The choices are rich and varied, and some of them, inexpensive.

Barona Creek Golf Club lets you tee up for a mere $85 everyday, which includes cart and range balls. Should you find a partner there, the two of you can debate the biggest bonus: is it the world-class service from every employee or the unequaled peace and serenity of the course itself?

Barona is known in golf circles and by resident San Diegans for the graciousness of its resort staff, never dismissing guests who may only earn four to five figures a year. Sincere smiles abound, and they are never forced or plastic.

Not to be outdone by the authentic courtesy of the staff, the course itself is distinguished by a lack of housing structures. The Club lies on protected reservation land belonging to the Barona tribe, and while the massive casino which serves up a cornucopia of gaming that would do Sin City proud is an unpleasant reminder of civilization, it is the ONLY reminder. Golfers both national and international have been awestruck by the consistently uninterrupted vistas Barona’s courses present.

Perhaps, however, you belong to the odd family that golfs together. Joining you on your vacation may be children, grandfathers, aunts, uncles and cousins who are dilettante golfers; they want their clubs for the bulk of the day, but they also seek a diversity of activities as well.

Head for Torrey Pines immediately.

Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson played here as teenagers, Woods holding the record of 62 on the South Course. A recent facelift for the Buick Invitational has made the South Course even more of a holy terror, so much so that it has been selected as the location for the 2008 U.S. Open.

Take a break from the rigors of that South course in the Torrey Pines Lodge with the smoked salmon and mashed potatoes served by Chef Jeff Jackson. Hike through the Torrey Pines State Reserve if even the North Course wears you out. Escape further to the Gaslamp District, Old Town, Sea World and Balboa Park, all no more than 20 minutes away.

Whatever you do, don’t leave San Diego without visiting at least three or four different courses; California is a big state with courses of every type at your disposal, and San Diego is a mere Cali-type buffet in minutiae. Californiagolf.com has all of the information that you need.

Click Map for Current Golf Specials in the San Diego Area.