On about the third hole or so in my round at Aviara Golf Club near San Diego last week, the men I was playing with asked me what my favorite course in town is. As a side note, I think I have played every course in San Diego County except one. But when people ask me this question, I immediately think of four particular courses. And Aviara — located just north of town in Carlsbad — is definitely one of them. It’s already 33 years old, but still feels fresh as if it just opened in the past couple of years. That’s not to say it hasn’t matured over time. And it’s done so nicely.
It’s just that it is always so well kept and maintained. More than ever, the greens are in perfect condition right now. I honestly did not see one blemish on any of the 18 greens. To be honest, they usually are like this. They’re still as difficult to read as ever, though, which makes them challenging. And by now I should know how. But I’m still mesmerized when putts break seemingly opposite of the way they should. They’re also typically faster than they appear.
This is the only Arnold Palmer design in San Diego, and plays a whopping 7,007 yards from the tips. There are a lot of very good holes on the course. I don’t know why this stays with me, but there are plenty of good aiming spots off the tee boxes. And I can’t really say that about many courses in town. I typically pick a spot up high to aim at, which in my case encourages a higher trajectory for my drives. And at Aviara, this is an easy process because the scenery and surroundings are pretty spectacular. They’ve also done a wonderful job of growing colorful flowers to highlight several of the holes. The elevation changes are also impressive, for a course that sits maybe a mile from the ocean.
The course underwent a renovation just about two years ago, in which new turf was added and rough was tapered. Through the years, Aviara had matured into a more playable yet more challenging layout. In fact over time, I rarely found my ball land on a flat lie here, which only added to the challenge and frustration. Yet with the new grass and what I feel are more consistent greens and landing areas, this course is more fun than ever to play now. Since the re-do, I’ve noticed my scores have lowered by a shot or two. And it’s not because I’m hitting the ball any longer – Aviara is simply more playable, friendly and enjoyable than before. Plus should you land in one of the many well-placed bunkers – and you will – you’ll find they’re some of the best kept in the area.
Part of the upscale Park Hyatt Aviara Resort hotel that’s just up the steep hill from the course, Aviara Golf Club is also home to a teaching academy and club fitting studio, and has a really great driving range and massive practice green on property. And I’m happy to report that through the years, they’ve kept the tradition of having freshly baked cookies stationed by the first tee. And marshals drive around to hand out Tootsie Pops to all golfers wanting a pick-me-up along the way – but they’re also spying pace of play. Rarely will a round go longer than four hours here. Just another reason it’s a local favorite.
And as you watch the PGA Tour stop in San Diego this week, a vacation here may well cross your mind. So if you do visit town, definitely include Aviara on your list of places to play.