It is on the golf course that Carlton Oaks truly dazzles. The 18-hole championship Dye-designed course has golf roots that date back to 1958. However, the course was totally renovated by Perry Dye, son of Paul B. “Pete” Dye, in 1989. Pete Dye became a legend in the field of golf course design and construction and received the 2008 World Golf Hall of Fame lifetime achievement award. Dye Designs has established a worldwide reputation for creating unique, challenging and environmentally sensitive golf courses that are always fun to play. Carlton Oaks is certainly no exception.
The Carlton Oaks course has five sets of tees, ranging from a modest 5,039 yards to a mind-bending 7,410 yards! The yardage options translate into a thrilling experience for golfers of all abilities. The design takes full advantage of the natural river-valley setting and includes a meandering creek, mature trees and sparkling lakes, all of which combine to provide a round of golf as stimulating for the eyes as it is for the mind. The course employs a typical Dye design by using pot bunkers, railroad ties and peninsula greens to create a dramatic effect. According to golfnow.com, “Dye has taken the spectacular beauty of Southern California, incorporated the qualities of modern golf course architecture, added style, grace and excellence to create a course that legends are made of.”
“The two nines are very, very different,” says Chris Brown, Carlton Oaks Head Golf Professional. “The front nine is a little tighter, requiring you to make more demanding shots. They’re both equally long in terms of distance. The front nine does have some trees, a creek running throughout the entire nine and one lake. If you’re playing from the back tees, you have to be able to play every shot. You have to be able to draw the ball and fade the ball. If you’re a higher handicap or leisure golfer, you just move up to the appropriate tee and you’re still going to have as much fun,” adds Brown.
In addition to the course itself, you will find a chipping green, a putting green and an all grass driving range with private instructional areas. In February 2013, the chipping green complex was completely renovated and rebuilt, resulting in a pristine bent grass surface giving players a great chance to lower their scores. As the only Dye-designed course in San Diego, Carlton Oaks is not only great for golfers but good for the planet as well.
Come play the same San Diego golf course that Phil Mickelson played growing up and used to hone his golf skills, before becoming one of the game’s great champions. You may just be the next champion to launch a career by practicing and playing Carlton Oaks.
