By: Wil Barnes
Every once in a while you just stumble upon something, whether by conscience effort or dumb luck. Tecolote Canyon Golf course fits that. You can’t find it without MapQuest or unless you’re a local in San Diego. Tecolote Golf Course is tucked in a small canyon inland a few miles from the Pacific Ocean and a mile from Mission Bay. They advertise a rate in the local paper for a round of golf, with cart, for $22.50.
Now you’re thinking that for this price, this has to be a goat ranch. But no! It’s not. It’s a short course, an executive track playing to a par of 58 but don’t think you’re coming out to scorch the place. It’s tight with postage stamp greens that are undulating and receptive, smooth if a little slow. Every hole can be challenging and your golf ball supply can disappear quickly.
Tecolote is celebrating their 50th anniversary this year. It was designed by famous Californian designer Robert Trent Jones Sr. No, not his son who is also quite famous, the old man in 1964 with help from Hall of Fame golfer Sam Snead. It is the only such collaboration in the country. I think that duo knew a little something about golf.
After a simple downhill opening hole that plays just over 80 yards, the 2nd is a solid wedge or 9-iron. I have opened bogey, double bogey in the past, which is awful I know, but you’ll get plenty of opportunities to get them back since there are plenty of short holes coming up. Each of the four par-4s is reachable for long hitters, except maybe the par-4 8th that measures 336 yards from the blues where a hazard splits the fairway midway creating a dilemma for some. It’s not always a good idea to grab the big stick. Still, there is the temptation that usually over rules common sense especially with the risk – reward factor. There are a host of really fine par-3s, including the uphill 6th, the lengthy uphill 12th and the charming 17th that sits in a bowl surrounded by trees. The finish is a simple little hole guarded by a front bunker, a great place to walk off with birdie or even an ace.
Local resident and PGA Tour player Chris Riley is a regular at Tecolote. “Tecolote Canyon taught me the short game that helped me succeed on the PGA Tour,” said Chris. “Some of my best memories in golf are at Tecolote Canyon, my home away from home.”
Another wonderful trait at Tecolote is the pace of play is never more than just over three hours with a foursome. Almost every golfer doesn’t mind some sparse fairways, or rough, but we all enjoy smooth greens and Tecolote Canyon does not disappoint. The greens possess some terrific sloping and contouring a staple of Jones Sr. golf design that if sped up could really make for interesting pin placements.
Tecolote is also one of five courses that offer a new activity “Foot Golf,” where players kick a soccer ball around the course aiming for holes that measure 15” in diameter. Tee times for this unique experience are limited to certain times of the day and the cost is $15. Visit gofootgolf.com to make tee times. Soccer cleats are not allowed on the course.
As stated, rates for golf are extremely reasonable and max out at $35 with cart on the weekend. There is a well lit, 300 yard driving range and instruction is available for single and groups headed up by Head PGA Professional Jason Petterie. Riley is a regular at the range and the course. “If it was not for Tecolote Canyon Golf Course I don’t think I would have been on the PGA Tour,” said the tour veteran. “From 150 yards and in, the best course in San Diego.”
Yours truly has had the privilege of playing at Tecolote Canyon GC a number of times now and it is one of the best Executive Courses in California. It’s fun but it will challenge you too. Two of the best traits of this little gem are the time it takes to play all 18 holes, maybe 3 hrs for a foursome and the number you write on your card when finished. It looks pretty cool signing for a 61. So visit tecolotecanyongolf.com or call 858-279-1600 to book your tee time. There is a good chance you’re become a regular.
