From seasoned scratch golfers to novice high handicappers, many have a love affair with the game of golf.  Whether it’s launching a 300 yard bomb from the tee and watching it scream down the fairway, or delicately landing a tricky little wedge within feet of the cup for a birdie chance, the game of golf can be exhilarating and frustrating all at once.  If you love the game and want a challenge, then carry on your affair at the award winning golf courses in Orange County.  Picturesque ocean courses with dynamic views of the majestic Pacific Ocean, enjoyable and challenging links-style courses in the valleys and exciting winding courses nestled in the foothills are reasons Golf Digest named Orange County, One of the World’s 50 Greatest Golf Destinations, Sept. 2000. What’s unique about golfing in Orange County, now known around the world as “The OC”, is that you can golf all twelve months of the year.  The OC averages over 325 days of sun with an average temperature of 73º.  The adventure begins when you escape out of the daily hustle to the invigorating smell of fresh cut grass, breathtaking canyon views and that powerful ocean feeling to play every type of golf course you can imagine, right here in Orange County!   

With over 45 total public access courses in Orange County, Shaw Kobre’s 2003 Golf California’s Survival Guide named Orange County, The Best Destination for Selection of Upscale Daily Fee Golf.  The Guide grades destination OC with an A+ for diversity, conditioning and quality.  The quality starts with 36 holes in Newport Coast, where you’ll find two championship favorites, the Ocean South Course and the Ocean North Course at Pelican Hill Golf Club. These superb ocean view courses attract golfers from around the country to experience the uncompromised craftsmanship of renowned architect Tom Fazio.  Ocean North Course, rated by Golf Magazine as One of the Top 10 New Resort Courses for 1993 is Fazio’s Scottish links style masterpiece.  The famous 17^th hole, named “Gut Check,” has been called one of the best in the world.  These courses challenge the low handicap golfer but taking a few lessons at the famed Glenn Deck Golf Academy should improve your skills.  Pelican Hill offers complimentary valet, full service clubhouse, restaurant & lounge and a practice facility.  Standard reservations can be made up to 14 days in advance.

Situated further south along the dramatic bluffs of the California Riviera is the spectacular Monarch Beach Golf Links.  Drawing thousands of golfers each year to the Robert Trent Jones II designed masterpiece, this nationally ranked championship course offers an unending variety of play providing an enjoyable test for golfers of all skill levels.  Monarch Beach Golf Links has been selected as one of America's 100 Best Golf Shops for 2005 by Golf World Business Magazine.  The Top 100 list is an elite group of facilities that exemplify retail excellence in a very competitive field.  Monarch Beach was previously bestowed with the honor in 2001 and 2004.  Commanding sweeping views to the sea, Monarch Beach offers a beautiful ocean view restaurant & bar, golf instruction, putting & chipping green and accommodations at two multi-star hotels in south Orange County, The Ritz-Carlton and The St. Regis Resort & Spa.  Standard reservations can be made up to 14 days in advance.

Still further south nestled in the rolling hills of San Juan Capistrano is the newly renovated and upgraded San Juan Hills Golf Club.  This nationally ranked championship course has become the local favorite and recent reviews state the golf conditions have never been better.  San Juan also offers a restaurant & bar, golf shop, and practice center.  Standard reservations can be made 10 days in advance.

Swinging back to the north you’ll find the stunning Strawberry Farms Golf Club retreat which plays like you’re going home for the holidays.   Voted a Must Play Course in 2000-2001 by Golf Digest readers, Strawberry Farms is one of Southern California's most challenging courses and features the OC's longest hole, a 630-yard, uphill par 5. The par-71, 6,700 yard course is set amid canyons and wetlands. The course offers picturesque vistas across the 35-acre reservoir, large rolling greens surrounded by wildlife and natural vegetation and scenic hills studded with granite boulders and natural waterfalls.  Standard reservations can be made 7 days in advance.

Driving inland to Tustin Ranch Golf Club you’d swear you were at a private club when you pass the majestic fountains to the royal clubhouse ---- This championship 18-hole Ted Robinson designed course offers private caddie service, a unique and popular amenity in Orange County. Experience breathtaking scenery, sparkling lakes and cascading falls at Tustin Ranch, consistently voted one of the Best Orange County Golf Courses by the readers of the Orange County Register. In addition, Tustin Ranch is a 4-Star recipient of Golf Digest Places to Play. Standard reservations can be made 7 days in advance.

Winding up at the magnificent Coyote Hills Golf Course brings your championship golf adventure to an exciting finish.  The recipient of two distinguished awards, Golf Digest’s Service Award recognizing the top 200 service golf courses in the country and Women in Golf’s Top 100 Women Friendly Courses in the Country, Coyote Hills is the only course to receive either award in Southern California.  ….Atop the breathtaking seventh hole awaits a view of Newport Coast and the LA skyline, including the famous Hollywood sign.  The tee shot drops 150 feet down to a lush fairway then over a ravine and on to the bunker guarded green.  With over 250 acres of splendid fairways, natural habitat, practice facility, an amazing 22,000-square foot clubhouse and restaurant overlooking a dazzling waterfall, Coyote Hills is an amazing experience.  Standard reservations can be made 7 days in advance.

Like most golfers, I just can’t stop.  If you want an exciting adventure but like to play in half the time, try the tranquil 9-hole Aliso Creek Golf Course.  This gorgeous canyon course is my favorite for high handicappers yet it’s a must play for all avid golfers.  Treat yourself at the delightful Aliso Creek Inn and Canyon Lodge Restaurant for a magical golf get away.  Standard reservations can be made daily.

Finally, to keep up on your celebrity bonding, try playing Tiger Wood's high school home course, Dad Miller Golf Course.  A favorite among those who like to walk, enjoy a relaxing, even-paced round of golf on a course well-known for its flat terrain, grand trees, and awesome 614-yard par 5.  Don’t forget to name drop at the clubhouse, golf shop, driving range, coffee shop and snack bar.  Standard reservations can be made daily.

The OC is coveted around the world for its world famous championship courses, constant sunny weather and spectacular ocean views and it’s all right here in our own back yard.  Orange County is what golfers dream about day and night, THAT INCREDIBLE HOLE IN ONE!