Potentially moving to Cali in the Irvine area. Golf course recommendations?

[kekoa]

On 10/7/2022 at 8:10 PM, Phatferd said:

Nobody ever mentions it so that probably tells you something but in San Clemente there a private course called Bella Collina. It's a Gary Player design and a very unique layout (27 holes) that you either love or hate. 

 

The practice facility isn't the greatest but it has everything, besides a bunker that I know of. 

 

It's like like $6k/$600 or $7500/800 family. 

 Everyone I've ever spoken to hate it.  Including me. 🙂

[tw422]

On 10/11/2022 at 10:52 AM, kekoa said:

 Everyone I've ever spoken to hate it.  Including me. 🙂

Interesting response....what about do they and you hate? I know nothing about it and my question is not meant to be sarcastic/demeaning just curious why it's so bad?  

[Phatferd]

2 hours ago, tw422 said:

Interesting response....what about do they and you hate? I know nothing about it and my question is not meant to be sarcastic/demeaning just curious why it's so bad?  

I'm the guy who brought up the course but not the guy who hates it. 

 

I didn't hate it, but it is unique. It's 3 nines and I've only played 2 of them and I enjoyed the round. It's not the fanciest for a private but it's kept up. 

 

The issues I would think are there is weird elevation changes that seem excessive, but I find them to be fun grip it and rip it for those holes. One hole is stupid I will admit. It's a huge tee shot off a hill over a ravine back up another hill almost equally as high. 

 

It does have small greens, but they all have hills surrounding them and makes you think about having to go for it or play a hill and let it roll.

[johnrobison]

10 hours ago, tw422 said:

Interesting response....what about do they and you hate? I know nothing about it and my question is not meant to be sarcastic/demeaning just curious why it's so bad?  

I've always said their tagline should  be, Bella Collina: where a good shot is never rewarded. I'm always amazed that someone looked at the land and thought it was suited well for a golf course. Between the unceasing level changes and pitched fairways (and not enough room for driver on quite a few holes), I find it to be  pretty irritating.

[tw422]

On 10/12/2022 at 6:34 PM, Phatferd said:

I'm the guy who brought up the course but not the guy who hates it. 

 

I didn't hate it, but it is unique. It's 3 nines and I've only played 2 of them and I enjoyed the round. It's not the fanciest for a private but it's kept up. 

 

The issues I would think are there is weird elevation changes that seem excessive, but I find them to be fun grip it and rip it for those holes. One hole is stupid I will admit. It's a huge tee shot off a hill over a ravine back up another hill almost equally as high. 

 

It does have small greens, but they all have hills surrounding them and makes you think about having to go for it or play a hill and let it roll.

doesn't sound like a course I would want to play let alone pay an initiation and monthly dues for

[ovodeano]

i’m a member at alta vista in Placentia I love it. great value, great course and awesome  place of play 

[gbang15]

i reside in Irvine atm; had high hopes for how good the location was for commuting around to other courses. Also, Oak creek was pleasant to the eye but the grass and (some bad apples) ruin the experience. Tbh, its depressing as a devoted golfer to be in socal. Still in research for a solid practice facility/ enjoyable courseplay. Golf has gone so downhill i'm actually considering moving to AZ. CC are your best bet if your expenses allow it, otherwise be prepared for the muni life 😕

[daegyu]

Public courses in socal are awful. Try to find a private club that is still reasonable. Hacienda CC is still relatively affordable. There are others in the area like South Hills that are decent and priced ok. If you plan on playing weekly I'd recommend joining a club if you can swing it. Aside from the initiation fees you'll be breaking even considering what public courses charge for a round.