Played this course for the 1st time (but not the last) on 3/13/2010. It was the 2nd Johnny Miller designed course I have played with Badlands in LV being the other. Although the environments are ver... Continue »

Played this course for the 1st time (but not the last) on 3/13/2010. It was the 2nd Johnny Miller designed course I have played with Badlands in LV being the other. Although the environments are very different, you can tell Miller used much of the same philosophy in his design. There was a lot of elevation change at Maderas. Elevated tees and elevated greens. Not a lot of forced carry off the teebox (we played the Blues at a 138 slope), but quite a few forced carries over trouble to the greens. The greens were HUGE and quite undulated. The rolled very true as long as the putt was hit firmly with confidence. If you tried to "baby" the ball in the hole, then there was a lot of hidden (at least to me) break right around the pins. I struggled on the course . . hadn't played in about 6 weeks . . and quite frankly, it was hard. But very fair! There were shots to be made I just couldn't make them the day I played. This is what I would call a "2nd shot course" . . for the most part, the trouble didn't come off the tee . . but came instead on your approach shot. Gotta agree with Steve663 on the par 5's . . they were tough! Most courses I play have pretty easy par 5's . . this course had some very difficult par 5's . . The staff was beyond great, very easy going and helpful. Will definately play this course again when I get back to the San Diego area!

I’ve been looking forward to playing Maderas Golf Club for a long time and yesterday was well worth it. I have not experienced many Johnny Miller layouts but if this course is what they typically are,... Continue »

I’ve been looking forward to playing Maderas Golf Club for a long time and yesterday was well worth it. I have not experienced many Johnny Miller layouts but if this course is what they typically are, I want to play more. The layout at Maderas is fair, yet challenging and above all beautiful. Big severely undulating greens, many challenging perfect positioned sand traps, elevation changes, doglegs in both directions, water hazards (ponds, lakes, creeks), majestic oak trees, exceptional use of the natural terrain – one of the most entertaining and thought provoking layouts I’ve played…an INSTANT top 10 favorite courses for me.

Today the course was in great shape and no doubt, within a couple months will become immaculate as temps warm up. The course did NOT overseed for the first time this winter and as a result, the bermunda fairways are in the process of waking up from dormancy yet thick/matted creating compete coverage and excellent lies/roll. (not overseeding removes the transition period and allows the current bermunda grass to be stronger since it does not have to complete with rye – transition periods can take up to 3 months in San Diego – I thought this was a very smart move by them). The greens were smooth (with the exception of some unrepaired ball marks for previous groups – which we fixed off course), around a 10 on the stimp, held shots well and true. The rough was dormant but coming back (this will be a much tougher course in the summer if they let that bermunda rough get up). The tee boxes were is great shape, level and lush.

The facilities at Maderas are top-notch high class with a spectacular clubhouse that provides beautiful views for the course and scenic surroundings. Speaking of surroundings, one can not help but notice the stunning multi-million mansions up on the hill tops surrounding the course. Regarding the service, it’s a Troon property…exceptional as expected.

I recommend playing this course now and even more so in a couple months. Love it.

This course has a wonderful, tough but fair layout. A par on 3 of the 4 par 5's being a good score shows just how great these holes are. The key to playing well is to judge the slope both from the t... Continue »

This course has a wonderful, tough but fair layout. A par on 3 of the 4 par 5's being a good score shows just how great these holes are. The key to playing well is to judge the slope both from the tee/fairway and on the greens. Uphill holes are more uphill than you think and vica versa. Uphill putts are much slower than it seems and downhill putts can easily get away from you. 2 putting from 25 feet or more is a job well done. The course is not immaculate but in great shape especially the tees and bunkers. I was amazed at how many ball marks I had to repair on the greens even at this high end facility. Please think of others that will play the course after you by fixing, raking, filling in, and keeping up with the group ahead of you!!

After moving to SD about 2.5 years ago, I finally played Maderas this past week for the first time. Even for a SD resident, the cost of Maderas is rather high at $130+ per round. Fortunately I played ... Continue »

After moving to SD about 2.5 years ago, I finally played Maderas this past week for the first time. Even for a SD resident, the cost of Maderas is rather high at $130+ per round. Fortunately I played with Advantage member and only had to pay his rate, $89.

The setting is absolutely gorgeous among the valleys and mountains in North County. But focus is required given the course's level of challenge. There are sloped fairways, semi-blind tee shots and forced carries to whet your competitive whistle. The greens were in immaculate shape and very fast, at 12+ on the stimp. The service level is excellent, very much on par with a private club.

Overall, the experience is tremendous, making Maderas absolutely worth an initial look see. How soon you will come back will be a function of your wallet.

If they didn't have golf carts you'd need either a mountain goat or a pack mule. Needless to say, this is a very hilly course, with some great elevated tee shots. The pace was fine, because hardly a... Continue »

If they didn't have golf carts you'd need either a mountain goat or a pack mule. Needless to say, this is a very hilly course, with some great elevated tee shots. The pace was fine, because hardly anyone was on the course. I don't know if it was the heat (low 90's), the Charger's were playing, or the price. I suspect price has a lot to do with it. The rack rate is $210, which is very steep (no pun intended) for this course. The service is good and the conditions were very good for this time of year when the bermuda grass usually starts to get a little ragged. The greens were very fast and tricky, so expect a fair share of 3-putts. I'd play it again if I could get half off the rack rate or so, but any more than that is a little too much.

What a great golf course. The course was in great course and has no problem with watering, they have 12 wells. Everybody was friendly and very accomadating. Greens were rolling at 10.5 and with th... Continue »

What a great golf course. The course was in great course and has no problem with watering, they have 12 wells. Everybody was friendly and very accomadating. Greens were rolling at 10.5 and with the subtle breaks, need to be careful to score well. 5 or 6 sets of tees, the Blues don't play as long as the scorecard indicates as there are two short par fours. Break the bank and give it a go.

Great course. Top notch conditions. A few blind tee shots, and that just flat out sucks, but the overall layout is challenging. I suggest selecting teh propoer set of tees or you will have a terrib... Continue »

Great course. Top notch conditions. A few blind tee shots, and that just flat out sucks, but the overall layout is challenging. I suggest selecting teh propoer set of tees or you will have a terrible day. The driving range could use a little work.

course is back in good shape.

course is back in good shape.

Played 08/18, first time to Maderas.

Truly a first class place. Outstanding service all around, and I usually just ignore service, I just want to play. But at Maderas, even the grounds crew greets ... Continue »

Played 08/18, first time to Maderas.

Truly a first class place. Outstanding service all around, and I usually just ignore service, I just want to play. But at Maderas, even the grounds crew greets you and knows protocol. The marshal noticed a 2-some and a single behind a 4-some on #9, and moved the 2 to #11 and the single to #12 and let them make up the missed holes later.

Course is a great challenging design. Condition is excellent with just a few rough patches.

Outstanding!