SkyGolf Blog... Golf Courses Around the World: The Grand Del Mar, San Diego, California, Usa

http://www.thegranddelmar.com

Southern California is not only synonymous of marvelous beaches and spectacular coastlines along the Ocean, but also features inland unique locations, hidden gems that can't be missed.

It is the case of The Grand Del Mar, a fantastic property, one of the finest and most awarded luxury resort in the area and the San Diego's only AAA Five Diamonds and Forbes Five Star.

The Grand Del Mar, with its exclusive Mediterranean Style architecture, includes 249 guest rooms, four swimming pools, tennis courts and one memorable private 18 holes golf course designed by Tom Fazio (the only one in San Diego) in 1999 and renovated in 2006.

Although access to the course is reserved to the members and resort's guest only, it is easy sometimes to spot a Pga Tour Pros like Phil Mickelson, Lucas Glover or Charlie Hoffman or past champions like Greg Norman, having a short game lesson with Dave Pelz, practicing on the state of the art driving range or playing a round before a PGA event.

The layout is incredible, a challenging course spread on more then 350 acres, which follows the natural contours of the property among hillsides, valleys and canyons, providing dramatic elevation changes and great views of Los Penasquitos Canyon Reserve. A golf course with a rolling design made of pleasant and never boring variation of altitude, a variation of holes able to transmit to the golfer every aspect, every characteristic, every essence of the preserved environment where is built.

The natural beauties of the area and the cool Ocean breeze that usually come into play complete the pictures of this amazing masterpiece.

Although not extremely long, 7160 Yds from the back tees (139/74.8), and although most of the holes feature generous fairways, The Grand presents 78 strategically placed bunkers in typical Fazio style, several water hazards and large, fast and challenging greens where it easy to three-putt.

As said the highest tees offer breathtaking views of the entire property and the view that absolutely is not to be missed is the one you'll get from "The Grand" tees on the par 4 15th hole, the highest point of the course with a drop of more then 100 feet from tee to fairway and more then 200 yds to reach the short grass and carry the ravine with your tee shot.

The 15th hole is my favorite, while the signature hole, and the most picturesque, is the 242 yds 17th, a par 3 where the long and narrow green is guarded on the left side by a lake.

One thing I found absolutely awesome and useful is the institution of the Forecaddie Program, a forecaddie for every player honoring a longstanding tradition not easy to find on many courses.

Of course customer service is five stars. From the moment you drop you clubs and you enter on the 50,000 square feet majestic Clubhouse, to the elegant golf carts, to the forecaddie and everything in between until the end of your round, the Staff takes care of every detail to be certain the golfer will have a memorable day of golf.

One more thing..before leaving the clubhouse make one more experience..have a drink at the Club M, the bar and restaurant of the golf club with a scenic views over the 18th hole, managed with competence by the italian Alessio. You won't regret!!