Orange County is full of beautiful local golf courses. If you’ve been spending more time playing at out-of-town clubs, it’s time to come back home!
Indulge in your golfing passion without having to go far. Rediscover these golf courses as gems for golfers in Orange County, California!
See also: 7 Golf Podcasts To Improve Your Swing and Get in The Game
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Drive North, 50 Monarch Beach Resort N, Dana Point / Website
If links-style golf is something you enjoy, this course is well worth the visit. It’s hidden in the middle of a luxury residential area, but it’s open to the public and still has some amazing views of the Pacific shoreline.
This 18-hole, par-70 course is extremely varied, due to its somewhat cramped nature. Links-style fairways, curvy greens, doglegs, and beach-white bunkers make for an exciting game.
Once you’ve come to the end of the round, you can make use of the high-class locker facilities. If you’ve got a bit more time, take advantage of the coveted treatments at Waldorf Astoria Spa.
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22800 S Pelican Hill Rd, Newport Coast / Website
If a luxurious golfing experience is what you’re after, play a round at Pelican Hill. 36 holes, split into a North Course and South Course, both of which offer spectacular ocean views.
The North Course features plenty of elevation changes and a couple of double-tiered greens. Don’t underestimate the undulating fairways. You’ll find sneaky bunkers scattered across the holes, but there are only two water hazards on this course.
The South Course is every bit as challenging as the North. It features an exciting 13th hole with two greens, and you’ll be walking right on the edge of the ocean as you make your way from hole to hole.
You’ll also be able to make use of men’s and women’s locker room facilities, state-of-the-art practice facilities, shoe attendants, professionally-trained forecaddies, and GPS-enabled golf carts.
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Golf, 31106 Coast Highway, Laguna Beach / Website
The green fees are extremely reasonable at Ben Brown’s Golf Course, which forms part of The Ranch at Laguna Beach. It’s a 9-hole, par-32 course that’s open to the public, not just guests of The Ranch.
The course winds through the stunning Aliso and Wood Canyons, giving golfers an exciting experience that includes changes in elevation, a close connection to nature, and an almost-private playing experience.
Carts and club rentals are available, but you’ll need to carry your own bag or bring your own caddie!
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11 Strawberry Farm Rd, Irvine / Website
Want to turn a quick round into a day out? Strawberry Farms Golf Club is the ideal spot for good golf and an excellent meal afterwards.
The course is set in a 35-acre wetlands reservoir, so you’ll be surrounded by nature, wildlife, and stunning views. Despite being situated in wetlands, the holes feature only bunkers and no water hazards. The course is suitable for golfers of all levels.
When you’re done, grab an expertly-prepared and professionally-presented bite at the Farmhouse Grill. You can literally spend the whole day here - they offer twilight and super-twilight play too!
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10410 Edinger Ave, Fountain Valley / Website
This short course nestled in Fountain Valley has something for everyone. Beginners and pros alike will find a challenge here, with the strategically-designed course featuring six lakes, tricky bunkers, and large, curvy greens.
Apart from the golf, if you like a full experience, this club has some of the best amenities out there. They offer night golf. Their practice facilities include a fully-lit 32-stall driving range. You can visit the clubhouse or have a meal at the Baker Parkside Bar & Grill.
You can also get private tutoring from PGA professionals, visit the full-service pro shop and buy a branded shirt or hat, or book a fully-catered event in the Baker's Park Place Banquet Center.
Jordan Fuller is a retired golfer who loves to travel across the globe for golf. He has a passion for this sport, and right now, he is also mentoring golf aspirants. During his free time, Jordan writes about golf on his golf publication site, Golf Influence.
Photography by: Soheb Zaidi / Unsplash
