AND
Long Drives Diners,
Jan. 16-19 Humana Challenge
+ T
he Tour continues its West Coast swing in Palm Desert, where, with the exception of a frost delay or
two, the weather is always perfect. The laid back and fun atmosphere carries over from Hawaii. In fact, that’s the tone for the fi rst month or so. Once the season gets swinging and the Masters begins to approach, it steadily becomes more tense. The Humana Challenge is played on
three courses, Palmer Private (host), Nicklaus Private and La Quinta Country Club. Unlike the former two, La Quinta is a more traditional, tree- lined golf course. It’s technically off - site, but it’s only about 10-15 minutes away from PGA West. I’d recommend making the trip in one of the fi rst three rounds, where it’ll be less of a birdie fest, but perhaps more compelling golf. There are plenty
of...errr...
fi ne establishments with plenty of character to dine, but if you’re looking for Michelin stars, then you’ve come to the wrong locale. The Beer Hunter is a staple during any golf tournament in the desert. The sports pub and grill is the place to go for a quick beer and to watch the game of your choice. Vintage golf bags—many of which are autographed—of pro golfers who have dined at the Hunter or played at this legendary tour stop hang from the ceiling. The food is edible. I’m a fan of the potato skins, but don’t expect anything fancy or above and beyond the bare minimum. If you’re looking for some American
staple dining, then you must stop by The Nest, which moonlights as a jazz bar and dance club. Think lots of characters and plastic surgery, not to mention bad facial hair and an ‘80s throwback—it’s a must for people-watching.
38 /
NCGA.ORG / WINTER 2014
+ Jan. 23-26 Farmers Insurance Open T
orrey Pines will always have a special place in my heart—and not because I covered the 2008 U.S.
Open, the last major Tiger Woods won. When I was a competitive junior golfer, it was the home of my favorite golf tournament, the Junior World Championship, so it’s a treat to return to the site of a course where I have so many fond memories. OK, enough with the nostalgia. It also doesn’t hurt that Torrey Pines is situated in La Jolla, just outside San Diego. As you’re driving up—or down— the coast into the area, the scenery quickly makes you realize why most equipment manufacturers are based in Carlsbad. This tour stop brings out the
families and die-hard golf fans, along with the college co-eds. It’s SoCal chill, mixed with plenty of vodka and beer. In other words, it’s another festive event early in the season. It’s also where Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson have traditionally kicked off their year. My favorite hole-in-the-wall joint
is Sushi Station in nearby Solana Beach, which serves a variety of house special rolls, but also prepares the staples very well. You really can’t go
Scenic Torrey Pines is situated in La Jolla, just outside San Diego.
wrong with raw (or cooked) fi sh in SoCal. Like many of the other places I’ve mentioned, this is a regular place to spot tour types. To quote a local, Craft & Commerce
is a “super trendy” bar and restaurant just off the beaten path in Little Italy. It’s a popular newer restaurant in downtown San Diego, decked out with modern decor and amenities. The spot is a bit of a throw back with bartenders sporting Prohibition-era garb. The owner doesn’t believe in vodka, among other select liquors, but the drink menu has a large selection of fancy house specials, including some Prohibition-style whiskey drinks with distinct historical names. The menu is unique, to say the
least, and the portions are large. For appetizers, try the mini-corn dogs with three different mustards/sauces, and an all-time favorite entree is the mac and cheese. Bacon-covered cracker jacks are another popular item, which is often called “crack.” There’s an authentic Mexican joint in Encinitas at El Callejon—which is easily accessible off the 101. And you can walk around downtown Encinitas afterward.
The scenery quickly makes you realize why most equipment manufacturers are based in Carlsbad .
PHOTO: USGA
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