Searching for an open golf course in Orange County means you’re in for a treat. Southern California boasts a near-perfect climate for year-round golf, and OC delivers with an impressive variety of courses available to the public. This guide breaks down the best places to play, from breathtaking ocean-view layouts to friendly municipal tracks and quick-and-easy executive courses. We'll show you where to go and give you some pointers to help you play your best when you get there.
These are the courses that define Orange County golf. They offer pristine conditions, memorable designs, and often, stunning Pacific Ocean views. While they come with a higher price tag, they're perfect for a special occasion or when you simply want to experience the best the area has to offer.
Often considered the crown jewel of OC public golf, Pelican Hill features two 18-hole courses designed by Tom Fazio: the Ocean North and Ocean South. As the names suggest, a good portion of the holes run along cliffs overlooking the Pacific. The conditioning is immaculate, the facilities are world-class, and every hole feels like a work of art. Both courses are challenging but fair, demanding strategic shot-making from tee to green.
The vast ocean vistas and elevation changes at Pelican Hill can seriously mess with your depth perception. It's common to see players come up short on approach shots because the green looks closer than it is. On the course, find a sprinkler head or use a rangefinder for the true yardage, trust the number, and make a confident swing. Your score will thank you for it.
Designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr., Monarch Beach is a beautiful and engaging links-style course that winds its way towards the ocean. The front nine is a traditional parkland feel before the course opens up and brings the ocean into play, including two holes that run right alongside the beach. It’s a bit more playable for the average golfer than Pelican Hill but still offers plenty of bite, especially when the ocean breeze picks up.
When the wind is blowing off the Pacific, high, spinny shots are your enemy. Before your round, practice a low, controlled "punch" shot. Take one more club than you normally would, play the ball slightly back in your stance, and make a three-quarter swing with the goal of keeping the ball flight under the wind. It's an essential shot for seaside golf.
A former host of PGA Tour Champions events, Tustin Ranch is a classic Ted Robinson design known for its beautiful lakes, waterfalls, and outstanding conditions. It feels more secluded and parkland-style compared to the coastal courses. It’s a shot-maker’s course where proper positioning off the tee sets up the best angles into well-guarded greens. The practice facility here is also one of the best in the county.
Tustin Ranch has a lot of water hazards that are very much in play. A driver isn't always the best club off the tee. Before you pull a club, think backward from the green. Where is the best place to hit your approach shot from? Often, a 3-wood or even a hybrid that leaves you 150 yards out in the center of the fairway is a much smarter play than a driver that risks a penalty stroke.
Don't sleep on OC’s municipal courses. These are the workhorses of the local golf scene, offering great value, fun layouts, and a friendly atmosphere. They are where most local golfers play the majority of their rounds.
Nestled in the rolling hills of Anaheim, this course is a local favorite for its "mountain golf" feel. You won't find a single flat lie out here. The course constantly moves up, down, and sideways, putting a premium on balance and club selection. It's a fun and scenic challenge that feels a world away from the rest of the city.
This sounds simple, but amateurs constantly forget this rule on hilly courses. On an uphill approach shot, the ball will fly shorter than the yardage suggests. Taking one extra club is a good rule of thumb. Conversely, a downhill shot will travel further. Play it correctly, and you’ll avoid the frustration of a well-struck shot coming up short or flying long.
Dad Miller is a flat, traditional, tree-lined course that’s very walkable and an absolute favorite among beginners and those looking for a relaxed round. It was one of Tiger Woods' childhood home courses. While not overly long, the narrow fairways and small greens demand accuracy if you want to score well. It's a fantastic place to work on your fundamentals without the pressure of a championship layout.
The main defense of Dad Miller is the hundreds of mature trees lining every fairway. If you start spraying your driver, you'll be punching out all day. Make a plan to prioritize accuracy over distance. If that means hitting a 3-wood or a hybrid off the tee to ensure you have a clear shot to the green, do it. Bogeys are better than others!
Located in a canyon and surrounded by natural rock formations and a 35-acre reservoir, Strawberry Farms is one of the most unique and scenic courses in the area. It’s a challenging layout with a lot of variety, from tight par 4s to birdie-able par 5s. The countryside setting makes it feel like an escape, even though it's conveniently located right in the heart of Irvine.
The enclosed canyon setting at Strawberry Farms can create swirling, unpredictable winds. The wind you feel on the tee might be completely different from what is happening up at the green. Before pulling a club, toss a few blades of grass into the air and watch the flagstick on the green. Getting a good read on the wind is critical for hitting greens in regulation here.
Sometimes you don't have five hours for a full round. Executive and Par-3 courses are perfect for squeezing in a quick round, working on your iron play and short game, or getting a new golfer started.
An 18-hole executive course located right across from John Wayne Airport, this is one of the most popular quick-play spots in OC. It features a mix of par 3s and short par 4s. Best of all, it's lit for night golf, making it a perfect destination for after-work practice or a fun evening with friends.
It's easy to get casual on an executive course, but it’s a golden opportunity to hone your scoring clubs. Don't just bash away. Go through your full pre-shot routine for every iron shot. Focus on distance control with your wedges. Treat the par 3s as if they were approach shots on a full-size course. An hour here is more valuable than an hour on the range if you have the right mindset.
While a full-regulation course, Rancho San Joaquin gets a nod here because it’s a relatively flat, open, and walker-friendly layout that's perfect for a less stressful round. It attracts a wide range of golfers, from seniors to juniors, and has a very welcoming vibe. If you’re building confidence or just want a pleasant walk in the park, this is a great choice.
The greens at RSJ, like many public SoCal courses, are typically kikuyu or poa annua grass. Poa annua can get bumpy in the afternoon as it grows throughout the day. Your key to putting well is to give the ball enough speed to hold its line to the hole. Stop "dying" the ball into the cup, instead, focus on making a firm, accelerating stroke and imagine your putt hitting the back of the cup.
A few final tips to make your OC golf experience even better.
For most municipal and daily-fee courses, tee times can be booked online through their website or popular third-party apps. For high-demand courses like Pelican Hill, you’ll want to book well in advance. Consider playing during the week or at twilight for lower rates and fewer crowds.
Especially from May to July ("June Gloom"), it's common for coastal areas to be cool, overcast, and a little damp in the mornings. The sun often burns through by midday. Always dress in layers - a windbreaker or quarter-zip is a must, even if the forecast for the afternoon is sunny and 75.
Public courses in Orange County can be busy. Do your part to keep things moving: be ready to hit when it's your turn, play "ready golf" in the fairway, and try to keep up with the group in front of you. A good pace of play makes the day more enjoyable for everyone on the course.
Orange County is packed with excellent golf courses open to the public, offering everything from championship-level tests to relaxed, easy-going rounds. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, you can find a course that perfectly suits your game, your budget, and your schedule.
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