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 Simple and serene, Doubletree is a solid test for golfers of all skill levels. Growing up in San Diego, I became accustomed to seeing the southernmost of these venues — San Diego’s Doubletree Golf Resort. For me, one of the most comforting sights on I-15 is Doubletree’s par-4 eighth hole. The short, uphill test is fairly benign, but motoring past the fairway that runs almost parallel to the freeway inspires nostalgia for the fun rounds I played there as a youngster. This was one of the layouts I played most often learning the game as a teenager, and its manageable green fees made it a favorite among me and my friends. Earlier this year, I returned to Doubletree for the first time in a while. The course was exactly as I remembered it — lush turf, trees lining every fairway, and fresh air that seemed a soothing mix of the surrounding mountain tranquility and brisk breezes from the nearby Pacific coast. What was different this time, though, was staying at the resort the night before my round. Before I had a chance to absorb the spacious surroundings of my fairway villa (one of 16 rooms on the property that overlook the golf course), I was greeted with a warm chocolate chip cookie at check-in. The weekend was off to a delicious start. In the midst of a multi-million dollar renovation (it’s open throughout construction), Doubletree has rooms with new amenities, including flatscreen TVs and comfortable linens. The resort is well suited for both business travelers and tourists, and it was great to rest after a long day of work and check out the tube that evening prior to my round the next morning. The resort’s restaurant, Terrace Café, also is being renovated with more modern décor. I sampled the breakfast buffet that included all the hearty essentials one needs before a grueling 18 holes in America’s Finest City. Overeating made me feel guilty that I didn’t have a chance to make use of the 5,500-square-foot fitness center, but there’s always next time. I’m sure I burned some calories during my round, though. What the par-72, 6,428-yard track lacks in length it makes up for with subtle elevation changes that prompt better players to think a bit longer about club selection. The 217-yard par-3 fourth seems like a beast on paper but is a bit shorter thanks to a gentle downhill slope. Same goes for No. 12, the course’s longest par 4 at 460 yards, but flat land from tee to fairway again segues into a downhill portion heading to the green. My favorite stretch of holes is 14 through 16, although one is for selfish reasons. One of only two eagles in my golf life was a pitch-in from 50 yards out on the par-4 14th, which doglegs left and is reachable at only 315 yards. The 495-yard par-5 15th has a fairway that runs downhill before going back uphill about 200 yards from the green. It’s reachable with two quality shots and a definite eagle opportunity. The par-3 16th appears sheepish at only 123 yards, but the tiny green is well guarded by bunkers and plays tricky thanks to swirling winds. Call it Doubletree’s answer to the “Postage Stamp.” Doubletree Golf Resort has many positives in its favor — a strong course ideal for beginners, juniors, women and seniors, solid accommodations, and convenient access to almost all points of San Diego County. Whether it’s business, pleasure or both, it’s a destination worth checking out — and one I’m glad I was able to revisit. Doubletree Golf Resort Location: 14455 Penasquitos Drive, San Diego, 92129. Just west of the Carmel Mountain Road exit off I-15. Resort: In midst of a multi-million dollar renovation. Includes 174 guestrooms, nine meeting rooms, 16 fairway rooms, a restaurant, sports lounge, five lighted tennis courts, two heated outdoor swimming pools and fitness center. Golf course: Par-72 course with three sets of tees — 6,428, 6,018 and 5,361 yards. Stay and play: Packages begin at $199 and include unlimited golf, daily breakfast, 25 percent off in the pro shop and a free sleeve of Titleist Pro V1 golf balls. Phone: (800) 851-9488. Website: sandiegogolfresort.doubletree.com. |
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