San Diego, CA Golf Trip, Grub and Libations Vol. 1
“Discovered by the Germans in 1904, they named it San Diego, which of course in German means ‘a whale’s vagina.’” — Ron Burgundy
Right on. We returned from our golf trip in San Diego a few months ago and can’t wait to get back. Its sandy beaches, ocean breeze and shaka feel are hard to beat.
But, this isn’t about our golf trip and tales of beach cruiser bicycle rides on Mission Beach boardwalk at midnight or about our mid 90’s round of golf day in and day out. Nope, it’s about some of the phenomenal locally owned dining and libation establishments at which we over-indulged and a kick ass golf course we played along the way.
Golf San Diego
Aye, aye, Sir. Admiral Baker golf course is a must play. Admiral Baker — named for Rear Admiral Wilder D. Baker, Naval Academy Class of 1914 — has been a place where sailors still in their teens could learn the game and mix with World War II veterans and combat heroes from all generations. Love that. Golf is a game testing one’s will and resolve, of course, nothing like battle on the high seas.
A beautiful, Spanish-style clubhouse that some country clubs would envy opened in 2000, and there was a renovation of the 54-year-old North Course, which was always considered the more challenging of the two 18s. The South Course was originally designed at nine holes and later expanded.
The original Bermuda greens on the North, overseeded with poa annua (“Poa” is Greek for “fodder” – I’m sure you knew that though), had always been difficult to maintain because of the high salt content in the river water used to irrigate them. But now, the new greens are bent grass and the green surrounds are paspalum, the much-talked about turf. What – you don’t have turf talks throughout your day? Obviously, you’re running with the wrong crowd.
Go play it. Have some fun. Grab some grub at the clubhouse and enjoy. We did and have no ragrets. Not even one letter…
Somethin’ to eat, Somethin’ to Wash it Down
Beer, wine and steaks – in that order? Yes, please! The Barrel Room just east of I-15 off the Bernado Center Drive exit is a must stop after a long day on the course. Just be sure to wash the sand from your body after your 30 whacks from the bunkers during your day on the links. Nobody wants to be reminded of that with a nice dry red and a hunk of medium rare wagyu beef staring them down. The pricing here is spot on.
You came from a place that’s not near the ocean? And, you get frozen seafood flown in “fresh” everyday at your nearest Sam’s Club? Cool. You need to check out Ironside Fish & Oyster Bar when you’re in San Diego. Their menu changes daily to ensure you’re getting the real freshness. Jazzy Jeff would be proud. Bonus! You can pop bottles and shuck oysters here, too. This place melds an urban vibe with the sweet serenity of watching the tide roll away (not a ‘Bama reference).
In Short…
We barely scratched the surface on what San Diego offers up for a fantastic all around golf trip. We made our way there for our golf travel getaway not long ago and going back is high on the priority list. Check out the San Diego golf package we put together. Pretty sure, one of us here at Golf Fore It is relocating there soon… Stay classy San Diego.
