JC Resorts & JC Golf in San Diego

In 1971, James Colachis was a successful entrepreneur, looking for his next big real estate conquest. His idea started out as San Diego-based JC Resorts—taken from Colachis’ initials. 

Nearly 35 years later, JC Resorts and its branch-off, JC Golf, now own or operate seven golf courses, each with its own distinct character but all sharing Colachis’ signature standard: when golfers play a JC Golf course, they can expect the same condition quality at all courses and special touches that tie each together. All incorporate Bermuda Grass fairways and poa annua bent greens, stone or wooden bridges placed throughout, natural riparian habitats are promoted and housing doesn’t impede or affect course playability. 

Golfers can also expect first class hospitality. “It’s something that we take very seriously,” says John McNair, vice president of golf for JC Golf, “and I think people take notice of that quality at our courses. Because we, the management, are local and present, we’re able to feel the pulse of the operation through the feedback from the players.” 

SIT BACK, RELAX, AND STAY A WHILE… 

Rancho Bernardo Inn

Rancho Bernardo Inn in northern San Diego was the first course acquired. “Being the entrepreneur and businessman he was,” McNair says, “James Colachis really expanded the Inn.” The current expansion of Rancho Bernardo Inn includes a new 10,000-square-foot ballroom overlooking the Inn’s golf course, a new lap pool, and a complete overhaul of the spa, fitness facility and its 287 guest rooms, all slated for completion by spring 2007. 

RBI is also home to El Bizcocho, the Zagat Survey’s highest-rated San Diego restaurant and voted “Best of the Best” by San Diego Magazine. This classic dining destination features seasonal farm-to-table specialties, including seafood delicacies and Certified Angus Beef® steak. It’s all complemented by a renowned wine list. 

The casual Veranda Fireside Lounge & Restaurant overlooks the golf course and is ideal for dining throughout the day and for cocktails by the fire under the stars. 

The 6,631-yard traditional-style Resort Course was built in 1962 by William F. Bell and has since undergone two redesigns and renovations; the most recent was a Schmidt-Curley effort that produced a new set of tees and resculpted bunkers. 

BIG THINGS COME IN SMALL PACKAGES… 

Across the street from RBI, Oaks North Golf Course Head Professional Lloyd Porter knows the reason why his executive course is so popular:“It doesn’t take as long for people to play here and it’s a great, easy course to walk,” he notes, especially for its older clientele. Because it is located in The Oaks senior living community, the average age during the week is 75. “The pace is three to three-and-a-half hours and golfers like that they don’t have to make a whole day of it.” 

The 27-hole,3,608-yard Ted Robinson, Sr. design features six par-3s and three par-4s on each nine, and players can expect to use any or all of the clubs in their bags to make their way through six lakes and mature pines, sycamores and eucalyptus trees. 

Oddly enough, for a course within a senior community, “We have a great junior program and it’s a great course for family and kids, especially kids just learning how to play golf,” Porter says. 

Oaks North isn’t the only short course in JC Golf’s portfolio; Escondido’s par-3, 2,582-yard Reidy Creek Golf Course, a scaled-down version of regulation courses featuring water hazards and numerous bunkers, provides challenge for even the most skilled golfers. According to Golfweek’s James Achenbach, Reidy Creek is “the best 18-hole par-3 layout I have ever seen!” 

A TRIP TO THE COUNTRY… 

Temecula Creek Inn

In the early 1980s,JC Resorts purchased its third property, Temecula Creek Inn, tucked into Southern California wine country. True to form, Colachis upgraded the Inn, by first constructing the Stonehouse nine which opened in 1990 (named for the century-old stone house off of the par- 

3 sixth tee) and building 50 more rooms, bringing the total to 130. A new ballroom was constructed as well. 

There are three nine-hole routings at TCI, making 18-hole combinations that range from 6,246 yards to 6,741 yards. Designed by Ted Robinson, Sr. and Dick Rossen, each has its own distinct character. The Creek Course is the more traditional of the three with its adjoining fairways, while both the Oaks and Stone House courses feature elevation changes, undulating fairways and the utmost privacy. A short drive away, visitors can partake in hot-air balloon rides, antiquing, or wine tasting at one of the nearby vineyards. 

THE MORE, THE MERRIER… 

When Encinitas Ranch Golf Course opened in 1998, it became one of the county’s most popular courses–owned by the City of Encinitas, the 6,587-yard Cary Bickler design hosts more than 70,000 rounds a year. 

The course is built on Ecke Ranch, donated by the Ecke family, which is famous for being the world’s largest poinsettia growers. Part of that poinsettia farm remains off the ninth green, and twelve other holes have ocean views. 

“We get a lot of compliments about the playability of the course and how the player shot their lowest round ever,” says Head Professional Rod Linville, who also notes that players are fans of the wide fairways and minimal rough. “It’s fun to hear about the golf accomplishments players 

meet out here. The playability also helps pace move along.” 

Meeting golfing goals can be done at JC Golf School on Encinitas Ranch property. Headed by PGA Director of Instruction John Mason—named one of the 50 Best Instructors in California by Golf Digest—the school has its own practice facility, complete with practice bunkers and short fairways, greens and driving range. 

Twin Oaks Golf Course

Twin Oaks Golf Course in San Marcos was built in 1993 by Ted Robinson, Sr. The 6,535-yard course is constructed upon an old horse ranch, and despite being built in a community, 4,000 mature, well-placed trees “eliminate the feel that you are in a housing tract,” says JC’s Director of Golf Maintenance Bob Dobek. 

When building the course in the early 1990s,an Indian kitchen with grinding stones was uncovered on the sixth hole, adding a focal point for players. 

ON THE HORIZON… 

JC Golf has reached outside its Southern California borders for the first time into Tucumcari, NM, where it was involved with 12 Shores Golf Club on scenic Ute Lake from the very beginning. 

“This project is very exciting,” Dobek says. “There will be Nicklaus-designed golf courses, a marina, an equestrian center, and homes. It’s going to change the area there.” 

JC Golf is also looking into acquiring properties in Orange County and the Coachella Valley. 

“Each course we have is a little special and unique and each course has a different market segment,” McNair says. “I think that’s part of what makes us–and will continue to make us—popular. No matter where they go, golfers can expect the same great experience at any of our courses.” 

THE JC GOLF COURSES 

Encinitas Ranch, Encinitas: 

760/944-1936 

Oaks North, San Diego 

858/487-3021 

Rancho Bernardo Inn, San Diego 

858/675-8470 

Reidy Creek, Escondido 

760/740-2450 

Temecula Creek Inn, Temecula 

951/676-2405 

Twin Oaks, San Marcos 

760/591-4700 

THE JC PLAYERS CARD 

JC Golf offers the JC Players Card, a 10-year-old loyalty program that has doubled in size in the last three years to more than 10,000 golfers. 

For $259 for weekday play or $349 seven days a week, cardholders receive five free rounds of golf with cart, discounts of up to 50 percent off green fees,10 free buckets of balls, player rate guest passes, food and golf shop discounts, and more. 

For information on all courses and  the JC Players Card, visit www.jcgolf.com

Posted in General Golf, Rancho Bernardo Inn, San Diego, Temecula Creek Inn, Twin Oaks Golf Course |