Golf Tutorials

What Golf Courses Are in Menifee, California?

By Spencer Lanoue
November 1, 2025

Thinking about hitting the links in Menifee, California? You're looking in the right place. This rapidly growing city in Riverside County is home to a fantastic hub of golf that caters to every type of player. This guide will walk you through the primary golf courses right within Menifee and give you a seasoned coach's perspective on how to tackle them so you can show up ready to play your best.

The Jewel of Menifee: Menifee Lakes Country Club

The undisputed centerpiece of golf in the area is the Menifee Lakes Country Club. This isn't just one course, it's a 36-hole public facility offering two distinct and beautifully maintained 18-hole championship layouts designed by famed golf course architect Ted Robinson. Having two courses at one facility is a huge plus, as it provides variety and increases the chances of getting a tee time. Let’s break down what you can expect from each.

The Palms Course

The Palms is generally considered the more traditional and slightly more forgiving of the two courses, but don't let that fool you into thinking it's easy. Lined with, you guessed it, a variety of palm trees, this course offers a classic Southern California aesthetic. The fairways are generous for the most part, but errant tee shots can find themselves tangled in trees or in one of the well-placed fairway bunkers.

  • Layout: Par 72, measuring just over 6,500 yards from the back tees. You'll navigate over 100 strategic bunkers and fairways that ask for thoughtful shot placement. It's a second-shot golf course. Getting off the tee is manageable, but your approaches to the large, undulating greens are where you'll score (or not).
  • Signature Feature: Water comes into play on seven holes, but it’s the large, multi-tiered greens that present the real challenge. Leaving your approach shot on the wrong level of the green can easily lead to a three-putt.
  • Memorable Hole: The 18th is a fantastic finishing hole. It's a reachable par-5 with a lake guarding the entire left side of the fairway and green. A great tee shot offers a risk-reward opportunity to go for the green in two, but a miss left means your ball will be swimming. You can lay up well to the right to make the most of the last hole.

A Coach’s Tip for Playing The Palms

On courses with large, tiered greens like these, your "target" should be very specific. If the pin is in a tricky position, aim for a safer part of the green to avoid three-putting. Adjusting your approach this way can save valuable strokes.

The Lakes Course

As the name suggests, The Lakes course is defined by its water features. True to Ted Robinson’s style, water is not just a peripheral hazard but a central strategic element of the design. You'll find water in play on a remarkable 11 holes, making it a more demanding and visually intimidating test of golf than its sister course.

What to Expect:

  • Layout: Par 72, playing slightly longer than The Palms. The routing takes you on a twisting journey where creeks, ponds, and larger lakes constantly ask you to make decisions about risk and reward.
  • Key Challenge: Course management. The Lakes course is not about bombing it off the tee, it's about putting your ball in the right position to approach the greens safely. You may find yourself hitting less than driver more often here to avoid watery graves.
  • Memorable Hole: Hole #8 is an excellent par-3 playing over a large lake to a green that slopes back toward the water. There is a bailout area, but it leaves a very difficult chip. It's a great example of a hole where you have to pick your club with confidence and make a committed swing - or pay the price.

A Coach’s Tip for The Lakes Course

When facing a forced carry over water, like on hole #8, most amateur golfers make two common mistakes: they tense up, and they under-club. Instead, always take one extra club. This allows you to make a smooth, controlled swing at about 80% power. You'll eliminate the pressure of having to hit a perfect shot. A smooth swing with more club is always more reliable than a panicked, rushed swing with less club. Remember: your goal is the middle of the green, not the flagstick.

Practice Facilities at Menifee Lakes

The club also boasts an excellent double-ended driving range with both grass and mat hitting areas, a large putting green, and a dedicated short game area with a bunker. Don't just whack balls before your round. Use the practice area intelligently:

  • Putting Green: Spend 10 minutes rolling 5-foot putts. Focus on controlling your putter face. Then, hit a few longer putts to work on distance control.
  • Chipping Area: Hit 5-10 chips to different flags using the club you plan to use on the course. Work on different types of lies and trajectories.
  • Range: Finish your practice session by hitting some longer clubs. Start with your wedges and work your way up to your driver, focusing on maintaining a consistent rhythm throughout.

Alternative Options: Cherry Hills Golf Course

Located in the Sun City area of Menifee, Cherry Hills offers a charming executive layout that provides a quick yet enjoyable round of golf. It's a great option for those looking for a shorter game or a chance to work on different aspects of their play. The course is well-maintained and offers an inviting atmosphere, especially for beginners or those pressed for time.

What is an "executive course"?

An executive course is typically shorter and has fewer par-4 and par-5 holes than a standard course, making it perfect for quick rounds or for those new to the game. It's an excellent way to improve your short game or enjoy a leisurely round without the time commitment of a full-length course.

A Coach's Tip

On an executive course, focus on precision over power. Work on your short game and practice placing the ball exactly where you want it. This will help improve your accuracy and control, which are crucial on these tighter layouts.

A Coach's Perspective: Playing Golf in Menifee

Knowing the courses is one thing, knowing how to approach them based on the local conditions is another. Here are some tips for anyone golfing in the Menifee valley.

1. Manage the Heat and Sun

Menifee is located in inland Riverside County, where temperatures can rise significantly. Plan early morning tee times to avoid the worst of the heat. Stay hydrated and use sunscreen to protect yourself from the sun.

2. Account for the Wind

Wind can be a factor, especially in the afternoons. Pay attention to the wind's direction and adjust your game accordingly. It can be helpful to use a club with more loft or swing more smoothly to maintain better control in windy conditions.

3. Develop a Course Management Strategy

Understanding when to be aggressive and when to play conservatively is key to scoring well on these courses. Develop a strategy that plays to your strengths and minimizes risks. Use the practice facilities to get a feel for the conditions and adjust your strategy as needed.

Final Thoughts

Menifee offers a well-rounded and high-quality golf experience for residents and visitors alike. With the 36 fantastic holes at Menifee Lakes Country Club and a charming executive layout at Cherry Hills, you have wonderful options without ever leaving the city, not to mention a central location giving you access to dozens more renowned courses just a short drive away.

As you prepare to take on these courses, remember that a good strategy is just as important as a good swing. Getting a handle on course management or what to do in a tricky situation can sometimes feel overwhelming, which is why we built Caddie AI. Our app gives you instant, on-demand advice from an AI golf expert right in your pocket. Whether you're puzzling over the best way to play a hole with water down the entire left side or needing advice on club selection from a difficult lie, we give you clear, simple strategic guidance in seconds, allowing you to play with more confidence and enjoy the game more.

The best AI golf app: Caddie is your personal AI golf coach. Get expert-level golf advice instantly, 24/7 to help you play like a pro. Try it free →
Get pro-level golf advice instantly, 24/7
Ask Caddie anything. From “what club should I use?” to “how do I play this shot?” and get instant answers.
Get started for free
Plan every shot like a pro
Describe your situation and Caddie AI helps you pick your target, shot shape, and club with confidence.
Get started for free
Play Golf like a Pro with Caddie
Learn and improve your golf game as you play. Get pro-level tips, strategy and guidance anytime.
Get started for free

Spencer has been playing golf since he was a kid and has spent a lifetime chasing improvement. With over a decade of experience building successful tech products, he combined his love for golf and startups to create Caddie AI - the world's best AI golf app. Giving everyone an expert level coach in your pocket, available 24/7. Caddie's mission is simple: make world-class golf advice accessible to everyone, anytime.

Other posts you might like

How to Throw a Golf Tournament Fundraiser

Thinking about hosting a golf tournament fundraiser is the first swing, executing it successfully is what gets the ball in the hole. This guide will walk you through the entire process, step-by-step, from laying the initial groundwork months in advance to watching your happy golfers tee off. We’ll cover everything from securing sponsors and setting your budget to planning the on-course fun that makes an event unforgettable.

Read more
card link

What Is a Golf Handicap?

A golf handicap does more than just give you bragging rights (or a reason to demand strokes from your friends) - it’s the game’s great equalizer and the single best way to track your improvement. This guide breaks down what a handicap is, how the supportive math behind a handicap index a is, and exactly how you can get one for yourself. We’ll look at everything from Course Rating to Adjusted Gross Score, helping you feel confident both on the course and in the clubhouse.

Read more
card link

What Is the Compression of a Pinnacle Rush Golf Ball?

The compression of a Pinnacle Rush golf ball is one of its most defining features, engineered specifically to help a huge swath of golfers get more distance and enjoyment from their game. We'll break down exactly what its low compression means, who it's for, and how you can use that knowledge to shoot lower scores.

Read more
card link

What Spikes Fit Puma Golf Shoes?

Figuring out which spikes go into your new (or old) pair of Puma golf shoes can feel like a puzzle, but it’s much simpler than you think. The key isn't the brand of the shoe, but the type of receptacle system they use. This guide will walk you through exactly how to identify your Puma's spike system, choose the perfect replacements for your game, and change them out like a pro.

Read more
card link

How to Use the Golf Genius App

The Golf Genius app is one of the best tools for managing and participating in competitive golf events, but figuring it out for the first time can feel like reading a new set of greens. This guide cuts through the confusion and shows you exactly how to use the app as a player. We’ll cover everything from logging into your tournament and entering scores to checking the live leaderboard so you can enjoy the competition without any tech headaches.

Read more
card link

How to Not Embarrass Yourself While Golfing

Walking onto the first tee with sweaty palms, worried you’ll be a good partner to paly wtih...or even asked back again ...We’ve all been there - trust me! The real trick of feeling confortable... is about how you handle you’re ready to plsy. THIS guide explains the simple rules of the rode to show you hnow t play golf while staying calm relaxed and focused... an having much morse fun while you,',re aat it? You'll also play with confidence a dn make fiendsa while you're at i

Read more
card link
Rating

Instant advice to help you golf like a pro

Just ask a question or share a photo and Caddie gives personalized guidance for every shot - anytime, anywhere.

Get started for free
Image Descrptions