Four Seasons Resort Aviara Golf Club

 

 

Along the shores of the Batiquitos Lagoon in North San Diego County lies the serene Aviara Golf Club and the Four Seasons Resort. The hotel sits atop a lush hill covered with Eucalyptus trees and offering spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean and the golf course just below. This is an ideal setting for a golf trip and you can count on good weather.

Aviara Golf Club, which opened in 1991, was designed by Arnold Palmer and has some unique design features. The course starts down near the lagoon and works its way up into the local canyons toward the Four Seasons Resort. There are some great water features.

 

The third hole is an example of this. It plays about 150 yards to a green surrounded by waterfalls and rocks along with a plentiful supply of flowers. It is a real visual treat, and the sound of running water always calms me down. From here the course continues up the canyon and then starts back down. Number eight is a true risk-reward par-5. This 518-yard hole is a dog-leg to the left and plays downhill. A nice draw off the tee will leave the big hitter with a shot at the green in two. This play will have to be struck solid, as a large pond protects the green in front and on the left.

 

Towering eucalyptus trees frame many of the holes, and the course is well bunkered. Most of the holes play slightly uphill or downhill, and the prevailing ocean breeze must be accounted for.

The 18th hole is a classic and will require two good shots to secure a par. This downhill par-4 plays 443 yards from the tips and is a dogleg to the right. From the tee you get a great vista of the Batiquitos Lagoon, which borders the left side of the fairway. The right side is guarded by a large lake starting at about 170 yards and continuing to the green.

 

The course was in excellent shape and features a large practice range. Aviara has a large two-story Spanish colonial clubhouse with a restaurant overlooking the lagoon.

The Four Seasons is very close by and is an elegant property. The circular stone carport opens to a lobby with towering ceilings and marble floors. As you continue into the lobby you can see the Pacific Ocean rising above the lush hills. The property sits by itself atop the bluff, making it feel like a true retreat. Again, Spanish colonial architecture was used to blend into the surroundings.

As you walk around the property you will notice lush gardens, an abundance of flowers and trees, and great vistas. Many of the rooms offer views of the ocean, lagoon and entire area. Each room includes a furnished balcony, allowing the guest to enjoy these views. The rooms are luxuriously decorated and offer the best in linens, bedding and technology.

Four Seasons is known for great service and fine dining. We ate at the California Bistro and the food was terrific. There are three other choices including Vivace, The Argyle Steakhouse, and the Ocean Pool and Grill. For more information visit www.fourseasons.com/aviara or call (760) 603-6800.

 

The golf coach

As we head into winter, we need to incorporate a little extra preparation to keep the scores low. Stretching is a must as you get older. I am amazed that some of my students do not do this. I would not even consider going to play without going through my short routine.

First, you should warm-up for five to 10 minutes by jogging in place, riding an exercise bike or a brisk walk. Then, when the muscles have warmed up, do a few stretches. Down-dog is a well known yoga stretch and ideal for golfers. This stretches your hamstrings in a safe manner. The spinal floor twist is another great one and can be done standing up as well. Another good one is to hang from a bar. What I use is a safety bar commonly used in showers. I have this bolted above the door inside a closet. I hang from the bar for 20-30 seconds and then again, reversing my hands. This stretches your shoulder and rotator cuff.

 

If you leave your clubs in a cold garage, you will notice that the ball does not go as far the next day. Your golf balls need to warm-up as well. If you can, bring the clubs inside at night. Cold weather golfers back east actually microwave their golf balls before play. Be careful here — only do it for 30-40 seconds.

The Private Golf Coach can be reached at 687-4943.