Arrowood Golf Course
Our Story
Course Details
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Designed by prominent local architect Ted Robinson Jr, Arrowood Golf Course is a spectacular par-71, 6,721-yard layout imbedded in the Oceanside, CA developed village of the same name. Located adjacent to Camp Pendleton in north county San Diego, Arrowood sits on a scenic hilltop by the San Luis Rey Valley, within 10 miles of the coastline. “This course is different from others we have designed in San Diego because of the topography and the extent of the natural areas adjacent to the holes. It feels open and unconfined,” remarks Robinson. Many holes are bordered by undeveloped riparian habitat, which give the course a feeling of natural seclusion. While the open spaces conduce to a sense of relaxation, the golf holes are not there for the taking; this course will challenge players of all abilities. It’s a concentration roller-coaster. At one instance it invites the player to swing away with abandonment, while the next shot may bring elevation changes, strategic bunkering or a stern breeze to consider.
“Like running through rapids,” says Robinson. “There are calm stretches allowing one to relax, followed by moments when the blood should be racing.”
“This course will offer something for everyone,” notes Director of Golf, Nikki Prichard.
Four sets of tees ensure that there is a golf test to suit any skill level and while panoramic views abound, the mid-morning to late afternoon sea breeze plays a definite role in the playability of the track.
Beyond a potential two-club wind adding to the challenge, Arrowood’s greens, a blend of Poa-annua and Bermuda grass, are reputedly firm and fast giving them as a consistent roll as you will find in the county.
Prichard adds, “The course is extremely playable and fair. Play early in the morning with little to no wind and you might well find a docile course. The ocean breeze will wake you up as the day progresses and usually peaks when you get to the more difficult part of the round, the final four holes.”
The final four holes. Ah yes, The Quandary. We’ll get to that fun in a minute.
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The front nine is highlighted by a long, downhill par-5 second hole (622 yards from the back tees), the strategic par-4 fourth that requires strategy off the tee — slight forced carry to a terraced fairway — and a great risk/reward hole in #6. Two well balanced par-3’s: the third, with a deep undulating green; and the eighth, longer with a shallower, flatter green hopefully offer a respite from the environmentally sensitive area that snakes around the right side of the entirety of the nine. Picturesque wooden bridges connect the fourth green with the fifth tee, as well as the sixth green with the seventh tee, providing some scenic value in areas that might otherwise cost you a golf ball. Don’t fret too much, however, the fairways and approaches alike have some generous landing areas to get your round started.
You might find that the back nine has more “teeth”. The final four holes, reverently dubbed The Quandary, will test a player’s concentration and fortitude. While the 16th seems to be the popular favorite: a long par-4 into the prevailing wind, with a forced carry over water approach into a severely sloping green, the 18 th is the one that often takes the starring credit; not as long as its island green sister 16th, but perhaps equally difficult while visually more appealing. Their in-between cousin, the 17th, is a gorgeous dog-leg that presents a challenging tee shot to a narrow fairway with an environmentally-protected ravine guarding the left side. Cut too much off the tee and the ball goes into the thickly vegetated ravine. The second shot is blind, into an elevated, wavy green. Kick it all off with the par 3 15 th , which goes from a green light to a cautious yellow based on that day’s pin position.
In addition to magnificent golf, Arrowood offers upscale amenities for an amazing day with friends and family. A luxurious single-story, 6,700 square-foot clubhouse features California craftsman-style architecture that houses the newly renovated Arrowood Fairways Kitchen & Bar. With a modernly designed bar and dining area, the luscious views of the golf course are conducive for a memorable pre- golf or 19 th hole experience alike. The structure also includes a first rate Golf Shop with the latest in apparel and equipment.
The practice facilities are superb, featuring a spacious driving range with both mat and grass tees, as well as an expansive putting green that mimics course conditions. To leave no stone unturned, Arrowood’s practice area also includes a full chipping green with a large bunker to have you ready for the day’s action.
Whatever your expectations are leading up to your day at Arrowood, prepare to have them exceeded!