The Carlton Oaks Golf Course is located in Santee close to where the 52 East freeway ends. This course was redesigned by Perry Dye in 1989 and is considered as one of the 25 toughest courses in SD from the black tees. Getting to Carlton Oaks takes a keen eye since the signs which indicate the street to turn on aren't that big and they don't mention anything about the golf course. Only the Carlton Oaks Lodge and Restaurant are posted. Carlton Oaks has a driving range and a putting green close to the club house. You can stop after the front 9 and have lunch at the restaurant. There is also a food and beverage cart that makes its way around the course very frequently. Yardages are marked by the 3 big markers in the middle of the fairway (200, 150, 100 yards). There weren't enough sprinkler head markers to help with gauging distance. Walking on isn't a problem at all if you are a single. I got out right away at 8:30AM on a Saturday. There are also discount coupons in the local paper. Carts are included in the green fees.
Carlton Oaks is a really good challenge of one's golfing abilities from the blue and black tees. Good driving distance and being able to shape your tee shot really helps here. The white tees don't play nearly as hard as a lot of them are well ahead of the blues and don't have trees partially obstructing the fairway. Water comes into play on half the holes. There are also deep pot bunkers, railroad ties, and peninsula lake greens which add to the visual beauty and challenge of Carlton Oaks.
This course is in great shape right now. The greens are very smooth, moderately fast and firm (at times soft). The fairways are pretty lush with the occasional brown and slightly thin spot. The same goes for the rough which is cut short at about 2 inches. The sand traps, which have the brown dirt instead of white sand, are in good shape as well. There are also some waste areas that parallel a few of the fairways. The dirt here is hard packed so play your shot accordingly. The tee boxes are in great shape. All are level and lush with minimal damage. The pace of play seemed faster than the 4.25 hours it took to play as there was no waiting at any tee box except for the last. The service was great. All employees were courteous and helpful. This course is a must play if you are looking for a challenge. Just be sure to bring your long ball.