San Diego's Hidden Gem: Balboa Park

In todays first post in my series “San Diego's Best Golf Courses” I will be reviewing what I believe is one of San Diego's biggest hidden gems: Balboa Park Golf.

THE COURSE

Not only is Balboa Park one of San Diego’s best golf courses, it’s one of the oldest. Built in 1915, Balboa Park was San Diego’s first municipal golf course. Starting with dirt fairways and poorly built greens,  the course has since undergone several renovations, with the most recent being in 2021.

At first glance, Balboa Park doesn’t seem all too challenging of a course. Balboa Park is a par 72 course, boasting a rating of 71.2, meaning that a zero-handicap golfer is likely to shoot just under par. However, this course is much more difficult than the score card may read. Many holes on the course have no bail out, forcing golfers to play safer layup shots, leaving tricky short pitches into the greens. If you are a more aggressive golfer, beware as at some point your risky shot will cost you a stroke or two. If you are wanting to play your best, you are better off hitting safe, straight tee shots and playing patient, smart golf.


QUALITY

Balboa Park used to be in horrendous condition, with poor fairways and greens and trees where they shouldn’t be. But, in 2021 the course underwent a massive renovation, which revealed incredible views and greatly improved overall quality of the course. While this isn’t factual information, during a round this summer at another local San Diego course, one of my playing partners told me that Balboa Park got a new superintendent, who actually came over from Torrey Pines North, one of the best courses in San Diego. This move has likely led to the great improvements in overall course condition and quality.




VIEWS

One of the best things about any San Diego golf courses is the views. With a wide range from ocean views to mountains, San Diego golf boasts some of the best playing views in the country and Balboa Park is no different. With the recent renovations, the course has really opened up. Throughout the course, you can catch views of Downtown San Diego, historic Balboa Park, Point Loma and even glimpses of the vast Pacific Ocean.



 



OVERALL

Balboa Park has made massive improvements in the past few years, which have led it to be one of San Diego's best golf courses. The overall quality, views and challenging golf make it a must play no matter if you are a local, or are there for a few days with some family of friends. Attached here is the link to Balboa Park's website to see more about the course and book tee times:

 https://www.sandiego.gov/park-and-recreation/golf/bpgolf

See you all next week for the ninth ranked course. 






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