Where to golf near Santa Ana???? HELP

markjinc · August 31, 2011

I'm going to a company golf outing in 2 weeks at Monarch Beach Golf Club in Dana Point but I'm lugging my sticks all the way there so I want to play somewhere else too. I'm flying into Santa Ana and staying at the St. Regis in Dana Point so any suggestions on where to play after I land at the Santa Ana airport? Laguna Beach? Anywhere that isn't too far so I can play around noon and have time to go to the hotel, shower and make dinner. HELP ME! Thanks WRXers.

MrTitleist2U · August 31, 2011

Do you have a price range? You are in Orange County, and golf can go as low as $50 up to north of $200. Depends on budget and quality of courses you want to play. Two that are nice, close by, and won't break the bank are Arroyo Trabuco and Talega. Pelican Hill is about 15 miles away in Newport, and is on the ocean, but I don't feel it is worth the $250 proce tag, although everyone in the OC raves about it.

Pure745 · August 31, 2011

You're flying into John Wayne, which is technically Santa Ana, but is closer to Irvine/Newport Beach. I would look into Strawberry Farms, Oak Creek, and Tustin Ranch... all three are really solid tracks. I just played TR yesterday and it is in pretty good shape.

markjinc · August 31, 2011

Price is no object, our group is looking for the experience. I want something memorable. Think big.

scsc · August 31, 2011

I live in the area, and if price is no object, you should certainly play Pelican Hill. It's been recognized this year as one of the country's top resorts, and I think your guests will enjoy the course.

Pelican has 36 holes, and of the two courses, I really prefer the North. Beautiful views and a good test of golf. After your round, be sure to linger and enjoy the facilities. One of the most amazing locker rooms you will ever see, some nice restaurants, etc. Have a tee time set for tomorrow on the North course, can't wait

Another under the radar favorite of mine is Arroyo Trabuco in Mission Viejo. It's about 20 minutes south of the airport and only 10 to 15 minutes from your hotel. Arroyo is a Tom Lehman design and is really a lot of fun to play. Nice variety of holes and typically plays very firm.

Enjoy!

Pure745 · August 31, 2011

All of those are close to $150 on the weekends. If you want to go big, check out Pelican Hill, it's actually not too far from where you are staying and is much nicer than Monarch.

kekoa · August 31, 2011

+1 on Pelican. Go big or go home!!

I was lucky to play the South once. One of the sides has more views of huge mansions and the other course has some ocean views.

oldpalchamp · August 31, 2011

One more vote for Pelican. I prefer the North Course, but the South has two holes literally on the ocean.

lowballbomber · August 31, 2011

From my experience, you are going to one of the most expensive areas in SoCal. I have only ever played 2 courses there. Santa Ana CC, and Big Canyon CC. Both private, and the only reason I got to play them, was because they were US Am/Mid Am qualifiers.

FormerClubPro · August 31, 2011

If youre going for experience you may as well just drop into SD and play Torrey Pines South from the back tees... Thats what I would do! if you need someone to fill your foursome let me know!! :partytime2: lol

sharkiesj · August 31, 2011

If price isnt an issue, then there is only one place to play, Pelican Hill.

Don't even bother going anywhere else.

The Ocean South is the original course. Middle of the course goes right on the bluffs by the beach, nice. The holes overall, though, are fairly straight, not alot of movement. 18th hole is sweet, tough but sweet.

Ocean North is nice as well, holes are more interesting, more movement and flow to them. Shotmaking is more demanding on the North. 18th hole is kinda a letdown, but it's somewhat decent.

I prefer the North Course for the golf, views are not quite as nice as the South, but you can still have nice views of the ocean.

markjinc · September 1, 2011

[quote name='sharkiesj' timestamp='1314848404' post='3533651']
If price isnt an issue, then there is only one place to play, Pelican Hill.

Don't even bother going anywhere else.

The Ocean South is the original course. Middle of the course goes right on the bluffs by the beach, nice. The holes overall, though, are fairly straight, not alot of movement. 18th hole is sweet, tough but sweet.

Ocean North is nice as well, holes are more interesting, more movement and flow to them. Shotmaking is more demanding on the North. 18th hole is kinda a letdown, but it's somewhat decent.

I prefer the North Course for the golf, views are not quite as nice as the South, but you can still have nice views of the ocean.
[/quote]

Pelican Hill it is then! The South course is getting worked on Sep 5,6,7 so hopefully by the tine we play it on the 13th, it should be in decent shape. Thanks for the help fellas. This place (WRX) hasn't steered me wrong yet!

misterpak · September 8, 2011

Hey markjinc, I'm a forecaddie at Pelican. I sent you a PM about the two courses. Hope you have fun!

kekoa · September 8, 2011

[quote name='misterpak' timestamp='1315504448' post='3551265'] Hey markjinc, I'm a forecaddie at Pelican. I sent you a PM about the two courses. Hope you have fun! [/quote] 

Really? when did you start that gig? Does that mean you can get me off there?

misterpak · September 8, 2011

hey kekoa, I've been there for about 8-9 months now. I wish I could hook it up! I can't even hook myself up. We get to play once a year if we're lucky (((

sharkiesj · September 13, 2011

So how did you like Pelican??

markjinc · September 25, 2011

The course I played was just under Maintenence so the greens sucked. The course was great otherwise. Awesome canyons and sweeping fairways. I played the South I believe and from what I heard the north is a better course. I'll be back, not for $270 bit if I can get the $100 deal again, I'm game. Monarch beach on the other hand was a bland course, but immaculate condition.