by Chuck Miller, “The Traveling Guy”
There are hundreds if not thousands of municipal golf courses in the US. However, I doubt if many can compare to the excellent condition, scenic beauty, and quality golf available at Southern California's Coronado Golf Course. Owned by the San Diego Port Authority and operated by the city of Coronado, it attracts visitors and locals to its famed location just a short 15 minute drive over the arched Coronado Bridge from downtown San Diego.
Like most municipal courses, Coronado gets a great deal of play. Close to 100,000 rounds in 2010 made it the third busiest municipal course in the US. What intrigued me about this when I played there recently was that even though the course was full, our foursome seldom had to wait. Course Starters and Player Assistants do an excellent job of keeping rounds at less than four and one half hours.
At 6590 yards from the Blue tees, 6276 from the Whites and 5742 from the Golds, the course is fair and fun. Holes with both left and right dog legs, bermuda fairways lined by tall pines and palms, and two holes with water surrounding large seaside bent/poa annua greens, make for challenging play for both beginners and scratch golfers.
What makes Coronado so unique is its location. Opened in 1957, it is located in the heart of residential Coronado just blocks away from the world famous Hotel Del Coronado and one of the best beaches in Southern California. With the combination of the area's mild Mediterranean like climate, and its close proximity to San Diego, the course is enjoyed year round by both visitors to San Diego and local area residents.
Tee times can be made two days in advance by telephone after 9:00 AM or in person by lottery at the course from 6:00 - 8:59 AM. Daily tee times can be made for times 10:00 AM and later by telephone after 7:00 AM at 619-435 3121. Three to fourteen day advance tee times, with a $30 per twosome non-refundable charge which doesn't apply to green fees or cart fees, can also be made by calling the pro shop.
18-hole weekday green fees are a very reasonable $30 during the week and $35 on weekends. Carts are an additional $16 for 18 holes although approximately seventy percent of those who play Coronado walk as there are no great distances from greens to tees; it is level with no hills to trek; and it is like taking a nature hike through a park. No matter what time you play, The Clubhouse, the course's fine restaurant, offers tempting breakfast, lunch and dinner menus with scenic view of San Diego Bay and the Coronado Bay Bridge.
Before or after your round stop off at Ron's Pro Shop named after Head Professional Ron Yarborough who has worked at the course for 40 years, the last seventeen as Head Pro. There you will find a wide variety of name brand golf equipment and a large assortment of golf attire for both men and women
My favorite holes at Coronado were the Par 4, 383-yard eighth hole and the 153-yard Par 3 ninth. Both challenge you to hit well executed shots as they are both surrounded by water. When you look at your scorecard before your round and see the ninth hole is only 153 yards from the Whites and 175 from the Blues, you might think it could be lacking in character. Au contraire…with water and bunkers pretty much surrounding the green, it is a good test of golf. Proper club selection and a quality shot are a must in order to hit the green. Hole #9 is a very picturesque and fun hole.
When playing the back nine, you will thoroughly enjoy the scenic views as you turn the corner and head for home. Holes 15, 16 and 17 are played along Glorietta Bay and San Diego Bay. These holes offer opportunities for great photos of the course with the Glorietta Bay Marina and "The Del", as the Hotel Del Coronado is affectionately known, in the background.
Eighteen is a relatively short Par 5, 435 from the Golds, 464 from the Whites and 493 from the Blues. From the plush fairway you will be treated to a spectacular view of the nearby Coronado Bay Bridge. When you finish eighteen, head for the The Clubhouse for a drink and at bite to eat while enjoying the scenic view of San Diego Bay.
When in Coronado, be sure and visit "The Del", catch a few rays while lounging on Coronado's marvelous white sand beach, and enjoy Orange Avenue, Coronado's main street with its interesting shops and restaurants. If you are looking for a great place to dine downtown, I heartily recommend The Brigantine where fresh seafood is served daily as part of their extensive menu of seafood, steaks and chicken. Be sure and ask for Lara to be your waitress. She is a delightful young lady with 16 year's experience at "The Brig". She will steer you on the right path to a great lunch or dinner plus give you wonderful insight into Coronado happenings and history while serving you with a lovely smile.
Arrive hungry when you eat at The Brigantine as their appetizer and entree portions are both large and delicious. Also, be sure and check out the photos of the early days of Coronado in "The Brig's" homey "Cheers"-like bar.
For additional information on the Coronado Golf Course, visit their website www.golfcoronado.com. For additional information on the city of Coronado, where to stay, what to see and where to dine, go to www.coronadovisitorcenter.com.
