Located just off HWY 5 in Oceanside and only 75 miles south of Los Angeles, Goat Hill Park has been named by Golf Channel’s travel insider Matt Ginella as the #2 short course in America.
From the tips, this 5,000 yard, par 65 will test all of your golfing skills. It’s a shot-makers’ paradise with eight par 3 holes of varying lengths, nine interesting par 4 holes that range between 290 and 365 yards and will entice big hitters to drive the green, and one 490 yard, par 5 that’s reachable with a well-placed drive and good second shot.
Originally built in 1952 as a regulation length 9 hole course known as the Carlsbad Oceanside Country Club, it was redesigned and converted to an 18 hole short course by Ludwig Keehn in the late 80’s, and, after opening to the public, quickly became known to locals as “Goat Hill.”
Today, Goat Hill is widely-loved for its sprawling ocean views, fresh breeze, authentic atmosphere and raw-golf feel. Quite simply, you will have a hard time finding a more challenging short course with as many unique holes anywhere in the country.
In the 70’s, thanks to the foresight of the Lacey family, Goat Hill became protected as ‘Public Access Land’ and cannot be developed for private enterprise without a public consent through a majority vote of the people of Oceanside. It thrived under the watchful eye of Ludwig Keehn until he passed away in 2004, at which point Goat Hill struggled under mismanagement and the combined efforts of developers and a political climate that was seeking to see this beautiful course and public recreational green space paved over for the sake of revenue.
In 2014, at one of Oceanside’s most historic town hall meetings, the local community and golfing public made national headlines as they once again united to stop redevelopment in an effort to keep and restore Goat Hill as “the People’s Park of Oceanside.”
As of July 1, 2014, a new management team led by local resident and golf clothing icon John Ashworth and a dedicated staff and volunteer corp of tradesmen and citizens. Unfortunately, the course, at that time, was in terrible condition due to a failing irrigation system and the high cost of water and previous mismanagement. But the team rolled up their sleeves and have given the place a complete restoration and new friendly vibe.
Make no mistake about it, Goat Hill Park is not a Country Club and is a little rough around the edges, but it’s a very enjoyable ‘muni’ experience, affordable, and, as a short course, you can get around in a reasonable time.
For more information please go to www.goathillpark.com
