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 The par-3 11th hole at Carmel Mountain Ranch is one of the venue's most scenic tests (PHOTO: Eddie Meeks). From the moment you arrive at the Ron Fream-designed layout in San Diego, the tone is set with a majestic 20,000-square-foot clubhouse that gives the hint of an upscale Southern homestead. AN UNFAMILIAR START The nines were reversed since our last visit, which meant several narrow par 4s from the start. Our group was made up of mid-level players ranging from an 8 handicap to a 14. We played from the blue tees (6,263 yards) but a few of the markers were moved up. Length wasn’t an issue for any of us, but you’ll have to trust your swing right out of the shoot. The second hole is 432 yards with a blind tee shot that slopes downhill to the green. Find the fairway or else. After you clear the first two holes, there are a series of tee shots that are attractive to the eye where you can really let it out. You can go after your drive on both the 468-yard, par-5 fifth hole and the 454-yard, par-5 eighth. The short length of each will make going for the green in two an entertaining option, but miss either of the greens right, left or long and you’ll be faced with difficult pitch shots. A TOUGH STRETCH The 213-yard par-3 sixth hole plays straight uphill and nearly 20 yards longer than the scorecard says. There’s something disconcerting about hitting a fairway wood to a green you can’t see. Another thought-provoker is the 314- yard, par-4 seventh hole, which requires a 190-yard tee shot that will leave you short of the massive waste area fronting the green. Even though it looks like you can throw your ball on the green from the tee, don’t be fooled. Laying up smartly leaves you with a short iron approach into the most undulating green on the course. You’ll want to be close to the pin to avoid a long, sweeping putt. HEADING FOR HOME The back nine offers more of the same, and you’ll have to keep it together down the stretch to post a good score. The most picturesque hole on the course might be the 139-yard par-3 11th hole, which plays over water with a cool waterfall in front. The green has little bowls that seem to funnel any well-placed shot toward the hole. If you’re a masochist in search of the toughest par 4 in San Diego County, you might not need to look any further than the 14th hole. Playing at just over 400 yards, there’s trouble left and right off the tee, and the fairway is so narrow that your group might need to walk single file. It’s one of those tee shots where you take a deep breath and hope for the best. Even after splitting the fairway, the approach to the green is made even tougher by the presence of a dry hazard fronting the putting surface, and on the day we played, a swirling wind was coming in from the left. The hole rates a solid 10 on the difficulty scale. RATES AND INFORMATION Green fees for San Diego County residents range from $37 weekdays to $57 on weekends and holidays. Rates for non-county residents are $75 and $105. There also are a number of membership programs that include full charging privileges and discounted guest fees. The opulent clubhouse is regarded as one of the premier facilities for groups in Southern California. In particular, it has been recognized by national wedding publications for its immaculate setting and outstanding service and amenities. There also is a popular Sunday Brunch offered from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. For more details call (858) 487-9224 or visit clubcmr.com. |
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