Wondering why you can’t play golf with frost? Well, let me explain.

How can a footprint be a killer?

When it’s a footprint made on a putting surface that’s covered with frost. It’s hard to believe that simply walking across a golf green covered with frost can cause so much damage, but the proof will be there in a few days as the turfgrass dies and leaves a trail of brown footprints. That’s why most courses will delay starting times until the frost has melted. And it’s also why golfers who appreciate a quality putting surface will be patient during frost delays.

Why does frost cause problems?

Greens are fragile. The putting surface, or green, is an extremely fragile environment that must be managed carefully and professionally. Remember that every green is a collection of millions of individual grass plants, each of which is a delicate living thing. Obviously, Mother Nature never meant for these plants to be maintained at 3/16 or even 1/8 of an inch for prolonged periods. This stress makes greens constantly vulnerable to attacks from insects, disease, heat, drought, cold — and frost.

Frost is essentially frozen dew. It can form when the temperature (or wind chill) is near or below the freezing point. The ice crystals that form on the outside of the plant can also harden or even freeze the cell structure of the plant. When frosted, the normally resilient plant cells become brittle and are easily crushed. When the cell membranes are damaged, the plant loses its ability to function normally. It’s not much different than cracking an egg. Once the shell is broken, you can’t put it back together.
The proof is in the prints

Although you won’t see any immediate damage if you walk on frosted turf, the proof will emerge within 48 to 72 hours as the leaves die and turn brown. And, since just one foursome can leave several hundred footprints on each green, the damage can be very extensive.
Thanks for understanding

The damage isn’t just unsightly — putting quality will also be reduced until repairs are made. Those repairs are expensive and, in some cases, the green may have to be kept out of play for days or weeks until the new turfgrass is established. A short delay while the frost melts can preserve the quality of the greens, prevent needless repairs and may even save you a few strokes the next time you play.

Source: Frost Delays

Well, if you want to get your iron and wedge game shapened up, you will definitely want to play a few rounds out at Reidy Creek Golf Course.

Reidy Creek is located in north San Diego (Escondido) and is part of the JC Resorts program (as of 2008). You can play in the morning and finish your enjoyable round within 3 hours.

Reidy Creek is a true short game challenge with manicured greens and groomed rough.

Below is a the golf course layout for Reidy Creek.

Reidy Creek Golf Course Layout

Photo Courtesy of: JC Golf

For more information on Reidy Creek Golf Course visit this local San Diego Golf website.

This video is the promo video by SanDiego.org for the 2008 US Open at Torrey Pines Golf Course. There are more than 90 golf courses in San Diego that draw locals and destination golfers.

Check out this video to see a few of the spectacular golf sights in San Diego.

Calculating revenue and expenses related to such an event is complicated. For its analysis, the Union-Tribune had to use some rudimentary comparisons of year-over-year revenue, as well as rough estimates of costs by city staffers.

CITY EXPENSES/LOSSES

Torrey Pines Golf Course improvements

• South Course improvements: $2,431,244
• Reimbursement to Friends of Torrey Pines: $950,000
• New parking lot*: $3,270,000
• Clubhouse maintenance*: $520,438
• Storage facility for maintenance equipment (half the project cost attributed to the Open)*: $320,000
• Improvements to concession stand and restrooms*: $175,467
• New facility to wash mowing and other equipment (half the cost attributed to the Open)*: $60,000
• Storage bins and area to mix sand and seeds. (half the cost attributed to the Open)*: $60,000

U.S. Open event and staffing expenses

• Police and fire-rescue overtime: $914,385
• Golf Operations, Qualcomm Stadium and Development Services expenses: $98,705
• Community and media relations consultant: $19,734
• Park and Recreation maintenance staff overtime : $3,851

Lost revenue

Difference in the revenue generated by Torrey Pines Golf Course between February and August 2007 and the same period in 2008. The city closed both courses at times before and after the event. $1,876,333

Total: $10,700,157

CITY REVENUES

From Friends of Torrey Pines

• South Course renovation: $3,275,000
• Additional course improvements: $428,253
• Reimbursement for police and security: $350,000
• Practice tee construction: $279,064
• Rent payment: $250,000
• Gift to Balboa Park Golf Course: $218,000

From the United States Golf Association

• Reimbursement for police and security: $357,565
• Reimbursement for electricity and damages fromQualcomm Stadium parking: $16,656
• Reimbursement for city inspections of staging areas: $15,603

Additional revenue

• Estimated hotel and sales taxes: $3,170,822
• Difference in rent revenue during June 2007 and June 2008 from The Lodge at Torrey Pines and Torrey Pines Hilton: $180,000
• Increased rent revenue from Torrey Pines Golf Shop, which was selling U.S. Open merchandise (2002-08): $500,000
• Qualcomm Stadium storage income: $3,000

Total: $9,043,963

*City officials said these projects were part of a long term capital improvement program for the course. They estimated some costs could be attributed to the Open because the equipment and facilities were needed and used in the competition. Work was completed before the tournament.
Sources: City of San Diego; Friends of Torrey Pines

Source: SignonSanDiego.com

This year, Friday, November 28th is already gearing up to be an extremely busy golf day. Don’t get stuck searching for a tee time at the last minute or having to settle for what’s available.

My recommendation would be to make the earliest possible tee time so that you avoid a 6 hour round. If you tee off at 10am, you can bet that at most San Diego golf courses, you’ll be stuck behind weekend warrior hacks and the play will be slow.

Check out the availability at most of your favorite golf courses including Torrey Pines Golf Course, Aviara Golf Club, Maderas Golf Course, Steele Canyon Golf Club and many more.

Why a Dream Golf Vacation to New Zealand?

Well, how does it sound to play golf atop cascading ocean cliffs and on courses surrounded by islands with amazing ocean views? Well, I think it sounds amazing. And, not only does it sound amazing it looks amazing. Check out these New Zealand golf photos! Simply amazing location and views.

Cape Kidnappers Golf Course in New Zealand

Kauri Cliffs - Bay of Islands in New Zealand

New Zealand Golf photos courtesy of Ultimate Kiwi Sports Tours.

As a San Diego golfer, I sometimes think it doesn’t get much better than Torrey Pines Golf Course or The Bridges (yes, I have played there).

Besides, if you’re looking for a wide variety of golf courses with different layouts that require different strategy, then New Zealand is just the place to venture to.

Some Top New Zealand Golf Courses

• Cape Kidnappers – Hawke’s Bay
• Arikikapakapa Golf Club – Rotorua
• Formosa Golf Resort – Auckland
• Gulf Harbour Country Club – Auckland
• The Grange – Auckland
• Kauri Cliffs – Bay of Islands
• Waitangi Golf Club – Bay of Islands
• Lakes Resort – Coromandel
• Martinborough Golf Course – Wairarapa
• Paraparaumu Beach Golf Club – Wellington
• Hutt Golf Club – Wellington
• Wairakei Golf Course – Taupo
• Clearwater Resort – Christchurch
• Christchurch Golf Club (Shirley)

Personally, I think the must play New Zealand Golf Courses for me will be:

• Cape Kidnappers – Hawke’s Bay
• Kauri Cliffs – Bay of Islands
• Gulf Harbour Country Club – Auckland

The Best Time of Year to Visit New Zealand for Golf

Our winter (United States) is New Zealand’s summer and their peak for golf. And, the New Zealand golf season only really runs October through May. The rest of the months are rainly and windy. Well, that’s what I’ve been told by some local golfers and New Zealand Golf Vacation companies.

If anyone has been to New Zealand for a golf vacation, I would appreciate any tour company, golf course, or accommodation recommendations.

I’m signing off for the day, but may the dream golf trip to New Zealand burn bright!

The North Course at Torrey Pines is a lot more golfer friendly and playable. Golfers can enjoy themselves and have a similar challenge around the greens.

Below are some recent early morning photos that I took at Torrey Pines Golf Course.

Early Morning at Torrey Pines Golf Course

Ocean Mist at Torrey Pines Golf Course San Diego

Below are the step-by-step instructions that have been a proven way to play golf at La Costa Golf Resort in San Diego for about $150! That’s more than $50 off each tee time per golfer.

Follow these instructions carefully to ensure that you can get the member tee time rate at La Costa Golf Resort:

1. Visit this website to access the form: Go Golf San Diego
2. Complete the form on this page
3. Type in the word “Tiger08″ in the Enter your message section
4. A representative from Go Golf San Diego will reply to your email
5. Be nice to this person and they’ll get you on for dirt cheap at La Costa Golf Resort

Please leave an comments on this. We want to make sure we’re providing actual step-by-step instruction to helping San Diego golfers get on La Costa Golf Resort at the wholesale rate.

Well, I have found a little secret to share with some of my avid San Diego Golf Blog readers.

Recently, I played a golf course in North County San Diego that has 27 holes (3 nines) a great practice facility, perfectly manicured greens, and the hospitality that makes it feel like my own country club.

Where is this secret golf course in San Diego you ask? I cannot tell you at this time. But, I will soon enough.

Below are a few more secrets about this golf course in San Diego:

• You can play 18 holes on a weekday in about 2.5 hours
• You can play 18 holes on a weekend in about 3.5 hours, leaving you ample time to spend with the family
• The green fees are less than $25
• It’s one of the best San Diego Golf Courses

That’s all the information I can provide on the secret golf course in San Diego. For more information bookmark this San Diego Golf Blog and you’ll soon know the secret!

Founded in 1999, now one of Southern California’s premier destinations, the Maderas Golf Club is quietly nestled amidst the rolling hills of Rancho Bernardo and Poway, just minutes from downtown San Diego. The golf course designed by Johnny Miller and Robert Muir Graves, winds through many elevations and 100 year-old live oaks, sycamores, creeks, lakes, waterfalls and more than 40 acres of native wildflowers. The par 72-championship course plays to 7,115 yards from the back tees, and includes the finest full game practice facility in the area. Maderas Golf Course specializes in corporate and charity golf outings from 16 to 144 players, as well as weddings and banquets from 40 to 200.

The Tuscan style clubhouse features the award winning restaurant, The Grille at Maderas, where lunch can be a hamburger or a gourmet meal. The Grille has been selected to cater many top corporate meetings, golf tournament banquets, weddings and all types of lifestyle celebrations. In addition, the golf shop features the newest and latest golf equipment and the most popular lines of fine clothing. In the clubhouse there are changing facilities for both men and women.

Maderas Golf Club Quick Facts

• Designed by golf legend Johnny Miller and Robert Muir Graves.
• #1 Public golf course in San Diego & #6 in California-Zagat Survey 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006 & 2007
• Four and a half stars – Golf Course Digest 2007
• Places to Play – Golf Digest 2007
• Four and a half stars – Golf Travel & Leisure Magazine, March 2005
• Affiliated with Troon Golf, the unparalleled leader in upscale golf course management.
• Troon ranked Maderas #1 in customer satisfaction from among their 150 affiliated clubs
• Maderas Golf Course features:
• Two Lakes
• Five Waterfalls
• Six Sets of Tees
• 7,115 yards from championship tees
• “Golfer’s Dram” Practice Facility:
• Three tiers of all grass-tees year round
• State-of-the-art short game facility
• Four Green side Bunkers and on Fairway
• Four Practice Putting Greens
• Two Practice Greens for Pitching and Chipping
• Four PGA Certified Instructors-Offering Individual and Group Lessons and Clinics

(Video instruction available)

Maderas offers a Tuscan-Style Villa clubhouse and ballroom including the Del Lago Ballroom and The Grille at Maderas with indoor and outdoor patio seating, locker rooms and an upscale golf shop. The Tuscan style clubhouse, designed by the same architect as “The Bridges at Rancho Santa Fe” is a focal point. The current 11,000 square foot clubhouse offers an attractive, fully stocked golf shop, an inviting dining room with indoor and patio seating plus a private room that can accommodate 40 people. The staff is knowledgeable and quietly helpful and the food – whether cheeseburgers or haute cuisine – is the equal of any area restaurant or hotel. Locker rooms, for both men and women, are available. Maderas Golf Club’s objective is that every guest is helped to feel as though they are members of an exclusive private club for the day.

The Maderas Golf Club has quickly become a favorite for corporate events. Oracle, Pepsi, Qualcomm, Bank of America, Pfizer, and Callaway are a few organizations that have been enthusiastic to play and hold events at this highly ranked championship course and banquet facility.

Maderas has received a reputation for quality of service not often found today. Associated with Troon Golf, the leading management company for upscale golf courses world wide, the staff at Maderas shares their dedication for achieving the highest level of customer satisfaction.

Personalized company outings and banquets are a specialty at Maderas. Groups from 8 to 200 can be accommodated and coming in the fall of 2006 our new, state of the art, banquet/wedding facility will provide seating for 50 to 300 people, depending on configuration. Our award winning chef can prepare virtually any style of cuisine in an atmosphere that is refreshingly casual, yet unmistakably luxurious, with a special ambiance that the club’s location inspires. One look at the picturesque valley and the rolling hills and you’ll feel transported to another world. Both on the course and around the club, Maderas makes business more personal, convenient and social gathering more enjoyable. The club is fully staffed and equipped to provide the service any corporate planner, association manager or bride might desire.

If you want to have an unforgettable round of golf while in San Diego, you must play Maderas Golf Course!