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Balboa Park Golf Course
Category: Active Life Golf Golf [Edit]
2600 Golf Course DrSte A
(between 26th St & 28th St)
San Diego, CA 92102
(619) 858-0235
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
31 reviews for Balboa Park Golf Course
31 reviews in English
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Review from Jordy G.
San Diego, CA
2/15/2012
This is my home course, and I had actually stopped playing it for a while because it was never in great shape. But they did some renovation, I believe they did a lot of irrigation work? Not quite sure. But either way the course is in excellent shape right now. It's a great price for a city resident or not. Greens are running nice. I will be back out here playing more often.
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Review from Tony P.
San Diego, CA
3/1/2012
Balboa Golf course is a totally re-done golf course. If you have not played here in a while, you will be very pleasantly surprised. It is still very challenging and tight, but it is now beautifully green, clean, with great playing conditions and excellent greens.
The 9 hole course is also really fun and in great shape as well.
Keep playing every other course in San Diego and leave this to me and the rest of the locals, long time Balboa fans, and anyone else who is in the know. -
Review from Josh W.
San Diego, CA
4/7/2012
This is an all around great course. Backdrops of the San Diego skyline on certain holes make it worth the trip. The fairways and greens are in great shape. Tee boxes are well manicured. This course requires some shot shaping ability to curve it around corners on specific holes. I love this course! Try and play it during the week. The weekend is sloooooooooow!
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Review from Just saying C.
San Diego, CA
3/4/2012
Played the exec 9 today and fairways were not too dry. I think the new irrigation has improved the course and the Lies are more favorable:) Seriously, awesome 2 hours and I am sure the 18 was even bettter.
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Review from Jason Y.
San Diego, CA
2/14/2012
I live downtown and have a city resident card so this course is super convenient for the price and location. They invested a lot of money in new irrigation and upgrades over the last year and it's definitely showing. The course is getting better and better. The greens are in good shape these days as well. The course definitely plays narrow and there are plenty of places to lose balls. It's a brutal walking course.
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Review from Janet O.
Good value for the money. Its $50/person if you are a non resident. The staff are nice and friendly. I agree with fellow yelper A.H re: the funky old clubhouse.
The grass and the terrain are more or less spotty. Some areas areas are healthy and covered with green grass otherwise IMHO the club needs a little sprucing up!
If your rent a newer model club that is slightly used it will cost you $50/game/18 holes. If you wanna save some moollah go for the older clubs they will run you $25/game.
Btw-they do not take AMEX and you pay cash for food at the clubhouse. But they will take the ever trusted Visa.
I had a great time here. Its the company that counts most of the time :)Listed in: Hiking/Backpacking/ Day Hikes/…
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Review from Lou G.
San Diego, CA
7/19/2011
I am rating the exec course.
The par 3s vary from 130-198 yards so you get to use a wide range of clubs (for me, from an 8 iron to a 3 wood).
There are three legitimate par 4s (#3, #5, #9) so one gets to use anywhere from a short iron to the green to a wood.
Two of the so-called par 4s (#6 and 7) are driveable.
Good place for beginners and high handicappers.
Drawback is the course is too crowded and you HAVE to play in a 4 some most of the time.
At least there are not a lot of arrogant golfers with $2000 golf sets that don't know how to play. -
Review from Joe Q.
11/29/2010
Good value to play here, but not exactly rushing to return. When you get the city resident card for Torrey Pines, you feel like using that card at an alternative course, which is here.
It's not trying to be a secret club house or anything, just pay and play. Little rough around the edges in some on some of these holes where the grass and rest of terrain ain't kept up. Just a place to play, practice some really elevation changing holes, and bust out. No real scene here to glare and sit in awe at.Listed in: Golf related
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Review from Micheal W.
San Diego, CA
I played this course for the second time yesterday and it was absolutely gorgeous. Not sure if it was just the weather or the recent rains but the course looked in great condition and played extremely well.
I've only played the front 9, so I can't speak for the back, but the mixture of open spaces peppered by the occasional eucalyptus, torrey pine, and palm trees gives it a nice coastal Souther California feel. Play is quick since the almost all the holes are par 3, with the par 4s not offering much of a challenge, still it's a great place to work on your 90 to 120 yard game.
Hazards are limited with traps here and there but they're usually out of the way and when you're in them they're not terribly dificult to hit out of. The lack of water and OB lessens the challenge, but it's great if you want to avoid losing balls and just have an easy-going round.
One of these days I'll play the back nice as well, which I've heard is much hillier and a bit more challenging. If you're a SD resident and plan to play this course and the other municipal courses (Mission Bay and Torrey Pines) more than once, make sure to pick up a city card. It's a great value and after a few rounds the discount really adds up. -
Review from mike s.
San Diego, CA
5/10/2009
I've been coming to this course for most of my life, and it was here I first slapped a golf ball. I remember distinctly the first time I was able to hit a ball over the canyon and on grass of the driving range at age 9. It was also my first gainful employment. I worked here for over a year and a half when I was 16 as a cart boy. As a result, I've a lovers knowledge of this gem of a golf course.
It is easy to forget that this is a public course. The maintenance is above average for a municipal course, and the views of San Diego are stunning. I've never seen a better use of my tax money. The course will challenge your golf ability, however.
While a cart is nice, walking the 18 is a worthy endeavor. The 18 starts off by taking you down into a fertile canyon that begs for long, lengthy drives. The first 3 holes are fairly straightforward, and a skilled swing of the driver will set you straight. The 4th hole is difficult, and while I won't ruin it for you, I refer to it as "the widowmaker."
After finishing the 5th you climb out of the valley and onto the rest of the course. There's usually a bit of a bottleneck at the 6th, so spark up a conversation with whoever is around - I've never encountered anyone that wasn't friendly. After rounding alongside 28th St and Pershing, you'll find the halfway house.
Be sassy at your own risk to the cashier of the snack bar, he'd rather be golfing.
Very generally speaking, I feel the mood of the course shifts slightly with the back nine, as an errant shot will land you in another fairway as opposed to a thick bushes of the valley. Hole 13 provides a workout for your pitching wedge, and hole 16 has been called the most difficult par 5 in San Diego. The views are stunning throughout, and after mounting the18th you are given a epic view of downtown San Diego as your prize.
I call the 9 hole a shot of golf. You can play it for 13 bucks and be done in an hour and a half, if the speed of play is allowing. It's far from easy, and you'll need to use everything in your bag. -
Review from jeff l.
7/6/2009
When they played the San Diego City Amateur before they ruined the Torrey South Course by making it so hard that only a tour player can score on it, the rotation was to play Torrey South and Balboa.
Just about every year the scores were higher at Balboa than at Torrey for all handicaps.
Now the city has only made the City Amateur for the championship flight and no other flights.
That totally blows and takes away what was the essence of the tournament to make it for everyone.
They cut out the Seniors, everyone!!!
Anyway, Balboa is no walkover people.
Yes it is short and it looks deceivingly easy.
You have to play it a ton to figure it out.
There is trouble everywhere on that course.
HIlly and definitely challenging.
That being said I know that Sam Snead shot something like 57!!!
Those guys are good!!
For average to above average golfers up to scratch golfers you will still be delighted and challenged.
Great course.Listed in: Favorite Golf Courses
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Review from Josh K.
San Diego, CA
4/30/2007
Balboa Park Golf Course is a true muni gem.
Built into the canyons of Balboa Park, the course is challenging and fun. The two hardest holes are the 4th (with an uphill shot to a narrow green) and the 16th (with a huge canyon on the left flank). 18 is tough also.
The rates are real reasonable for San Diego residents, it's much easier to get a tee time here than Torrey Pines, and the course is generally kept in pretty good shape for a muni.
Another cool feature: the park is under the flightpath of Lindbergh Field and you get to watch jets approaching that are also just high enough to not be too noisy.Listed in: Muni Golf in CA
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Review from Javier M.
San Diego, CA
1/7/2009
I love golf. It has knocked out shooting pellet guns as my 4th favorite thing to do. I am lucky enough to live down the street and this course is my favorite. Its not expensive like other courses around town and the 9 hole course is great for an afternoon outside after work. The 18 is great and for the price. My favorite is the 17th because you are hitting down at the green.
No hassles, you get a discount for being a resident of SD and if you got a minute, the canyons are a gold mine if your running low on balls.
Sometimes the 9 does get backed up which can be frustrating when sunset is at 5. -
Review from Travis D.
San Diego, CA
1/5/2010
Not too shabby. I am not a golfer by any means, but I certainly pretend to be. "Using your pitching wedge are ya?"
"What? No? I'm 200 yards from the pin!"
"Easy there Tiger (pun intended)."
With this review I could continue to pretend I actually know something about golf, but I won't. I will say, however, that it was a fun course and I only lost 2 balls (there has to be a better way to say that). Our group experienced hardly any down time, even on a relatively crowded day. I have only played the 18 hole course, but I am sure the executive course is just as enjoyable. Also, this course can be pricey if you don't have a resident card (~$48 without, ~38 with).
Give this course a swing and be sure to hit the greens (wow that was lame). -
Review from Alex K.
10/19/2007
Balboa Park is a great muni in San Diego.
The course isn't long but offers plenty of challenge with its layout, elevation changes, and well paced greens.
The course is well maintained and the greens are kept in good condition.
San Diego residents are lucky to have cheap green fees here and at Torrey Pines.Listed in: Golf Courses, San Diego Golf Courses
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Review from Josh P.
San Diego, CA
9/27/2011
This is a really rundown course. The fairways have tire marks running through them. The greens are not well kept. The driving range is a dirt hill. However, it is a good course for the money. I played 18 for $19 (twilight rate). You can look past the questionable upkeep when you are paying a Buck and an Nickel per hole.
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Review from Marc M.
San Diego, CA
10/31/2007
I love the 9 Hole course. I can always walk on during the week. It has got some interesting holes.
Great Prices!!!! -
Review from Justina E.
San Diego, CA
6/16/2011
The cafe 9th hole has good n greasy diner food, you can order a pitcher of beer, the prices are affordable and the view is priceless.
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Review from Christin P.
San Diego, CA
10/17/2009
Played the 18 hole course. It was a lot of fun and very challenging! Lots of elevation changes.
It was kind of a slow course though. On the 4th we ended up getting soooooooo backed up. The group in front of us took their sweet time. Two groups behind us were waiting as well. The back 9 went a lot quicker.
They must have a problem with slow groups cause the starter yelld at us on the first hole telling us to play ready golf....even though we were waiting for a clear fairway...ugh whatever.
There were also some real jackasses out today. I dont know if that happens a lot there but it was pretty bad today. One guy kept driving his cart around on the fairway in front of our tee box looking for his ball. After a little while we asked him to move out of the way for a bit while we teed off and he got pissed and called us arrogant. Sharted a little shouting match with our boys.
The other guy was just a retard. He drove his cart over some pretty tall plants and got the cart stuck....it looked like the cart was going to tumble down the hill sideways. It was pretty hilarious to watch!! He and 4 other guys had to end up lifting the cart off the plants...so funny! -
Review from Randy D.
San Diego, CA
9/3/2008
This is a fun little track. People that I bring here are half and half, but I love this course.
If you're a SD resident, you can't beat the price (i.e. CHEAP!!!), even on the weekends. The greens are usually in good condition and fast. Plus you can't beat the views from the back-nine (downtown SD, Petco Park), The airplanes that fly overhead are pretty cool too (i miss the days when British Airways would fly the only 747 into Lindbergh)
If you spray the ball around, you'll be cursing to high hell the first 6 holes, so bring a few sleeves of golf balls, otherwise, tee her high and let it fly. -
Review from Maurice A.
San Diego, CA
6/28/2011 1 Check-in Here
I learned to golf here and still go. I haven't been going as regularly as I wanted to, but now that I have more time on my hands, it is a go. I like playing the nine because they are not super easy (more me), but still challenging. People usually are not in a rush there and can respect if one happens to be a little slow (uhhem). :)
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Review from Theo B.
This looks like a fun course with different elevation changes. Stopped by here on a weekend to pick up a resident id card for my big brotha. Definitely will play here for the 9 & 18 hole courses.
To all SD residents, take advantage of the municipal courses that are offered to us at a reasonable price. Get the resident ID card and play Mission Bay, Balboa and of course Torrey Pines! -
Review from Jeremy A.
12/8/2009
When I lived in San Diego, this was for sure amongst my favorite places to play. First of all there was super good rates as a San Diego resident and alot more if you're from out of town.
For being the price it is its a real long and challenging course, totally worth it as a city resident. -
Review from Realtor Karl B.
San Diego, CA
1/23/2009
Like a roller coaster...
Lots of ups and downs, which makes for an exciting round!
Fairly short course (6200 from the blues) but the fun-factor is definitely there.
You can drive the cart anywhere you want and no sheriff was out there bothering us at any time.
Fairways and greens are in great shape.
Price is not too high - paid $29 fees + $30 cart, but I do have a resident card. Don't know how much it is without it.
And, the 9-hole course is a great way to exercise and build up your golf game. -
Review from Mike L.
San Diego, CA
4/8/2011 1 Check-in Here
another awesome municipal golf course ran by the city of San Diego. This is my usual go to spot when i cant find a tee time at Torrey Pines or one of the other SD public courses. The range is short and odd. Long Hitters, or anyone who can realistically carry their drives 260+ yards, please refrain from hitting your driver at the range or warm up. Their is a dog park at the end of the driving range that i never knew of until i got a puppy. Course is challenging and pretty forgiving at the same time. love the layout and the age.
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Review from Scott C.
San Diego, CA
6/20/2010
This is a very nice alternative to Torrey Pines for both city residents and tourists. The staff was uniformly friendly and I enjoyed every part of the round.
The course itself is a good value for $30-$40. Just relax, suspend your expectation of putts that roll 100% true, hit an iron off the tee on the canyon holes, and enjoy the great views of the city skyline.
Will certainly come play here again. -
Review from Brent G.
San Diego, CA
Updated - 3/16/2010
I went back to Balboa to get my 2010 SD Resident golf card (so I can play Torrey Pines for cheap) and apparently the jerky pro shop guy is no longer employed. Also the managers who helped me were very nice. So I upped the stars from 2 to 3 haha. I just wish the driving range was better and not over-priced. I think it's $6 for 45 balls.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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2/19/2010
Mediocre golf course at best. The guy who runs the pro shop/driving range is the biggest jerk I ever… Read more »
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Review from A. H.
San Diego, CA
8/4/2010
this is my home track. i love this course. i love the staff. i love the funky old clubhouse. i love the 19th hole and all the ladies holding it down at Tobey's.
the 9 holer is cool when short on time and just want to get out quick. everybodys real laid back.
the 18 holer is very challenging. tough greens and not much room for error. if you spray it, you're gunna be in coyote canyon. its a real pretty course where at times you're lost in the middle of it and never would think you're in the heart of SD. at other times it gives way to some epic views of the city and bay. -
Review from Tim W.
San Diego, CA
7/22/2010
I had a good time here but I'm not itching to go back. Nothing super special about it other than the history. Elevation changes adds a good amount to the challenge for me. My friend got an Eagle on the uphill par 4 #18 which i will always remember.
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Review from Cynthia C.
San Diego, CA
8/11/2008
This a fun, casual, and non pretentious golf course! You won't get stared down for wearing flip flops on the range. Discounts offered for San Diego residents! Value, location, and views! I enjoy this course because people don't have their noses up in the air and you can enjoy what you came to do - play golf! :)
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Review from Salvador B.
San Diego, CA
5/19/2009
I will start off by saying that this review is strictly regarding the 9-hole executive course. I live about 6 blocks from this course so I have seen and played it since the early 90's. The course: In good shape considering it gets so much play and wear year-round. Nothing extremely challenging, though I will say that the 6th,7th, and 8th holes tend to favor straight not long hitters. Take for example the 6th hole (roughly 220 yds on any given day) is a drivable hole that is actually considered a par 4. All the hole are surrounded by eucalyptus trees and spotted here and there by sand traps. My favorite hole is the 9th hole for its great views of downtown. Pace of play can vary but on any weekday it seems to flow steady. The weekends are a different story but any novice golfer knows that there is no such thing as a quick weekend round. Get a $25 residents card and save some $$$ on all rounds.
