Played there 9-30-15, Greens were in BAD shape. Need at least 2 more weeks before they are ready for play.

Played there 9-30-15, Greens were in BAD shape. Need at least 2 more weeks before they are ready for play.

Played this morning and was pleasantly surprised with the course. I thought with the heat it might be in pretty bad shape, but it wasn't!

Tee boxes were nice and green and level. Most fairways we... Continue »

Played this morning and was pleasantly surprised with the course. I thought with the heat it might be in pretty bad shape, but it wasn't!

Tee boxes were nice and green and level. Most fairways were in decent shape. Some had some dirt spots but if something was bad it was marked ground under repair. Greens were good, tad slow for my taste but rolled well. Did see a lot of repair marks but at least people were repairing their ball marks. Sand was good, I was in a few bunkers but didn't really have a problem.

I haven't played here in a few months and I really enjoyed the round. I know some people have been saying golf now raised their rates but this course and the south course are now on golf now, and the price was cheaper then the golf course.

I would say if you have the time check it out!

Looking forward to this past Thursday's round at Admiral Baker, I was curious to see what effect last weekend's rain storm had on the golf course. Most of the results were just what I had anticipated:... Continue »

Looking forward to this past Thursday's round at Admiral Baker, I was curious to see what effect last weekend's rain storm had on the golf course. Most of the results were just what I had anticipated: softer, greener fairways, punishing rough, and an overall healthier look to some of the recently re-sodded fairways. However, although the putting speed was a tick slower than usual, the greens still played firm, which must be taken into account when shooting at the pins. I was able to get a 5-iron to sit down just a couple of feet from its' ball mark on #14 yet watched a PW roll out 12 feet on #11. Luckily, being aware of this particular green's tendency to do just that, I factored it into my club selection and was rewarded with a 4-foot birdie. Ah...the benefits of local knowledge. So, for the most part, the status quo remains with the exception of a couple of points. As mentioned earlier, the rough is downright nasty; long, wispy grass where the ball often disappears from sight as it burrows into what I'd refer to as a bird's nest. We spent quite some time trying to locate shots that found the rough and were unsuccessful on two occasions. It's nowhere near "U.S. Open-style" but the type and texture of the grass makes it a real challenge to get the clubhead on the ball so it's best to stay in the fairway. Because of the varied strains of turf on this course, some lies may be tight while others are soft and spongy. It's these soft and spongy situations that create a bit of a dilemma since the ball must be swept off its' perch as opposed to attacking it with a steep, descending blow, unless you want to risk hitting the ball high on the clubface. When faced with this scenario, I opted to go with one more club and play a controlled punch shot rather than risk sliding under the ball and coming up short of the target. The rain has definitely accelerated the growth process with regards to the new fairway sod and has also contributed to improving the condition of those fairways not yet attended to, with #18 being the most notable standout. Very little roll-out off the tee these days makes that hole a true three-shot endeavor so two strong shots are required in order to get a short iron in your hands for the approach, which will be further complicated if the wind is in your face. Bunker sand didn't seem as fluffy as what I'm used to...I'll attribute that to the downpour we encountered last weekend...so I expect them to be back to normal next week. Always well-maintained, these are the best traps to play out of in my opinion, not only because of the quality sand, but also because of their design: shallow, flat bowls with low faces. Pace-of-play was again very good although we did have an issue with a fivesome that was reluctant to let the two of us pass through. After allowing us to hit our tee shots on the Par-3 6th hole, with the understanding we would continue through, they then proceeded to follow us up the hole and began hitting their approach shots to the green. I finally expressed my displeasure and suggested they stop so we could putt out and get moving to the next tee box while they then finished the hole. Their reaction? They gave us the impression we should view this as a privilege as opposed to a simple act of what should be a universally practiced and accepted gesture of golf etiquette. Needless to say, I was pretty irate at this point, made a half-hearted attempt at my birdie putt, picked up the ball and walked off the green without saying another word. After taking a couple of holes to regain my composure, I mentioned it to the course ranger, who agreed with my position and suggested I talk to someone in the Pro Shop after the round. To make a long story short, the Pro Shop employee told me to notify them directly if something like this occurs again and they will dispatch someone to rectify the situation. From what I was told, fivesomes are allowed only under the strictest of situations here yet it appears that all bets are off once these "offenders" head down the first fairway. Without a dedicated legion of on-course staff members to monitor play, these situations are unavoidable and could easily escalate into an ugly, yet totally avoidable, confrontation. This is the second time we've encountered an issue while trying to play through a fivesome...the first time, an elderly gentleman told us we should just skip the hole...and it's the only sour taste I've gotten while playing here. Suffice to say, I will NOT hesitate to make that phone call if it happens again. Accept my apology for the drawn out pace-of-play recap but I felt it should be noted; after all, it is relevant to this forum. Except for that unfortunate drawback, Admiral Baker-North is in good shape, offers a fair and fun test of one's game, and can be had for a very reasonable rate ($25 Walk/$36 Cart after 2:00). Don't let this "hopefully" isolated incident prevent you from giving it a shot.

After a three week hiatus...mainly due to green aerification performed on June 22 and 23...I returned to Admiral Baker-North for my weekly Thursday round and was surprised to see no evidence whatsoeve... Continue »

After a three week hiatus...mainly due to green aerification performed on June 22 and 23...I returned to Admiral Baker-North for my weekly Thursday round and was surprised to see no evidence whatsoever that the greens had been worked on just 16 days prior. Putting surfaces looked and putted just as they did during the middle of June: medium speed and fairly smooth yet the ball still has a tendency to do things you don't anticipate. Seems as if good putters will be frustrated here...I know I am...and this week was no different from the rest: ball rolls along the intended line then fails to find the hole despite a good stroke. Greens still on the firm side despite the maintenance and recent rain but some well-struck wedge shots did stop fairly close to their ball mark. Still, had the greens been softer, I might have had another three or four kick-in birdies. Was a bit discouraged to see the unusual number of unrepaired ball marks this time around. Most of them looked timeworn, which would support my theory that some golfers don't feel it's necessary to fix their ball marks when the greens have just been aerified and sanded. Contrary to that tenet, THAT is when repairing those marks is most critical...so get with it guys! Fairways looking very healthy at this point despite the variance in turf type from one fairway to the next. Still some areas marked GUR but by contrast, there are sections of certain fairways where the lies are as pristine as one could hope for. It was nice to be able to hit a crisp SW into #15 for a change, for example, as opposed to trying to dig the ball out of a rut and not misfiring. Aprons and collars around the greens have markedly improved since my last visit although I had seen evidence these areas were moving towards that direction early last month. As a result, shots from off the green are more forgiving and lend themselves to aggressive play once again. Not sure if this is due to the rain or on-course maintenance but it's a positive in every sense of the word. Rough has also gotten a bit longer and is very penal if you happen to lose on the "luck of the draw". Had a very difficult time getting the club on the ball on two occasions due to it sitting down in the grass; almost lost one ball in just 3" of rough on #13 due to it settling. Tee boxes in good shape...didn't encounter any issues regarding level lies...sand traps in fine condition and well-maintained as well. Play was as light as I've seen it here in recent months; teed off @ 2:30 as a twosome and played a very relaxed round, finishing in 3 hours and 50 minutes with a slight wait on the closing two or three holes. Saw the course marshal just one time but the beverage cart made the rounds on at least two occasions. Golf course seems to be holding its' own during this drought but I'm sure the unseasonably cloudy and cool early morning conditions has contributed to that fact. Will be interesting how things progress...or regress...once the summer heat takes hold and doesn't let go until October. In the meantime, Admiral Baker continues to hold my interest on a week-to-week basis.

Agree with 1Plus1's review. We had a tee time this morning but I was running late so we got pushed back a little but before the mens club. Teed off as a 2some around 7:30 and finished before 11:30. ... Continue »

Agree with 1Plus1's review. We had a tee time this morning but I was running late so we got pushed back a little but before the mens club. Teed off as a 2some around 7:30 and finished before 11:30. Really strange this morning. it didn't seem as crowded as other weekends when we have been here. There was a 2some in front of us, a 3some ahead of them. Graduation, Belmont, I'm not quite sure why it was so light.

The rains have certainly helped but there are still quite a lot of patchy areas in the fairways and for the rough for that matter. As mentioned in the previous review there is some resodding on hole #12. Basically the entire landing area of the tee shot is a big ground under repair. That seems to be the only extensive renovation. There are areas marked as GUR on most holes. Fairways are probably a little thicker or shaggier than I would like but considering the alternative I would certainly prefer that lie over something in a bare spot.

Rough is similar. It's hit or miss there. I found some decent lies and not so decent. I did have to play off a dirt patch which was pretty much like hitting off concrete.

I found several bunkers and found them all to be very playable but I think I was lucky because most of my shots were on an upslope making it easier to hit. My partner however was not so lucky, he seemed to get the ones with thin lies.

Greens are firm and fast. My partner hit the front of the green on hole #11 and it rolled all the way to the back which I would guess is about 30 yds. These pins were also in some pretty tricky locations today. I'm not sure if that was because of the mens club today or not but a couple had some severe breaks to them.

Great customer service. Saw the marshal often. He's out there giving out water and making sure the pace is kept up.

Very enjoyable and at a price of $29 it is hard to argue it is not a good value even if the conditions may be a little lacking. I firmly believe this course is a good test of golf.

As alluded to in other assorted reviews over the past two weeks, the recent rains have had a positive effect on many courses in Southern California and Admiral Baker-North is no exception. After a wo... Continue »

As alluded to in other assorted reviews over the past two weeks, the recent rains have had a positive effect on many courses in Southern California and Admiral Baker-North is no exception. After a work-imposed exile of two weeks, I was able to play there on Thursday, May 28, and the course was noticeably greener and the rough a bit longer and thicker as a result of the storms. Conversely, the greens have remained firm and not quite as receptive as I would have expected. Approach shots had a tendency to run out a bit unless the angle of descent was very steep but even some well-struck wedge shots failed to "drop and stop". Seemed to have better success stopping a hybrid shot than I did a short iron. Greens aren't scheduled for aeration until Monday, June 22, so I suppose this will be the status quo until that process is initiated and completed, although weather conditions could dictate otherwise. Green surfaces remain healthy but I had to fix quite a few fresh ball marks during the round that were ignored by earlier groups; this seems to be a widespread problem no matter where one plays these days but a bit more so than usual at Admiral Baker this time around. Green speed was medium-quick, ball rolled nicely but, as is usually the case here, getting "makeable" putts to drop was just about an impossibility. There are many fairway areas marked GUR but the maintenance staff is being proactive in addressing these issues. Holes #8 and #13 have been re-sodded and #12 is now undergoing the same process. It's commendable to see management allocate the funds and labor to restore these areas rather than use the drought as an excuse and allow the turf to deteriorate even further. Because of this newer sod, there isn't as much roll-out off the tee as there was last month so those holes are now playing closer to their indicated yardage. 2:30 tee time yielded a pace-of-play that was right around four hours and the usual back up at Hole #15 was non-existent this week. Beverage Cart make a couple of passes as well as the Course Ranger/Water Cart. Another tasty post-round meal at River's Edge Cafe capped off an enjoyable round played under ideal weather conditions; outstanding way to unwind after yet another long, demanding day at work. Taking all these factors into consideration, I feel I'm getting the best value for my dollar while playing a course that provides a challenge and enjoyment level which remain consistent from week-to-week; why should I bother to go elsewhere?

There are definite signs that yet another premature Southern California heat wave is beginning to have an effect on the cosmetic appearance of Admiral Baker-North although the golf course still remain... Continue »

There are definite signs that yet another premature Southern California heat wave is beginning to have an effect on the cosmetic appearance of Admiral Baker-North although the golf course still remains in playable shape. Fairways are taking on shades of brown as conditions become dry and fast, resulting in some nice roll-out off the tee if you strike it solid but leading to bare lies in many areas. Problem spots that had been marked as GUR for the past few weeks are now being attended to with sod replacement having been completed on #13 in the past seven days. Looks like #8 is next as shallow "craters" have been dug where the new turf is slated to be installed with holes 6, 12, and 18 also in need of attention. Oddly, the greens rolled much better than a week ago; ball stayed on line and rolled truer than what I experienced during my previous round here on April 23. As noted in previous reviews, it's tough to make any putts on these greens but at least their behavior was more predictable than the week before. Speed was definitely up a couple of ticks as well due to the dry weather and brisk wind conditions. Approach shots are running out just a bit but nothing extreme; some well-struck wedge shots did manage to stop quickly but that was the exception rather than the rule so it needs to be factored into the equation when deciding what club to hit. Golf course gets a good amount of early afternoon play and it resulted in another leisurely-paced round as my partner and I, sandwiched between foursomes, rarely stepped up to a shot and fired away without delay. Pairing of two riders and two walkers in front of us of us didn't help matters (walkers always seemed to lag way behind the riders) although there didn't appear to be any open space ahead of them. I didn't make note of it as we finished on #18 but believe we clocked in with a four hour round despite the fact it felt more like four-and-a-half hours. No starter on #1 so we were fortunate to be "allowed" to go off ahead of an Asian contingent of 12, despite the fact we were on time and occupied the tee time slot ahead of them. One foursome had already teed off since they were "ready" but one gentleman graciously waved us onto the tee and we hit, after which they followed us down the 1st fairway. Pro Shop did a poor job of communicating the situation as we checked in...I was ready to skip #1 and head straight over to #2 when I saw the chaos on the tee box...but it worked out in our favor. If turf conditions are already under a strain...and it's only May 1st...I can only imagine how drastic things will be once summer "officially" arrives. However, a tip of the hat to the Admiral Baker maintenance staff for addressing the bare turf issues and taking proper action, but I'm curious as to just how extensive this isolated re-sodding project will turn out to be. Despite the flawed fairways, there are many positives that explain why I choose to play Admiral Baker-North each week: the variety of holes, the variation in how they play from week to week, the excellent bunker sand, and good greens. The golf course has a certain charm and provides enough of a challenge to keep me engaged from one round to the next...which is all I'm looking for at this point in time. After all, beauty is only skin deep.

Played last weekend and pretty much 1plus1 review is spot on. The conditions left much to be desired but I paid 30 for it and I believe that is a good value.

Also as 1 was talking about the wind... Continue »

Played last weekend and pretty much 1plus1 review is spot on. The conditions left much to be desired but I paid 30 for it and I believe that is a good value.

Also as 1 was talking about the wind you really have to pay attention. We teed off on the par 5 6th hole having the wind in our face but by the time we got to our 3rd shots it was blowing downwind. After getting up to the tee box on 7 the wind switched back again. I'm not sure if it was just a weird day or the way the course sits down the the canyon but it can be tricky out there.

I'm interested to see the conditions as the summer gets near. I'm thinking of how hole 13 will play which is a slight dogleg left par 4 but there is water in the right and a big bunker on the left. The fairway slopes slightly to the water but when it dries out I'd have to think anything on the middle to right half of the fairway will run off into the water. It may be worth just aiming at the bunker.

Greens are pretty firm, I hit a couple of high arching approaches which didn't leave much of a mark. I still can't read these greens, putts seem to break where ever it wants. The roll is pretty consistent and with the firmness there were virtually no ball marks.

Some fairways are decent some are not. Rough is the same way too. One guy in our group actually hit off a dirt patch.

For the price as long as you aren't expecting pristine conditions then you'll be satisfied. Pace was a little slow this weekend but I couldn't see if anyone was holding it up. I'll be back sometime in the near future.

Played my weekly round at Admiral Baker-North this past Thursday, April 16, on another perfect San Diego weather day with the temperature in the 80s and a brisk breeze to begin the round that started ... Continue »

Played my weekly round at Admiral Baker-North this past Thursday, April 16, on another perfect San Diego weather day with the temperature in the 80s and a brisk breeze to begin the round that started at 2:15 PM. Course was busy and a couple of High School matches were following us so we picked a perfect time to tee off as pace-of-play checked in at four-and-a-half hours. Grouped with another twosome, we moved at a leisurely pace through the first 16 holes with no push from the group behind yet ran into a slight delay on Holes 16-17-18. We were right on pace through 9 holes but it did feel like things slowed down a bit over the back nine.

With regards to the aforementioned breeze, I've noticed different wind scenarios over each of the past three rounds. Slight change of direction/force every week on certain holes that really alters the way they play. In particular, the wind has a tendency to swirl on #1 and often changes from the tee shot to the approach. Same applies to Holes #2 through #5, which helps keep those holes from playing the exact same way week-to-week. Par-3 Hole #9 usually plays with a right-to-left wind; this week...straight downwind. Just another subtle feature of this course that comes into play and adds to the challenge.

As far as conditioning goes, tees and fairways remain status quo with no marked improvement in the areas marked GUR. Spent a little time in the rough this week and found it to be inconsistent and hit-or-miss with regards to consistent lies. Grassy areas are accompanied by patches of dirt that make solid contact on full shots a real challenge. As a result, I was short on my approach shots into the green on just about every occasion and pretty frustrated by the end of the round as I couldn't seem to make solid club-to-ball contact.

Fringe areas around the greens, which I would refer to as "collection" areas, are extremely tight (almost like a putting green) and either very firm or slightly over watered. I've had nothing but difficulty negotiating shots off this stuff...especially with a wedge...since the grain ALWAYS seems to be against me. As result, the club tends to stick upon impact, taking all control out of my hands. I'm not one to putt from the fringe but it may be the prudent choice unless those areas are allowed to grow a bit, which would offer some cushioning and more shot options.

Greens don't seem to be in the top condition I had raved about a few weeks ago. They have definitely firmed up over the past month but still hold well-struck shots, although the resulting ball marks left on the greens aren't as deep as they were in March. What did catch my attention was the bumpiness I encountered on some putts where the ball just didn't roll as smooth and true as I've gotten accustomed to. May have been the result of increased foot traffic over the course of the day but certainly worth noting. Not sure if the staff plans to aerate the greens soon but I will inquire next week.

Despite the slight downgrade, I still look forward to playing here on a weekly basis and find that many holes do not play the same from one round to the next. Multiple tee locations and pin positions...along with the ever present wind...make sure that doesn't happen. Tee shots on one Par 3 can range from a 6-iron to a Hybrid on any given day so the monotony of hitting the same club every time I play a certain hole simply doesn't exist. In my view, this built-in variety keeps me engaged from round to round, preventing the boredom factor from entering the equation, and adds to the fun factor.

With a very attractive rate...and an excellent restaurant as well...Admiral Baker provides great value for a mid-afternoon round. The course is still in pretty good shape but where it goes from here will definitely be determined by weather conditions and Gov. Brown's Water Crisis Mandate. I have a feeling it's going to be a brutal summer for course superintendents, which means we may have no choice but to temper our expectations, and we could already be seeing the tip of the iceberg at Admiral Baker.