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GOLF RESOURCE GUIDE:
The Golfing Nomad
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 When it comes to name recognition among public courses in San Diego County, two names stand out — Torrey Pines and Maderas Golf Club. La Jolla’s Torrey Pines, a 36-hole facility, is probably more identifiable because of its PGA Tour tradition and a certain golfer who won a major championship there on one leg last year. But as a pure golf facility, Maderas ranks as one of the best in California — an assessment validated by many publications, including the Zagat Golf Guide. The layout, which opened 10 years ago and was co-designed by Robert Muir Graves and Johnny Miller, is beautiful and challenging, while the clubhouse is decadent and the service is amazing. Private Aura Upon arrival at Maderas, which is nestled in the Poway foothills northeast of San Diego, it’s clear the property resembles that of a secluded country club. Besides the beautifully landscaped layout and peaceful atmosphere, the staff tends to every logistic and the cozy clubhouse is a fantastic place to relax before and after the round. Speed can kill Sporting a 75.6 rating and 145 slope from the tips, Maderas is one of the hardest courses in the Southland. My foursome, which included a trio of 10-handicappers and a zero, decided to go extreme and play the par-72 layout from the 7,115-yard black tees — an undertaking that didn’t prove to be as brutal as it could have been since many of the back tee boxes were closed. The main challenge at Maderas is the slick, sloping greens, which make par a chore when approach shots finish above the hole. If you arrive early enough before your round, skip the range and visit the practice putting green. Power and patience Maderas has a great balance of par 4s and par 5s that offer players chances to be aggressive or stay conservative. The fifth is a 487-yard par-4 tester that doglegs hard to the right and leaves a long-iron second shot even for those who mash it off the tee. Bunkers and a canyon spell doom to the left of the fairway, but the landing area is generous enough that the hole is fair. Shorter par 4s such as the ninth and 11th leave plenty of options off the tee, and finding the short grass means a green light for birdie. The par 5s at Maderas are diverse and memorable. No. 8 was lengthened last year and can play over 570 yards, but we played it from just over 500 yards. A prominent lake that extends to the elbow of the dogleg-right fairway forces players to lay up left or carry their drives more than 260 yards for an iron approach and a chance at eagle. I tried the latter option and paid the price with a wet double bogey, while the best player in our group laid up and made par. Go figure. I wised up on the signature 14th, laying up to about 120 yards for my third shot on the 552-yard hole and sticking it close for an easy birdie. Two of the final four holes at Maderas call for epic distance. The par-3 15th is 253 yards, and No. 18 is a 600-yard par 5 with a wide fairway that resembles an airport runway. Rates and information Standard green fees are $170 Monday-Thursday and $210 Friday-Sunday, with discounts available to San Diego County residents and Advantage Program members. To celebrate its 10th anniversary, Maderas is offering discounted twilight times of $85 Monday-Thursday and $105 Friday-Sunday (twilight begins at 3:30 p.m. this month and 3 p.m. in September). Contact the pro shop to learn about other promotions. For more details call (858) 451-8100 or visit maderasgolf.com |
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