Photo courtesy of Bill Sandke
At $25 a round, the Coronado Municipal Golf Course (CMGC)
is, by far, the best golfing value in San Diego County.
Stretched like a necklace along the San Diego Harbor and
Glorietta Bay, this course offers more than the natural beauty of Coronado.
For new golfers, it delights the senses with lush
fairways and harbor views and for experienced ones, there is a bit of a
challenge.
The first three holes might fool the first-time visitor
into thinking this is like any other muni course because they are laid
down side-by-side, similar to city courses of old, but from the fourth
hole on, Coronado can become a roller coaster ride.
There is definitely a feeling of "something must be up"
when you keep pulling out your long irons on the approach shots and you
will soon
realize the architect of this course actually knew what he was doing.
At times, it feels like Donald Ross, the venerable golf
designer who laid out the Wellshire course in Denver in 1928 might have
had his hand in the mix when the Coronado course was built in 1957.
Ross was known for his clever use of terrain to "fool" the
player and there is more at work at CMGC than mere harbor breezes can
explain.
Also, as in the Wellshire design, fairly easy holes (like
number nine) look hard and difficult holes (like number twelve) look easy.
It all adds up to a thoroughly satisfying day of golf and
the nineteenth hole is every bit as enjoyable as the rest of the course.
The only downsides of playing Coronado are the artificial
mats on the practice range and the long wait if you don't have a tee time.
The mats are understandable; real estate is at a premium
on Coronado Island.
As for the wait, get to Coronado and put your name in
early. Then you can take your time to enjoy one of the best breakfast
offerings in Southern California.
If you are planning a golf tournament, plan ahead. The
course offers group outings on most Fridays and the well-appointed clubhouse
can easily accommodate players for most tournaments.
However, because of high demand, the course should be
booked well in advance of your outing.
For inquiries about tournaments and events, contact Jamie Darnell
jamiedarnell@sbcglobal.net,
events coordinator, at 619.435.3121 Ext. 102.
Coronado
Municipal Golf Course
2000 Visalia Row
Coronado, CA 92118
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