The Crossings at Carlsbad
Carlsbad, Calif.
6,835 yards, par 72
Green fee: $90-$120
760-444-1800, thecrossingsatcarlsbad.com
Municipal courses that overlook the Pacific Ocean are about as common as civil political campaigns these days. Here's why: The Crossings was green-lighted in a 1990 public vote but it took another 17 years to clear permit hurdles. It was worth the wait. This Greg Nash design, a mile inland, is draped over heaving terrain that's bisected by scrub-choked canyons. Environmental restrictions forced a dozen routing changes and the result is some awkward transitions, but you'll love a handful of enticing holes, particularly the par-5 7th with its shallow, elevated green menaced by a lake, and the par-4 10th, which boasts a 10-story drop to the fairway. There are muni moments here: airplane traffic and amusement-park din, but where else can you gaze over the Pacific from the 18th tee yet still get change from $100?