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The Ranking: Top Public Golf Courses in Orange County

Orange County is home to some of the most spectacular, high-end public resort golf in the world, balanced by excellent municipal and accessible inland courses. This list features everything from coastal championship links to great local value.

The Oceanfront Elite: World-Class Resort Golf

  • These courses are renowned for their stunning views and immaculate conditions, offering a luxury experience.

#1 & #2 Pelican Hill Golf Club (Ocean North & Ocean South) (Newport Coast)

Vibe: Two internationally acclaimed Tom Fazio-designed courses perched above the Pacific, known for their dramatic ocean views and circular bunkering. A premium, bucket-list experience. (844) 878‑0942 Managed By: The Irvine Company Reservations may be made 14 days in advance for the public.)

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#3 Monarch Beach Golf, Dana Point

Vibe: A stunning, Robert Trent Jones Jr.-designed links course with seven holes directly on the ocean. Features challenging seaside elements and unique 9-hole options. (949) 234‑3900 Managed By: OB Sports / Troon Golf

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Premier Inland & South OC Courses

  • These facilities offer top-tier championship golf further away from the immediate coast.

#4 Oak Creek Golf Club, Irvine

Vibe: An impeccable Tom Fazio-designed course known for its excellent conditioning, unique split fairways, and tournament readiness. (949) 653‑5300 Managed By: The Irvine Company

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#3 Monarch Beach Golf, Dana Point

Vibe: A stunning, Robert Trent Jones Jr.-designed links course with seven holes directly on the ocean. Features challenging seaside elements and unique 9-hole options. (949) 234‑3900 Managed By: OB Sports / Troon Golf

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#5 Arroyo Trabuco Golf Club, Mission Viejo

Vibe: Set in the beautiful Trabuco Creek valley, this course offers a challenging, scenic experience built on a former ranch. (949) 305‑5100 Managed By: Independent

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#6 Tijeras Creek Golf Club, Rancho Santa Margarita

Vibe: Famous for its split personality: the front nine is wide open, while the back nine tightens up with beautiful elevation changes and water features. (949) 589‑9793 Managed By: American Golf Corporation

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#7 Strawberry Farms Golf Club, Irvine

Vibe: An eclectic course built in a secluded canyon, featuring wetlands, natural rock formations, and a rustic clubhouse feel. (949) 551‑1811 Managed By: Independent

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#9 Black Gold Golf Club, Yorba Linda

Vibe: A City of Yorba Linda facility known for its excellent conditions, high elevations, and spectacular views of Orange and Los Angeles Counties. (714) 961‑0060 Managed By: City of Yorba Linda- KemperSports

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Accessible & Value Municipal Courses

  • These courses offer excellent quality and accessible rates for the local community.

#8 & #20 Tustin Ranch Golf Club, Tustin

Vibe: A beautiful course known for its traditional country club feel and well-kept conditions. Also features a dedicated Par-3 practice area. Management: OB Sports / Troon Golf (714) 730‑1611

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#10 San Clemente Municipal Golf Course, San Clemente

Vibe: Known as "Muni," this highly popular course offers fantastic ocean views and incredible value for residents. (949) 361‑8380 Managed By: City of San Clemente

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#11 San Juan Hills Golf Club, San Juan Capistrano

Vibe: A popular local course known for its friendly atmosphere and accessible location near historic San Juan Capistrano. (949) 493‑1167 Managed By: San Juan Hills Golf LLC

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Dual-Course & Central OC Facilities

  • These facilities offer multiple options or are centrally located for convenient play.

#12 Mile Square Golf Course, Fountain Valley (Classic & Players)

Vibe: Two side-by-side, traditional 18-hole courses in a county park setting, offering consistently good conditions and playability. (714) 962‑5541 Managed By: Mile Square Golf LLC

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#13 Costa Mesa Country Club (Los Lagos & Mesa Linda) (Costa Mesa)

Vibe: Another great municipal complex featuring two popular and distinct 18-hole courses offering excellent value near Newport Beach. (714) 540‑7500 Managed By: City of Costa Mesa Book Your Tee Time: costamesacountryclub.com (Click "Book a Tee Time")

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#15 Dad Miller Golf Course, Anaheim

Vibe: A classic municipal course known for its central Anaheim location and history (Tiger Woods often practiced here as a youth). (714) 765‑3481 Managed By: City of Anaheim

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#16 Meadowlark Golf Club, Huntington Beach

Vibe: A popular, flat, and walkable 18-hole course with frequent water hazards and a relaxed atmosphere. (714) 846‑1364 Management: American Golf Corporation

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#17 Coyote Hills Golf Course, Fullerton

Vibe: A scenic, challenging course built into the hills, known for its elevated tees and views. (714) 672‑6800 Managed By: American Golf Corporation

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#18 Anaheim Hills Golf Course, Anaheim

Vibe: A dramatic course with many elevation changes and excellent views of the surrounding hills. (714) 998‑3041 Managed By: American Golf Corporation

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YOUR VOICE MATTERS

Help Us Keep SoCal's Golf Guide Current.

Golf is always evolving, and the only way to keep this guide the most accurate resource in Southern California is with your help.

We invite you to join the conversation and directly influence this guide. Your voice is the ultimate course update!

How to Contribute

  • Played a course recently? Leave a review and share your photos with us.

  • Know a hidden gem? Submit your suggestion for a course we missed.

  • Spotted a change? Tell us if your favorite course is undergoing a major renovation or management change.

Your feedback ensures this guide remains fresh, accurate, and truly reflective of the Southern California golf community.

What We Do

We are committed to maintaining the ultimate resource. We will update this list regularly to:

  • Add new courses, renovated layouts, and up-and-coming hidden gems.

  • Adjust rankings and details based directly on player reviews and confirmed course changes.

  • Highlight special events and unique local opportunities.

Don't just read the guide—help us write it! Bookmark this page, check back often, and click below to share your experience.

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