"A dad playing golf with his daughter – that’s what it’s all about.”
/Tod Leonard of the San Diego Union Tribune updates us on John Ashworth and crew's efforts to revive Goat Hill, a weird and wonderful public course in Oceanside, California. Not far from the hub of golf club manufacturers in Carlsbad, the course was under threat of redevelopment before Team Ashworth stepped in.
I dropped in during a recent San Diego trip and it was exciting to see how many folks were out enjoying themselves. The course also looked to be in excellent shape.
Leonard writes:
Another strong addition are forward, par-3 tees on every hole. Ashworth toyed with cleverly calling them the “Kid Tees,” but doesn’t want to discourage anyone from using them.
Goat Hill is home to the North County Junior Golf Association, and Ashworth hopes to develop more programs, including a non-profit caddie and leadership program to give local youth a chance to learn the game and engage with professional people.
Green fees for Goat Hill are $26 walking ($20 for North County residents) on weekdays and $32/$25 on weekends. Carts are $14 per person.
The course still is a work in progress, Ashworth admits, but he’s got a good sense that it’s on the right track.
“The other day I was out there, and I came across a guy and his daughter,” Ashworth said. “The dad told me she was 13 and playing her first round of golf on a course. And she was all smiles.
“That right there – a dad playing golf with his daughter – that’s what it’s all about.”