty much every course I love and play. Next time you're in town I will take you to Coronado Brewery after we play a round at either Torrey Pines or Coronado G.C.

[@tomrichardson9799]

Man, you blew these recommendations on Riverwalk and Carlton Oaks golf courses. First of all, at one time they some of the best back in the 60’s, 70’s, and 80’s. Riverwalk was built around the old Stardust Country Club. I saw Tony Lema win the San Diego Open here and my father caddied for an LPGA San Diego Open winner here. It was also my home course in college. They had the best greens in town. The city took it over for flood reasons and never developed the area like it was supposed to be. Riverwalk was constructed and was a nice course for many years but now it’s a dump. Carlton Oaks was the the hardest course in town in the same time period. It was the home course for San Diego State golf team and the NCAA championship was played there. Again, this course has become a dump. Balboa is the true gem on this list when it is in shape.

[@briansonnenfelt7125]

Yea I was in San Diego back in the Spring/Summer and played both Carlton Oaks and Riverwalk, and I wasn't impressed with either one. Mt. Woodson in Ramona I think needs to be on this list. I was there on and off for three months and played seven rounds there. The only real knock on Mt. Woodson in my opinion is there isn't a proper driving range.

[@cameroncarter3253]

Yeah river walk is a shithole , but let’s let the visitors go there and keep the gems a secret ha

[@ronniecrena281]

Great list...Loved the Roberto's call. An absolute must

[@ryanchristensen9767]

As a San Diegan, for y’all visitors, Balboa is really nice to go to, torrey is nice but pricey, if ur willing to drive, go to Mt.Woodson or The Crossings, a cheap par 3 course go to mission bay golf course.

[@jimwgt]

Breakfast burrito at Roberto’s A+.

[@Franky8312]

If you’re in SD and looking for good rolled tacos, las cuatro milpas is by far your best bet!!

[@tcofield1967]

If you can get on the Navy Base Sea N Air is a nice little track as well. Some really nice views of the ocean and bay. Not a difficult track but some very nice holes. Torrey was a bucket list course when I went down to play with my son who was on assignment there. The course was a little beat up due to them trying to get as many people on it before they shut it down for the US Open later in the month. If and when he goes back I will have to look into some of these courses.

[@Statatistafunk]

All the best courses are in north county. With the exception of Balboa, Torrey & Singing hills, north county hands down best golf courses. Encinitas, Arrowood, Twin oaks, Links at Lakehouse, Crossings to name a few. Yes, they are more than $100 😂

[@dopeson99]

Arrowood in Oceanside!!

[@jimmydelrio8662]

Make Riverwalk a must in the next two years. It will become condos and a park soon. I used to play the 9 hole, Presidio or Sunset, now closed. I was actually one of the last person to play it. Riverwalk can be tough as the valley turns into a wind tunnel. Holes going to the ocean always played longer than the score card. They also have great rental clubs, srixon last time I checked

[@ClintWilber]

I just played Riverwalk a few weeks ago. I was really disappointed to hear it was going to get shut down and turned into condos.

[@keylockman4289]

AdmiralBaker

[@stephenforte8773]

Hey Matt, Your killing me! I’m dying for three rolled tacos and a carne asada burrito! Especially since I live in NY now. #guac #hot sauce #Carlsbad H.S. ‘84

[@stephenforte8773]

Robertos #13 in Oceanside!

[@zekelucente9702]

Play Mt. Woodson in Poway.

[@bogeyval6349]

Aw wish that I knew you were coming to the area ... would've invited you out to Maderas at my rate ... no where near under $100, but ... it's Maderas :)

[@sammygambella9176]

What are some good courses in south Florida for cheap that don’t required a membership

[@GolfinKevin]

Awesome video! Now if only I could have one of these mrshortgame guides for every town I visit on vacations!

[@hizzyson]

I know its a membership couse. But Steele Canyon is amazing out there.

[@stevering7799]

EastLake!

[@Alstarlacrosse]

No, im a local and its already hard enough to get times on courses, now this!

[@vincecruz9723]

Exactly what I was thinking 🤔

[@bagel7114]

As a resident can confirm this is mostly accurate. Only wish the courses here were in better condition (other than Torrey Pines obviously). Also you can't play Torrey for less than 100 as a non-resident, but is still an amazing place either way

[@andycummings2274]

id love to go and play there ....but living in the uk its going to be tough, but we have some good courses over here i just love watching the content ....Mr Matt short game you are the best ......

[@brianmccully3040]

If you are visiting San Diego you have to go to Rocky’s Crown Pub for a burger. Will not disappoint.

[@JorgeDelgado10]

Should really do series of this! Please do LA 😭

[@alandye4654]

Played Maderas earlier this year and thought it was pretty nice!

[@richdouglas2311]

Native San Diegan here. Robert's was the first; the rest are knock-offs. The best taco shops in the world. You can only find them in San Diego, Las Vegas, and one in Mesquite. I've played Coronado, Torrey, and Balboa many, many times. All three are municipal tracks, so being a resident (or active duty) is a real advantage in terms of greens fees. Everyone knows and wants to play the South at Torrey, but the North is a much better track for most players, especially since the re-design. Never played the other two. Chula Vista used to be a really good muni track, but the conditions have fallen off. There is also Mission Bay, which is a less-than-average executive track, but....it's lit at night! You don't have to play special balls or anything.

[@johnherman3261]

Playing torrie pines you’d better call three months in advance. Come on up to Washington state and play Chambers Bay, Gamble Sands, Wine Valley. Merry Christmas Matt.

[@connorbaird8342]

That exact robertos in del mar is my favorite mexican place ever

[@johnklink4825]

Steel Canyon?

[@kb0824]

Was thinking the same thing, but its only under $100 for SD residents. Loved that course when I lived in SD.