I'M GOING BACK!
On my journey down to Carlsbad, CA for a graphite shaft fitting from Fujikura (completely amazing) I made a side trip on my way back to the SF Bay Area. About 45 minutes off the I-5 was Rustic Canyon. Haven't heard of this one? I'm not surprised, but you should!
Why?
Best Valued golf course in America in 2010
Best New Public Affordable Golf Course in America in 2002
#63 Top Modern Golf Courses in America in 2005
#5 Public Access in California in 2010
Best Places to Play in 2004 by Golf Digest
Although I've only played the front 9 due to my 3 pm tee time (Thank You LA traffic...) I ran out of light and still have this as my favorite public course I've ever played. The overall design is kept very well in touch with the course condition, and the greens crew does a great job making sure course stays true to it's original design.
I won't call it a links course... because it's definitely not. It's in the middle of two mountain ranges, fairly flat, uber walkable, and left me thinking why can't all golf courses be THAT enjoyable. It was just a ton of fun, with so much versatility and amazing for golfers of all abilities. $79 as the MOST expensive rate (which does include the cart) during the prime hours of weekends and holidays??? 10 minute tee times intervals??? Sunshine of So Cal??? This is the course for you... The only way you won't like this course is if you don't enjoy golf. Every golfer enjoys a well maintained course with wide fairways and a great background... If you're planning a trip to the Los Angeles area this is the must stop course for you.
