Mostly reserved for hotel guest and members, this is the only Fazio course in San Diego so when the opportunity came, we grabbed it and booked a tee time for last Sunday. Passing thru the security... Continue »

Mostly reserved for hotel guest and members, this is the only Fazio course in San Diego so when the opportunity came, we grabbed it and booked a tee time for last Sunday. Passing thru the security and through the massive grand gate that guards the complex, we were in awe at the grandeur of luxurious living. We arrived at the golf club and the valet called for our golf bags to be picked up. We were directed to the proshop and went thru check-in. There was a mix up in the booking and we were told if we wanted to wait while they call for a forecaddie. We decided to just go play on our own, which I think we regret that decision after we hit the first green. Anyway, we went to warm up at their practice facility. They had different types of apparatus and equipment to warm up and practice. The cart coolers also had some bottle water in them and water was also readily available if you needed more. The driving range looked spectacular with bunkers and green complexes that looked like a real course. They had practice ProV1s as well as laser range finders for guest to use. There were 2 chipping areas with balls stacked in triangles ready to be deployed. After hitting a few balls, we headed to the 1st tee. Over looking the generous green fairway, our round was on the way. Everything was spectacular to the sight. Tee box, fairway - everything was fresh and lush. Bunker were a bit lacking as the one I got in was thin and reminded us of the RBC Open 18th greenside bunker. Once on the green, we realized what we needed most... the caddie! Green complexes are so hard to read and what looked like a big break rolled straight and vice versa and this happened in more holes than one. No birdies to be had as putts were not falling at all. Greens were also a bit slower than what we prefer but i cant really blame the putting woes on that. Course was well designed and none of the holes look anything like the preceding hole. It was a fun day despite the horrors of the putting. Pace was under 4 hours. We were told the tee sheet was packed but with the 10 min intervals, we hardly saw any other group on the course. While I do find the cost to play a bit high, it is recommended to try at least once. Service was top notched all the way thru. Definitely recommend a forecaddie if you do go play. Will save you at least half a dozen strokes (maybe more). We ended the round with nice cold towel handed to us by the cart staff. They also offered bottled water for our trip back home. thank you for a fantastic experience. ps. I usually purchase the yardage books when available and when I asked how much...the guy said I can have it for free! wowie!

I'm well surprised after playing The Grand this past Saturday that its rating is so low, but maybe it just depends on the timing. All I can say is that it was a tremendous treat to play this exclusive... Continue »

I'm well surprised after playing The Grand this past Saturday that its rating is so low, but maybe it just depends on the timing. All I can say is that it was a tremendous treat to play this exclusive track and come away with nothing but positives. The Fazio-designed track is truly a memorable and engaging one, taking you up and down scenic valleys with spectacular views of the gorgeous surrounding neighborhoods. There is plenty of trouble to get into on some of the holes, but others are very Fazio-esque in that they allow you to survive with a few mistakes. Many of the fairways will funnel back down into the middle and there are a few holes where going long is actually rewarded with slopes that will bring your ball back to the green. There are some beautiful water features too on a few of the holes, but mostly at the very end. But each hole is unique and there's no shortage of excitement when stepping into each and every tee box - that's rare. Conditions were fantastic. The greens were running at a solid 11 or so but did vary greatly depending on the uphill or downhill - a few discrepancies there but not too much from hole to hole. Coverage was excellent and no ball marks to speak of. Top shelf. Fairways had very nice coverage throughout and the rough was deep but not enough to send you reeling. The OB areas were a thick hodge-podge of brush, reeds, plants and rattlesnake territory. Avoid it! Sand was in very good shape the few holes I was in it, and the tee boxes were simply divine. We played the blue tees but you can really challenge yourself here with the blacks or even the farther back gold tees - monster. We had a terrific caddie named Nick who was about as excellent as you can get - attentive to every last detail, well informed, some good Mickelson stories and a very good reader of putts to help you out. He was well worth the extra dough + tip for his great service. The resort itself is nothing but perfect. Service and attention to detail is phenomenal. The price is steep for this semi-private gem, but if the opportunity arises, don't miss out to play it at least once. You will not regret it.

Played the course with a friend on Friday the 1st of July again for free. Thought more about this course the second time around and came up with the same conclusion. It is a really nice golf course. S... Continue »

Played the course with a friend on Friday the 1st of July again for free. Thought more about this course the second time around and came up with the same conclusion. It is a really nice golf course. Service five star - especially for the cart girl who kept my errant 3 wood from going out of bounds. Luckily, it just struck the cart and not her. The elevation changes on this course is what really stood out this time around. As well as the strategically placed bunkers. The pins were placed in totally different locations this time and made the play much more difficult. It is hard to complain about a well designed challenge and The Grand is all that and much more.

I had heard mixed reviews of the course but needed to see it for myself. Service was perfect. Everyone was friendly and helpful. Range area was also very nice. They had orange whips out to warn up wit... Continue »

I had heard mixed reviews of the course but needed to see it for myself. Service was perfect. Everyone was friendly and helpful. Range area was also very nice. They had orange whips out to warn up with which was a great touch. Caddie was cool. My first round with one.

Now to the course. Wasn't that impressive. I want to point out they were punching and fertilizing the fairways. Why don't courses disclose this stuff when you book a tee time? Bunkers were good. Rough was fine but a little thin for this price. Greens were nice and rolled very well. Overall, there are courses that can be had for half the cost and still be in better condition. Layout wasn't that inspiring, which was a big let down for me.

Even if the course had been in better shape, I wouldn't see myself coming back. More enjoyable rounds to be had in the area and they would be cheaper too.

Two highlights: the members I saw while playing through were all very friendly and happy to let us pass them. Wish all courses had golfers like this. Second, and as mentioned by the previous review, the burger at the grill was amazing.

I apologize GKers this review is way overdue. A friend and I had the pleasure of playing this course back in August of 2015 for free. This is my second favorite course in San Diego. It reminded me of ... Continue »

I apologize GKers this review is way overdue. A friend and I had the pleasure of playing this course back in August of 2015 for free. This is my second favorite course in San Diego. It reminded me of CrossCreek and The Journey because of its seclusion on many holes. Very challenging off the tee, requiring shots to be shaped. I cannot say enough about this course and I can only hope to play it again. Immaculate from tee to green. After playing it, I have a strong desire to play more Fazio designed courses. Cheeseburger was expensive, but may have been the best ever.

Got a chance to play GDM after my buddy won a gift certificate. The course was in great condition with the greens being fast and firm. Played from the blue tees at the suggestion of the starter since ... Continue »

Got a chance to play GDM after my buddy won a gift certificate. The course was in great condition with the greens being fast and firm. Played from the blue tees at the suggestion of the starter since this was our first time playing there. Had a great forecaddie (Mark) who gave us great tips and helped me make 2 birdies with his reads. Hardly anyone out there since you have to be a guest to play the course. Customer service and the overall experience was great.

Played on 10/17. First think I want to emphasize is the world class customer service of the club. From the moment you leave your clubs and the car at the valet, at the pro shop, at the bar, the guys w... Continue »

Played on 10/17. First think I want to emphasize is the world class customer service of the club. From the moment you leave your clubs and the car at the valet, at the pro shop, at the bar, the guys working at the driving range, the forecaddies, all the employees do their best to deliver the best excellent service for an unforgettable experience for the golfer at The Grand.

Before my round I went to their state of the art practice area: an employee is there welcoming you to the 2 chipping greens and the impeccable driving range provided with pyramids of prov1s, offering you water and sunscreen.

The course is a fun and fair Tom Fazio layout, with elevation changes and great views from the higher tees. Played from the blues, not extremely long.
Fairways where in nice conditions while greens were recovering from the recent aeration. They actually aerated half of some the greens so putting on two kind of "surfaces" was a little challenging.
One more week and the greens will completely be recovered.

They provide the golfer with brand new yamaha golf carts, really comfortable. Gps is on the cart and a forecaddie will help to speed up your round.

It took to our threesome less then four hours for our morning round.

Played here with Keith last weekend in the SCGA member outing. The customer service was great. The range has Titleist balls and all grass and fairly large. There were two separate chipping areas an... Continue »

Played here with Keith last weekend in the SCGA member outing. The customer service was great. The range has Titleist balls and all grass and fairly large. There were two separate chipping areas and another putting green. Like Keith said for the price we paid the course probably wasn't in the shape I was expecting. For this price I would have rather have gone to Barona or Maderas. I hadn't played here since the hotel was put in and it was called Meadows del Mar. The course itself looks intimadating off the tee but I think it is a little more forgivable that at first glance. You can get into trouble out here with some wayward shots don't get me wrong on that. I noticed that the putts were extremely slow going up the hill and really fast down the hill. I think we all struggled with these speeds. No real ball marks on the greens so they were pretty smooth it was more the speed of the greens that really struck me. They were doing the maintenance around the tee boxes which kind of took away from the visual appeal but I think the tee boxes for the most part were decent. Other than the par 3s most were pretty good, I do remember thinking if I had to nit pick I thought they would have used a little trim. Fairways were also decent don't remember too many divots but the caddie did a great job of filling everything in. I don't remember being in a sand trap so I can't remember how that was. Nice layout but for the price I think there are better values to be had.

Played here today with the SCGA group in a casual outing. Played alongside weber2323, his buddy and another single paired with us. $155 rate which is definitely steep, but reasonable considering norma... Continue »

Played here today with the SCGA group in a casual outing. Played alongside weber2323, his buddy and another single paired with us. $155 rate which is definitely steep, but reasonable considering normal rates for this high-end resort course. The resort is beautiful, the facilities around the clubhouse are fantastic and the staff really bends over backwards for you at every turn, so they definitely put up a luxury resort feel.

The course conditions were pretty good, but far from immaculate. Fairways were mostly green, but relatively dry and a little inconsistent with some being quite thin and others being a bit fluffier. The rough was cut down pretty tight, so it wasn't too penal. Bunkers were great. The tee boxes were level, but they were doing some aesthetic maintenance around all the tee areas. They are working to put in fescue in place of the bermuda that was there before and apparently not "taking" as well as they wanted. If the fescue grows in, it will look really nice in the long run. As it is now, these areas are all being sprayed with green seed mixture and look pretty ugly. Would love to go back and see what it looks like once that new grass matures.

The greens are healing well from recent aeration and not very bumpy at all. Fairly slow on putts, though. These greens are very difficult to read. Most everything breaks more than it looks. Uphill putts and chips are much slower than you expect and downhill shots are quicker than you expect, though I left a few downhill putts short, too. Our whole group was having trouble getting the right speed and breaks.

Of course, the place is overpriced and the conditions weren't as immaculate as I would have hoped for mid-Spring, but I really, really liked the layout. A nice Fazio track. It offers plenty of challenge (especially on and around the greens), but is relatively forgiving off the tee. Really hilly terrain as it winds its way through a beautiful canyon setting. Great mix of uphill shots, downhill shots and doglegs. Well placed bunkers in the fairways and protecting the greens. Beautiful hillside homes looking down upon the course. Great setting that definitely feels "high end" from the moment you show up. No GPS in carts, but each cart is equipped with a handheld rangefinder and they make you play with a forecaddie. Our guy, Joe, was full of energy and information, so we always knew our distances and where to aim. There are a number of places where you can play helpful slopes that feed you back into the fairway or closer to the hole, but it's just as easy to catch the wrong side of a mound and end up in a tough spot.