🏆 Top Public Championship & Scenic Golf Courses in Orange County
Orange County is exceptionally strong when it comes to full-length, regulation public golf courses that deliver both championship-caliber play and scenic settings. These courses are open to the public yet known for course design, conditioning, elevation changes, and memorable views, making them favorites among locals and visiting golfers alike.
Strawberry Farms Golf Club
Address: 11 Strawberry Farm Road, Irvine, CA 92612
A canyon-style public course featuring rolling terrain, elevation changes, and a secluded feel despite its central Irvine location.
Known for: Scenic layout, natural surroundings, event-friendly atmosphere
Tustin Ranch Golf Club
Address: 12442 Tustin Ranch Road, Tustin, CA 92782
One of the most consistently maintained public courses in Orange County, offering a balanced layout that appeals to a wide range of skill levels.
Known for: Excellent conditioning, strong reputation, central location
Arroyo Trabuco Golf Club
Address: 26772 Avery Parkway, Mission Viejo, CA 92692
A challenging public course with rolling fairways, elevation shifts, and attentive on-course service.
Known for: Championship difficulty, service experience, scenic terrain
Black Gold Golf Club
Address: 1 Black Gold Drive, Yorba Linda, CA 92886
A long, demanding layout that rewards strategic play and is favored by experienced golfers looking for a true test.
Known for: Length, challenge, elevated tees
Coyote Hills Golf Course
Address: 1440 E. Bastanchury Road, Fullerton, CA 92835
A strategic course featuring elevation changes, water hazards, and varied hole designs set against rolling hills.
Known for: Shot-making challenges, elevation, course variety
Tijeras Creek Golf Club
Address: 29082 Tijeras Creek, Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688
A canyon-set course offering scenic views, a relaxed pace of play, and a well-regarded clubhouse dining scene.
Known for: Canyon views, atmosphere, clubhouse experience
Talega Golf Club
Address: 990 Avenida Talega, San Clemente, CA 92673
A modern public course with wide fairways, coastal breezes, and a layout designed for enjoyable yet challenging play.
Known for: Playability, open design, coastal climate
San Clemente Municipal Golf Course
Address: 150 E. Avenida Magdalena, San Clemente, CA 92672
A historic ocean-view municipal course perched above the coastline, offering one of the most scenic public rounds in Southern California.
Known for: Ocean views, classic layout, local legacy
Rancho San Joaquin Golf Course
Address: 1 Ethel Coplen Way, Irvine, CA 92612
A classic parkland-style course located in the heart of Irvine, known for mature trees and traditional routing.
Known for: Central location, traditional design, walkability
Anaheim Hills Golf Course
Address: 6501 E. Nohl Ranch Road, Anaheim Hills, CA 92807
A rolling-hill public course serving East Anaheim, offering elevation changes and neighborhood appeal.
Known for: Hilly terrain, local favorite, relaxed pace
