Spotlight on San Diego: Where to play down Torrey Pines Way

Half the fun of the U.S. Open being played on a public course is the opportunity to play it yourself, walk the same fairways that Tiger, Phil, Ernie and the boys walked, hit from the same rough (well, almost ... the USGA, of course, wants it higher and thicker than the superintendent normally will keep it) and putt the same slick greens.

Arrowood Golf Course

A few years ago, East Coasters got that exact pleasure when Bethpage Black hosted the Open; and this year, West Coasters can zip down to San Diego's Torrey Pines for the same thrill. Although the South Course -- where the tournament is played -- closes to public play two weeks before the championship (June 12-15), it will open again for Joe Golfer on June 21. But the North Course -- where many of the corporate tents are located -- will remain closed until September to allow adequate time to heal.

So where, oh where, can one tee it up in the San Diego area while the Open is being staged? There are quite a few solid choices.

Just up the highway from Torrey Pines in Carlsbad is La Costa Resort & Spa, where 36 holes of truly "championship" golf are found. It hosted a multitude of professional tournaments over the years -- La Costa opened in 1965 -- and the Accenture Match Play Championship was the most recent pro bill, running from 1999 to 2006.

Both La Costa courses -- North and South -- were designed by Dick Wilson. They are parkland courses with tall trees, well-bunkered and slightly elevated greens and more than enough length to keep better players engaged. Of special interest at La Costa is the "Legends Trail," a set of eight granite markers found throughout the 36 holes that describe historic tournament moments that have occurred on that spot.

A five-star experience awaits golfers at Four Seasons Aviara, also located in Carlsbad. An 18-hole Arnold Palmer/Ed Seay layout here bewitches players with colorful flower gardens, statuary, several lakes and legendary Four Seasons service.

But don't let all the elegance and beauty fool you into thinking the course is a pushover. Some dramatic elevation changes create plenty of uphill and downhill lies; deep arroyos can gobble errant shots; and an extremely strong finishing hole presents a narrow landing area and a putting surface guarded by a lake.

One hearty recommendation: make dinner reservations at Argyle Steakhouse, Aviara's clubhouse restaurant. You'll drop some change, but it's one of the best steakhouses in the West. (Note: Argyle Steakhouse will be closed for the month of September for an extensive renovation.)

An extremely reasonable rate combines with a great round of golf at Arrowood Golf Course in Oceanside. For $85 ($110 weekends) per player, this par-71 Ted Robinson Jr. layout is a Southern California bargain. Set amid peacock farms and agricultural fields, Arrowood takes golfers up and down some rolling hills that dish up wide views of the surrounding countryside.

Barona No. 18

It plays only 6,721 yards from the back tees and sports wide fairways, few forced carries and big greens, all of which adds up to a fun round for all players. But a generous sprinkling of bunkers and a regular coastal breeze can add spice to the game, too.

Gamblers in the group should head to Barona Valley Ranch Resort & Casino in Lakeside, 30 miles east of San Diego. Good food and good fun on the blackjack tables are complemented here by a superior Gary Roger Baird-designed golf course.

This 18-hole layout is consistently ranked high on the list of best courses in California, and deservedly so. Carved into the gently rolling landscape in a peaceful ranching valley, Baird's routing incorporates some water, as at No. 17, which is dissected in the fairway by a diagonal creek, and No. 18, a strong finishing hole with a lake to the left of the fairway.

Owned and operated by the Barona Band of Mission Indians, Barona Valley is just enough off the beaten path and into the back roads of San Diego to make the trip worthwhile in more ways than one.

The fact is, San Diego County possesses a wealth of very good public courses. In addition to those discussed above, check out: Steele Canyon, Sycuan Golf Resort, Mt. Woodson, Rancho Bernardo and Encinitas Ranch ... it's hard to go wrong anywhere you play.