The Grand Del Mar is an upscale resort boasting a Tom Fazio layout blanketed over 380 acres of rolling hills 20 miles north of San Diego. The dramatic terrain lends itself to some exhilarating shots over valleys, across water, and downhill from high points on the course. The course features an ideal location for weather away from the ocean's fog but close enough to the coast to keep the temperatures comfortable. Conditioning is superb partially due to the relatively few rounds played on the course since only resort guests are allowed to tee it up. The course oozes playability with generous fairways that slope toward the middle and large greens with gentle contours. From an architectural standpoint The Grand won't rank as one of Fazio's finest creations, which in this instance shows his restraint in letting Mother Nature be the lead designer.