Played Thursday, 4/26, as a 4some, teeing off about 10 minutes behind schedule from our 1:12pm tee time. The group in front picked up speed, and 2 of them dropped out at the turn. We were then the lon... Continue »

Played Thursday, 4/26, as a 4some, teeing off about 10 minutes behind schedule from our 1:12pm tee time. The group in front picked up speed, and 2 of them dropped out at the turn. We were then the long-pole in the tent on a day of light play on the course. POP ended up at 4hrs 20mins, so not too bad for this course. Lovely day, but clouds came in later and cooled things down - bring a jacket, etc., even when its nice early - just in case.

Course is still greening up from 2 weeks ago. Fairways were cut a few days ago and provided somewhat better roll. Greens were verti-cut in the last day or two, but did not seem to affect the roll. Ball rolled nicely and at medium-fast speed.

Tees were great and the two bunkers I visited had very soft sand. Rough is still choppy, resulting in bad lies.

Marshal was buy numerous times, checking POP, and cart-girl came around several times. Course is a few weeks away, perhaps a month - tops - to being in great condition overall, imho.

Played The Crossings at Carlsbad Monday on a free birthday round. There is a $25 cart fee required. Birthday rounds can now be played the day before, the day of or the day after the persons birthday. ... Continue »

Played The Crossings at Carlsbad Monday on a free birthday round. There is a $25 cart fee required. Birthday rounds can now be played the day before, the day of or the day after the persons birthday. Conditions were prefect for a great round. Temperatures would be in the low 70’s for much of the round with a healthy marine layer until the back nine. We had still air until the sixteenth hole when the breeze began to freshen.
I played with a pair of friends one visiting from New York, the other down from Culver City. Terry visiting form New York played to a four under par round using rental clubs, from the whites, first time on the course. It was amazing to watch.
The carts at the Crossing are only a couple of years old, and are in very good condition, equipped with an ice chest which did not come filled, and very useful GPS.
The Crossings has a trio of very well prepared and maintained practice areas. The practice green is very large, features holes cut on different tiers, with various slopes, and ridges that are indicative of what the player will find on course. The chipping, pitching and bunker practice area are among the best I have seen, again featuring excellent simulations of the on-course conditions. The driving range is very well maintained though short at a little over 200 yards. On Monday only, mats were available to hit off, however the mats used will accept a standard tee.
I arrived an hour and half early for my scheduled 8:30 am round (traffic was really light and I wanted to warm up). After dropping my clubs off with the attendant to be taken down to the cart barn, I checked in at the pro shop. As with everyone I met the pro shop was helpful, and friendly. A medium range bucket was $7 and a course yardage book was $1.86.
I have to confess going in I have a love hate relationship with this course. Simply speaking it’s a beautiful course, that is in all honest more course than I can handle. I have now played five rounds and have only played the course well once. That round I played with a father son duo that were members and played the course every Sunday. The son was a high school golf coach, and between him and his father it was like having a local caddy. Playing on my own I have tried differing plans to no avail. Based on my warm up I went into this round confident. I was going to play from the golds which the course recommends for someone of my driving distance and handicap.
Bunkers – I don’t usually start my review with bunkers, like most armatures I try as much as possible to avoid them. At the Crossings even, the fairway bunkers are deep. The bunker I found for the second time in two consecutive rounds could have protected a squad of marines from nearby Pendleton. Because of the high face it was all I could do to lob out into deep rough (more about rough a little later). For the benefit of all GK readers I sampled several bunkers, fairway, and greenside. The sand was the best I have ever played, good coverage, well raked even where it was evident I was not the first of the morning to visit. There are numerous bunkers and they are positioned in choke points and at spots where the fairway runs towards them. As I mentioned I played Golds, that is what is recommended for those of us that drive the ball 200 to 230. From the golds the Fairway bunkers on one are 207 yards out on the right. How many of us fade or slice the ball? On three the fairway bunker lies dead center in the fairway up hill, hidden from view at 202 from the golds. 210 from the whites.

Out of bounds – I don’t usually cover out of bounds, you’re not supposed to go there and usually there is a host of other trouble your more likely to encounter, however The Crossings at Carlsbad is built in a series of canyons that are protected sensitive environments which are very close to the fairways. Much of this area is protected by a wood rail fence, perfect for letting your ball roll under and disappear into deep grouse which you are not permitted to enter. The wilderness areas are spectacular, the wildlife abundant and the butterflies populous. Fortunately, I only lost one ball to the critters. The issue with the OB is that many of the fairways steeply towards OB and are not protected by rough that might stop the ball from rolling out on the perfectly cut fairways toward the hazard. On holes one, five, eight, ten, sixteen, the player has to carry extensive expanses of this out of play area. On five the golds don’t have to carry the OB area as it exceeds 200 yards.

Tee’s are perfect. The grass coverage even on par 3’s was exceptional, little divot damage, boxes were level, and clean. A good stance was easy to obtain. Sight lines are tricky, four holes from either the whites or the golds are hitting into blind areas where what I would perceive as the conservative shot will in fact place you in a hazard. Ten is a classic example that wants a player the can draw the ball, but at the very least can fade the ball starting OB and coming back to the fairway. A straight shot can easily go to far, and off the course left into the valley. A fade or slice will go OB on the hill. Target golf at it’s best.
Fairways are perfect on all 18, evenly cut, clean, and green. I found very few divots during my round, and those that I did were frequently filled. I did my part to follow suit, as my cart was provided with two full sand bottles.
Rough was mostly deep and penal around the greens, and deep but spotty along the fairways. The only complaint I have was the rough along the fairway near the lay up zone on eight which was a swamp. I probably should have taken relief as I has water flowing under my feet as I took my stance but tried to play the chip shot over the water into the green 80 yards away. After rinsing a ball, I replayed moved a couple of feet to dry grass and played the ball close.
Greens were perfect, green, rolling fast with the exception of the 9th which was the only slow and inconsistent green on the course. Rolls were true and fast. Most ball marks were repaired, mindful that we had gone out at 8:20 am and there had only been a dozen groups before us. Holes were cut to make use of the tiers, ridges and slopes on the green, there were no boring pin placements.
Comfort stations are strategically placed around the course, clean and well kept, ball washers work, but are located at the back tee’s so plan accordingly as the various tees are seldom near each other. We saw the refreshment cart on three different occasions. The snack bar was open at 7:30am and served a very good cup of coffee.
Clearly, I am over matched by this course, despite that the visuals, the challenge, the staff bring me back, and I will come back again, I love the challenge. I also like the air show, in addition to the normal array of private jets going out, we had a B-17, and a B-24 fly over us and come back around to fly by us. Definitely worth the rack rate.

Played Thursday, 4/12 at 1:12pm, on a very windy but sunny day. POP was good w/no waiting until the 14th and 15th tees, adding at least 20 minutes to the 4hr 45mins round.

Course is pretty similar... Continue »

Played Thursday, 4/12 at 1:12pm, on a very windy but sunny day. POP was good w/no waiting until the 14th and 15th tees, adding at least 20 minutes to the 4hr 45mins round.

Course is pretty similar to my last visit about 2 weeks ago, pretty good condition overall, but should get better moving towards summer. Fairway grass is starting to grow/green up, and had not been cut recently. Definitely cost me roll-out off the tee ball. Greens were very receptive, lush and smooth, putting at medium speed mostly. Did spot a nasty-looking fungus on #12 green and at least one other one.

Tees and bunkers were all good/no issues, and similar to last time out. Rough was pretty choppy, presenting some very bad lies.

Now managed by JC Golf instead of KemperSports, the reservation system has been changed over, making clear you will be charged $25 for each no-show. Employees are now paid by JC Golf, as of March 1. Speaking with a member of staff in the pro shop, he indicated that the 'Crossings Club' will give way to the JC Card/membership at some point later this year. The Crossings Club membership is good through December 2018.

The JC Golf Card memberships are 12-month annual, based on purchase/anniversary date. The JC Golf Club Cards are significantly more expensive, but do potentially offer a few more 'free' rounds, depending on option. As I understand that the course is still owned by the city, it will be interesting to see what happens to local(s) resident pricing, etc., next year. The Crossings does not yet show up as a course option to play for JC Golf Club members, via their website today.

Played today, Friday 3/29 at 1:12pm for $40 via their website as a Crossings Club member. Joined by another single and a twosome, had a great time on a sunny day. A bit of a wind throughout, about 1 ... Continue »

Played today, Friday 3/29 at 1:12pm for $40 via their website as a Crossings Club member. Joined by another single and a twosome, had a great time on a sunny day. A bit of a wind throughout, about 1 club. POP was good on the front, 2.25hrs, but slowed down on the back, for a total POP of 4hrs 45mins.

Main report is that the greens, punched a month ago, are 95% healed. Only noticed the #3 green as having some filling in to do...the rest were really nice. Greens overall, were receptive, lush and smooth, putting medium-slow to medium speed. Really needed to give putts a poke and bang them into the back of the hole, but they were rolling true. We did that as a group, and it was fun, with some exciting birds and pars.

Tees were nice and level, and good grass and footing. Fairways and rough still mostly dormant, decent lies with very good roll-out in the fairways. Bunkers were a bit firm in the two I was in, but others had some fluffy lies.

Cart lady was by 3 times, Marshals were making their rounds, and we mostly played without waiting until the infamous slow-down on the par 5 #15. Our cart then died, and a young man came out with a replacement on #17 green. I got some extra exercise on the severe uphill transition between #15 green and #16 tee, and my cart partner got his on the next, while I got a push from our playing partners in their cart.

The barmaid took good care of me after the round, running the entire show between the bar and patio. Pretty impressive on a busy evening.

Thanks Johnny GK for the Guru status. Not sure, I deserve it. It has been too long between reviews, but arthritis has become my nemesis. Most of my play in the past year and a half has been best ball ... Continue »

Thanks Johnny GK for the Guru status. Not sure, I deserve it. It has been too long between reviews, but arthritis has become my nemesis. Most of my play in the past year and a half has been best ball tournaments at courses, I have reviewed in the past. This past weekend, I celebrated my 50th by playing The Crossings at Carlsbad. I have wanted to play this course for several years now. First impression when we walked into the clubhouse was... WOW! Staff was very warm and greeting. The clubhouse, practice green, practice chipping area and range seemed well designed. As to the course... loved it. Lots of elevation changes so selecting the right club was rewarding and perilous. The breeze is a factor on most of the holes that run along the hilltops. A couple of blind tee shots on #1 and #15. On #1 keep your tee shot to the right, on #15 keep it to the left. Greens were the highlight to this course even with the fact I only made (1) one putt on #17. My nephew almost holed it. (My first ever photo download.) As usual, it never breaks as much as my old eyes see it. The undulation was noticeable on many holes, but #7 and #15 standout. I believe it was #11 (I may suffer from Parkinson's too.) that reminded me of Steele Canyon's (Parachute Hole). Round lasted 5 hours and 15 minutes. Mainly, the play time was so long because there is a lot of driving between holes combined with a slow foursome in front of us. Building this course must have been a challenge, playing it... equally challenging. If you have not tried this course, it is worth it. They have a birthday deal so sign up for their emails.

Was invited out to play The Crossings at the invitation of leef2020. Got a great deal and a big thanks to Lee for the invitation. We were joined by a single who happened to be another GK’er, dubwise... Continue »

Was invited out to play The Crossings at the invitation of leef2020. Got a great deal and a big thanks to Lee for the invitation. We were joined by a single who happened to be another GK’er, dubwiser (Zach). This is the second time in the last couple of weeks that I unexpectedly met up with another GK’er. Clearly, there are a lot of GK members out there. Great to hook up with dubwiser. nice guy! This course is so challenging yet it is so much fun to play. Some of the fairways are generous but you need to keep it in play. Hilly course that winds through the hills but hitting fairways is a must. Fairways were winter hard but still in ok shape all things considered. We got lots of roll out. The rough was ragged but not terrible. I was only in one bunker and it was in great shape. Greens were really nice. About as good as any course I have played on in some time. Medium fast but always held the line. Too bad there are scheduled for an early aeration because I love these greens right now. Got a bite to eat and a couple of beers after the round. Really good food and service is exceptional. Despite the cool weather and long round (5 hours), I had a great day.

Played yesterday with larryq2001 and met the nice young man, dubwiser, for the first time on a mostly sunny but very chilly and windy day. Teed off about 12:40, and finished in 5 hrs. Very slow throug... Continue »

Played yesterday with larryq2001 and met the nice young man, dubwiser, for the first time on a mostly sunny but very chilly and windy day. Teed off about 12:40, and finished in 5 hrs. Very slow throughout the round. Think everyone got the notice that Crossings' greens are getting punched on the 26th and were getting in a round ahead of time, just like us.

The big hitters played the blues, while I tapped it around from the whites. White tees were very good and level. Overall, conditions similar to my last visit 3 weeks ago. As it happens, though, the greens were even better - they were fantastic. Medium-fast pace, super lush and smooth. So, time to punch! ;-) Due to some poor approach shots, I was able to enjoy the full, multi-leveled and sloping green experience, with some severe roller-coaster putts, breaking between 12-20 feet from 20-60 feet away. Great fun!

The fairways still dormant and providing great roll. The rough was tough, eating a few of my wedges. Was in a few traps and the sand was pretty fluffy and deep - almost lost a shoe getting out of one.

Saw the cart lady a few times, trying to keep warm and the marshals, as always very friendly. Katie in the bar took great care of us even though we moved out to the heated patio (she really is the best), serving drinks and food on a busy evening. It evidently was 'rib night', and dubwiser only made it 1/2-way through a stack of great-looking ribs!

Played 2/21 as a single on GN Hot Deal time at 12:37, happened to get paired with GK'ers larryq2001 and leef2020, whom I overheard talking about GK after the first hole. It was great meeting you guys!... Continue »

Played 2/21 as a single on GN Hot Deal time at 12:37, happened to get paired with GK'ers larryq2001 and leef2020, whom I overheard talking about GK after the first hole. It was great meeting you guys! I've lurked on here since 2011 mostly for reading/posting reviews and monitoring aerification alerts. It's a great resource (thanks for all your work, Johnny).

It was a slow 5 hour round. Course was windy and cold. Greens were fantastic IMO. No complaints from me on the fairways, rough and bunkers. I believe Lee mentioned they're punching Monday 2/26 so wait 'til late March to play.

The company was great and we finished just before dark; even stayed for the ribs dinner special and HH brews afterwards. Always a fun time playing The Crossings, it's one of my favorites here in the San Diego area. I'll try to make it out to one of the GK outings in the future. Nice meeting you guys. Cheers

Played 2-15-18. First time here and really enjoyed it. Was really impressed that when I mentioned it was my first time here the marshal took me in and showed me the amenities and where the golf shop w... Continue »

Played 2-15-18. First time here and really enjoyed it. Was really impressed that when I mentioned it was my first time here the marshal took me in and showed me the amenities and where the golf shop was. Course is in good shape. Soft fairways and receptive greens. Tee boxes were nice and lush and smooth. Did not experience any sand this time but it looked soft and playable. Greens are undulating and hard for me to read but hope next time to do better. Definitely plan on there being a next time!