Best Golf Courses in Orange County

Updated February 2024 to update booking information.

I’ve played some golf in Northern California.  One of our writers has played quite a bit too as the region is only a short drive from his home in Central Oregon.  In this part of the state, the landscape and topography are diverse.  In a day’s drive through Northern California, you can visit the coast, mountains at elevation, high desert plateaus, and the rich soil of wine country. 

In between all that is a lot of great golf.  With the help of our writer and our trusty readers, I’ve compiled a list of the best public courses in the northern part of the Golden State.

You’ll find the Ocean South Course at Pelican Hill to be a beautiful and demanding 18-hole championship course, offering breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean. Designed by renowned golf course architect Ted Robinson, this course is a masterpiece of golfing excellence.

The Ocean South Course is known for its dramatic elevation changes, which not only provide a visually stunning backdrop but also present a thrilling challenge for golfers of all skill levels. The course’s strategic bunkering and meticulously manicured greens and fairways make for an unforgettable golfing adventure.

Pelican Hill’s Ocean South Course is a true gem, providing a perfect blend of natural beauty and bold play. The coastal location in Newport Coast adds to the allure, creating a golfing event that’s both serene and invigorating.

Whether you’re a seasoned golfer looking for a new challenge or a beginner eager to take in the stunning scenery, the Ocean South Course at Pelican Hill is a must-visit destination for any golf enthusiast. With top-notch amenities and a reputation for excellence, this course offers an unforgettable golfing encounter in Orange County.

 

Lie against the stunning coastline of Dana Point, Monarch Beach Golf Links offers golf lovers a captivating and bold course with breathtaking ocean views. Designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr., the layout incorporates the natural scenery, including the coastal terrain and ocean breezes, adding to the course’s appeal.

The course features several holes along the Pacific coastline, providing a scenic and memorable golfing incident. Golfers can expect excellent course conditions, with well-maintained fairways, greens, and bunkers, making Monarch Beach Golf Links a must-visit for golf fans.

The top-notch amenities, including a clubhouse, practice facilities, and dining options, ensure a complete and enjoyable golfing adventure.

Monarch Beach Golf Links has been recognized by the Orange County Register and continues to attract golfers seeking a memorable Orange County golf course experience. This course is a testament to the exceptional design by Robert Trent Jones Jr., providing a truly remarkable and enjoyable golfing adventure.

 

Tijeras Creek Golf Club, situated in Rancho Santa Margarita, offers golf fans a demanding yet picturesque course with well-maintained facilities and affordable green fees. Designed by Ted Robinson, this 18-hole golf course presents a variety of challenges, including water hazards and strategically placed bunkers, making it an engaging experience for golfers of all levels. The South Course provides breathtaking views and a well-maintained layout that adds to the overall appeal of the club.

In addition to the excellent course conditions, Tijeras Creek Golf Club features a comprehensive range of amenities, including a driving range, clubhouse, and dining facilities. These offerings ensure that visitors can enjoy a full-fledged golfing adventure within Orange County. The club is known for its attentive maintenance and commitment to providing a pleasant atmosphere for golfers.

Conveniently located in Rancho Santa Margarita, Tijeras Creek Golf Club is easily accessible and offers affordable green fees, making it an attractive option for golf lovers looking for both quality and value in Orange County.

   

Located in the picturesque Laguna Beach, Ben Browns Golf Course offers golfers a bold and scenic par-32 9-hole layout with stunning ocean views. Designed by renowned golf course architect Gary Roger Baird, this course features unique holes with elevation changes and natural hazards, providing an exciting and diverse golfing event. Set amidst the beautiful Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park, the course not only offers a great game of golf but also a serene and captivating environment for players to enjoy.

The well-maintained fairways, greens, and bunkers ensure an enjoyable and high-quality golfing adventure. Golfers can make use of the on-site practice facilities, including a driving range and putting green, to refine their skills and warm up before their round. Ben Browns Golf Course also offers golf instruction services for players looking to improve their game or receive professional guidance.

Whether you’re a seasoned golfer or a beginner looking to take up the sport, Ben Browns Golf Course in Orange County provides a delightful combination of demanding play and breathtaking scenery.

Lie close to the heart of Orange County, Tustin Ranch Golf Club offers golf enthusiasts a premier and diverse golfing adventure. The club was voted the best Orange County Golf Course in 2009 by the Orange County Register, a testament to its exceptional quality.

Designed by the renowned Ted Robinson, the course showcases his expertise in creating beautiful and demanding golf courses. Tustin Ranch Golf Club provides more than just excellent golfing. Its full-service clubhouse, restaurant, and wedding/banquet facility ensure a complete experience for members and guests.

Moreover, the club offers a wide range of amenities, including a driving range, golf school, and private caddie services, catering to golfers of all levels. Additionally, the club regularly provides specials for public play, making it accessible to all golf followers.

For those looking for top-notch golfing happening in Orange County, Tustin Ranch Golf Club stands out as a must-visit destination.

As you venture further into the golfing landscape of Orange County, Oak Creek Golf Club beckons with its scenic greens and bold layout, offering a captivating encounter for golf fans.

Designed by renowned architect Tom Fazio, this 18-hole course in Irvine, CA, is a gem of Orange County. Voted as one of the best golf courses in the area, Oak Creek Golf Club boasts tapered fairways, lakes, and carved bunkers, providing a scenic yet challenging setting for golfers of all skill levels. The course’s strategic design, influenced by the natural beauty of the original 93,000-acre Irvine Ranch, creates a unique golfing adventure that captures the essence of the region.

One of the key highlights of Oak Creek Golf Club is its accessibility, being open to the public daily and offering five sets of tees on each hole. This makes it an inviting destination for golfers looking for exceptional course conditions and a memorable round of golf. The meticulous maintenance of the course further solidifies its status as a top choice for golfers seeking a high-quality golfing event in Orange County.

 

With its demanding and beautiful course nestled in Irvine, CA, Strawberry Farms Golf Club offers a captivating golfing adventure for enthusiasts of all skill levels. The club’s course, designed by James W. Lipe, seamlessly integrates natural terrain, rolling hills, and stunning views, providing a memorable golfing encounter in Orange County.

Alongside the course, the full-service clubhouse, restaurant, and event space make the club a popular choice for weddings and events. Additionally, the club caters to golfers of all levels with its driving range, practice facilities, and available golf instruction.

Whether you’re a beginner looking to improve your game or a seasoned pro seeking a new challenge, Strawberry Farms Golf Club has something to offer for everyone.

Black Gold Golf Club was designed by the one and only Arthur Hills. 

This course isn’t long by modern standards, but it demands your very best.  Rolling hills, elevation changes, and strategic bunkers and hazards keep you on your toes. 

Don’t forget your camera either.  From most spots on the course, you’re afforded expansive views of Catalina Island, the Pacific Coast, and Newport Beach. 

Always in great shape and a public course with a private feel, I have nothing but good things to say about Black Gold Golf Club.

Don’t get me wrong, I love Disneyland just like everyone else.  But, after two or three days of long lines and cotton candy, I’m happy to leave the kids with my wife and escape.  More often than not, that means Anaheim Hills as it’s just minutes away.

This is where local die-hards come to play.

Tree lined fairways and prominent elevation changes present a variety of shots that will ask for your full commitment and trust. 

For more than 40 years, this track has been a staple in Orange County golf.  My guess is that’s not changing anytime soon.

 

I love Newport Beach Golf Course.  This place screams muni and the layout is plain fun to play. 

An executive design, Newport Beach Golf Course is rich with character and a cast of characters that I absolutely love.  On any given day, you’re likely to see local pros, night shift workers, and world-class surfers strolling the fairways.

What I love most about this course is that you can play at night under the lights.  When I come to Newport Beach, I usually fly into John Wayne Airport after dark.  My first stop is religiously a round here.

Muni golf, blue collar culture, and a fun and friendly vibe, I’ll be back again soon.

Conclusion

The OC is a place I have come to love.  Nowhere else on the West Coast does beautiful weather, gorgeous scenery, and culture come together in one place like they do here. 

I love bringing my family here.  Disneyland is always a favorite with the kids, the wife loves the food, fashion, and beach.  For me?  All those things have their place, but I love the golf more than anything.  It’s a good thing there’s plenty of it. 

Thanks to all of you that took the time to contribute your thoughts to this article.  You never cease to amaze me and for that I’m thankful.