Each year, we ask Orange County Register readers to choose their favorite places to shop, dine, play and do business in OC.
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Here are the top picks for Best golf course:
1. Arroyo Trabuco Golf Club
26722 Avery Parkway, Mission Viejo; 949-305-5100; arroyotrabuco.com
The good times keep rolling at Arroyo Trabuco Golf Club, like the putts on the new expanded putting green. Unveiled last year for the club’s 21st birthday, the green has become so popular that the Good Times Bar was added greenside to add to the experience. Also popular is a 13-hole putt-around course with friendly competitions on weekend nights.
“It’s pretty neat to see all the hard work we’ve put in to make this a unique and enjoyable experience has been well received,” says PGA Club Manager Geoff Cram. “We can do all we want, but it’s up to (customers) to see if they like it.”
Over the years, from major upgrades or minor tweaks, Arroyo Trabuco staff balance keeping known favorites with finding ways to attract a new clientele.
“The traditional part is a huge component. (Golf) is rooted in history and ‘etiquette,’” Cram said with air quotes. “For new golfers, it can be intimidating. That’s why we want to make it more attractive and family friendly.”
What doesn’t change at Arroyo and keeps it at the top of golf destinations, are its tranquility and beauty, tucked into a 2,400-acre reserve. The course, designed by Casey O’Callaghan and PGA Pro Tom Lehman, has the flexibility to challenge — and forgive — players of all levels and can play anywhere from about 5,000 yards to a full-on par 72, 7,000 yards.
2. Black Gold Golf Club
One Black Gold Drive, Yorba Linda; 714-961-0060; blackgoldgolf.com
The little muni that could, Black Gold Golf Club, continues not only to hold its own but outshines so-called elites of the crowded Southern California golf scene. Once again the Yorba Linda municipal course has landed among the heavy hitters among Best of respondents.
“Repeating this award three times in a row is a testament to the dedicated staff that always places our guests first and provides a fantastic product and service,” General Manager Rich Cessna said. “Our award-winning golf course is paired with an award-winning (food and beverage) operation.”
Meanwhile, the course, with its signature 18th-hole waterfall and lake, remains the main attraction. The 6,756-yard track caters to golfers of all levels and ranges from soft and forgiving to devilishly tricky.
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The club also recently completed a major solar project that now provides shaded parking stalls for guests and a covered driving range.
3. San Juan Hills Golf Club
32120 San Juan Creek Road, San Juan Capistrano; 949-493-1167; www.sanjuanhillsgolf.com
With some of the best greens in Orange County, beautiful vistas — highlighted by its signature three-tiered 14th hole — as well as an active after-golf scene, San Juan Hills Golf Club maintains a high stature among local golfers.
“I think we’re unique in that we offer great fun at a great value,” said General Manager Ryan Brown.
Boasting a hilly, winding Harry and David Rainville-designed course that measures 6,317 yards from the blue tees, San Juan Hills is not only a postcard but has elements to challenge any golfer.
After golf, the 19 Sports Bar and Grill offers live weekend music. A massive state of the art fully lit driving range was added with tour-quality mats, radar tracking technology and other features.
“We do a lot of the smaller things that make for a great experience,” Brown said.
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