002: The Links at Lakehouse

Links at Lakehouse, or as I’ve always known it, “St. Mark Golf Course,” is what I’d call a true community course. It’s the kind of place that thrives on the energy of its neighborhood golfers, who keep the vibe buzzing from the renovated clubhouse and grill to the practice facilities. As soon as you pull into the property, you’re greeted by a mafia of personal golf carts and regulars who’ve made this course their second home.

The course itself is what I’d describe as “funky” — in the best way. It’s full of character, with its signature 14th hole delivering a dramatic downhill tee shot (also affectionately known as the solar panel graveyard). The front nine winds its way through the neighborhood, and with so many doglegs, it can feel a bit claustrophobic.

I’d argue that three or four tee shots on the front nine are more about strategy than power. It’s all about getting the ball in play and leaving yourself the best approach angle. Local knowledge is key here — those funky angles and doglegs can catch you off guard if you’re playing the course for the first time.

The opening four holes are particularly tricky. If you can make it through them at two over or better, you’re well on your way to a solid round. Hole 4 is often the troublemaker, with its fairway that kicks everything to the right and a natural left shape that blocks your second shot if you stray too far left. A par feels like a birdie on this hole!

The back nine at Links at Lakehouse stretches out over more of the property, offering a more open and balanced layout. This is where the course really shines in my opinion.

Hole 12 is a beast of a par 5 and arguably one of the toughest in San Diego. At 606 yards, all uphill, it favors a draw off the tee, a long iron layup, and a perfectly judged wedge or short iron to a green with a punishing false front. It’s a true three shot hole that will force you to get creative on your second and third shot.

Then there’s the infamous 14th, easily one of the most exciting tee shots in the area. Playing between 230–250 yards over water but with a 60+ foot drop, it’s a shot that combines sheer fun with solid views. The hang time on the ball feels endless, and while the safe play is a layup short of the bunker and pond, it’s hard to resist letting one rip off the tee. Just be warned — the downhill slope often sends errant shots clanking off rooftops, so local homeowners would probably recommend that 6-iron layup!

The final stretch of holes (15–18) rounds out the back nine with a satisfying mix of challenges. Two par 5s, a long par 3, and a tough dogleg par 4 provide a fair yet challenging finish to the round. 

Links at Lakehouse is a course that grows on you, sometimes hindered by its slow play or busy nature but it still provides good weekend vibes.

-Hewgs