Carlton Oaks Lodge occupies rolling terrain in Santee, a suburban community in San Diego County's East County region. Perry Dye designed the course with William W. Mast, opening it in the late 1980s as part of a resort property that includes lodging and conference facilities. The layout takes advantage of natural elevation changes and incorporates the area's characteristic Southern California landscape of native grasses, mature trees, and seasonal creek corridors. The routing moves through varied topography, with several holes playing along ridgelines that offer views across the surrounding valleys toward the mountains that define the inland portion of San Diego County. Dye's design includes strategic bunkering and water features that come into play on multiple holes, requiring golfers to consider risk-reward decisions off the tee and on approach shots. The course measures over 6,600 yards from the back tees and presents a layout that accommodates both resort guests and local daily-fee players. Carlton Oaks serves as a public-access facility that hosts regional amateur tournaments and corporate outings. The property's combination of golf, lodging, and event space makes it a venue for both recreational rounds and organized group play. The course conditions and playability reflect its role as a year-round destination in a climate that supports golf throughout the calendar, with the inland location providing warmer temperatures than coastal San Diego courses during most seasons.