I am planning to be in the Anaheim area and possibly San Diego mid spring. I wanted to get out to golf at least once, I am not looking for a high end course, just someplace to play a quick round or two in the sunshine that is not going to cost me a fortune. Any suggestions? Thanks in advance...

I use the golf digest travelsite to find a course. they have all the courses and websites for you to see. PLus the ratings. Once you find a couple courses, sign up for their newsletter for very good deals.. sometimes cheaper green fees and free lunches.

http://www.golfdigest.com/golf-cours...-course-finder

Balboa Park in San Diego is an historic and modestly priced track in town.

Encinitas Ranch is just across the freeway from Torrey Pines at a fraction of the price.

A short drive from Anaheim is Costa Mesa Country Club also moderately priced, but a mature and fun tract.

In the $100 range, depending on the day is Tustin Ranch and Strawberry Farm in Orange
County.

In San Diego, Steel Canyon is about a $100 option.

All I know about this golf course is that it's inexpensive. A friend of mine plays here now and then. I know nothing about golf (except Frisbee Golf) but you could google this:

Tecolote Golf Course


Let us know what you find, there might be other golfers here

Coronado Golf course:


http://www.golfcoronado.com/

A real golf course near Anaheim at a fair price?
1) Costa Mesa CC
both Los Lagos and Mesa Linda are good but get heavy play, low twilight rates, but these courses will play slow(5+ hrs possible)
2) A bit of a drive but still in Orange County, San Clemente Municipal is a better option

I think San Jouquin Hills in Irvine offers best value, but higher green fees than the previous 2 mentioned

If you dont mind short courses, the one near Lake Mission Viejo is reasonable

Bookmarking

Tecolote is fun but it's a short - more of an executive type course. Laid out by the great Sam Snead though.

There are tons of good courses in SD - but for a visitor - either Coronado or the North Course at Torrey Pines would be great - and Riverwalk in Mission Valley is also nice. Just check out the tee times available and what you want to pay. If you can go early - or at twilight - you get better rates.

Balboa I think the most reasonable choice in San Diego City. Nearly impossible to get on Coronado.

In Anaheim there are also two Munis, Dad Miller is walkable and cheap.

Navy Golf Course in Seal Beach is one that is often overlooked now open to the public.

What is an executive type course? Compared to what other types?

It just is a shorter course, compared to a regulation par 72. Maybe executives are wimps?

An Executive course = a par three course.

Executives don't have time to do 18 holes...

An executive course is 18 holes, it will include some par 4s but rarely a par 5. A par 3 course is not the same as an executive course.

EG in Palm Desert, Chaparral CC is a well known executive course, par 60. For those who can't do the math, a par 3 course would be par 54.

Ah thank you! This is what I love about people who are enthusiastic about their sport

WOW-excellent responses everyone! you have given me a terrific range and now I am pumped. I am north of Toronto and the cold wind has me counting the days-many thanks and I would appreciate any other suggestions!