An afternoon in Orange County

[Ryan McLaughlin]

Do not go to Arroyo yet....greens are still recovering from some nasty damage from either super malpractice or random disease.  If you can get to Goose Creek, about 40 mins from HB, than make the most of it.  Great course.. I am playing on Friday for a SCGA 4ball practice round and Ill let you know.  HB is a bit of a golf architectural wasteland but Mile Square has two good courses and Costa Mesa has a good muni (los lagos).   There will be those who say to head out to Rustic Canyon....trust me...you cant get there from HB!  LA/OC traffic is a disaster with all the construction going on.  I am biased towards Tijeras Creek  but I know Ted Robinson courses are not well loved on GCA, but great setting and course.  Still might be recovering from punching in early Nov.  As you get closer keep we can help you find the right spot.  

[John Cowden]

Agree about Goose Creek, Ryan.  A very good course, only discounted due to the shitty traffic on the 91.  The greens at Arroyo, however, have come back well from the fungus of 18 months ago. Tijeras isn't worth the time given the suburban front side.

[Ryan McLaughlin]

Its good to hear they are getting better.  I really enjoy ATs layout and the guys that play there.  I do understand peoples impression from the "suburban" setting from the front nine at Tijeras but when you you remove the houses it is just good golf.  If you double the front nine yardage and rating it is almost 7300 and 74 rating.  I know that length doesn't make a course but the challenge is there on the front nine. The back nine while beautiful and architecturally more appealing, it is easy.  Again I am biased because I grew up on the course (in the suburban setting on 1st and 3rd holes) but it is nice to debate two good course among some very good high end publics in south OC.  

[Joe Perches]

it is nice to debate two good course among some very good high end publics in south OC.  

Perhaps you could show your list of "very good high end OC publics".

[Jordan Standefer]

For what it's worth, I always enjoy my time at Oak Creek, a semi-private Fazio design in Irvine.  (6.9 miles from John Wayne.)  I find the rack rate to be a bit high for me, but if there's a deal online, I try and make it down.

I'm not sure what the current conditions are like there, but in my experience they are always in good shape and have some of the fastest and truest greens in the area (for a public access).

[Jon Spaulding]

Wanted to bump this thread (and not start a new one) because I will have an afternoon free on Sunday, November 10th.  I fly into John Wayne and staying in Huntington Beach, so anywhere with a close cab ride to those areas would be great.

Any help would be appreciated, thanks

Based on the cab ride specification, I'd second the nomination for Meadowlark. If Max Behr is not of interest, skip it.

If you have private coverage, Virginia CC and Santa Ana CC are both decent, each with some history.

If none of these pan out, scrap golf and go to the beach or Disneyland. Weather will be nice and most tourii will be gone.

[Kyle Casella]

I think the options are so bad in OC that Goose Creek is getting over-hyped a little bit. The location is too far from HB to make the drive worth it, especially in a cab. That cab ride would probably cost $70 - $100 each way. I agree it is a solid course, but FAR from worth $250 when considering transportation costs!

To sum it up, there really isn't anything of high architectural interest, so I would say pick the course that is a combination of close, reasonably prices, and in good condition. I too think Oak Creek is a decent choice if you can find a good price online.

[JWL]

The Emperor likes Strawberry Farms, or at least he used to.

[Rees Milikin]

Thanks for the suggestions, but it sounds like the options are pretty slim for public choices.  

[Carl Nichols]

Rees:
I would also strongly recommend renting a car, unless you're staying and working right in downtown HB (and would probably still get one). 

[Rees Milikin]

Rees:
I would also strongly recommend renting a car, unless you're staying and working right in downtown HB (and would probably still get one). 

I am staying at the Hyatt Regency on the beach and really have no need for a rental car except for possibly playing a round on Sunday.  Other than Sunday, I will not have free time for anything else.

[Carl Nichols]

Rees:
I would also strongly recommend renting a car, unless you're staying and working right in downtown HB (and would probably still get one). 

I am staying at the Hyatt Regency on the beach and really have no need for a rental car except for possibly playing a round on Sunday.  Other than Sunday, I will not have free time for anything else.

Fair enough.  That Hyatt also has a big valet parking fee, so if you're staying and working on site . . . . .

[Tim Leahy]

Both Pelican Hill courses are good but expensive if you want ocean views and Fazio.

[Alex Miller]

6 hours, no car, in the heart of one of the bleakest areas for public golf in the country... and you're staying in a hotel on the beach with odds in your favor for a sunny day.

Honestly, I woud just chill at the beach or pool.

[Rees Milikin]

6 hours, no car, in the heart of one of the bleakest areas for public golf in the country... and you're staying in a hotel on the beach with odds in your favor for a sunny day.

Honestly, I woud just chill at the beach or pool.

I decided to do that, but I live in FL, so I can go to beach everyday...too bad I like the mountains a million times more than the beach.

[David Kelly]

The Emperor likes Strawberry Farms, or at least he used to.

Did Tommy get hit in the head and I didn't hear about it?

[Ryan McLaughlin]

Ok so pure accessibility  go with Mile Square or Costa Mesa(Los Lagos).  Close to Beach and PCH.   No you will not achieve an architectural epiphany but your will enjoy your golf.

[Andrew Buck]

I'm planning on being in Orange County on Tuesday, April 5th looking to play right around noon ahead of going to the Cubs/Angeles game that evening.  Thanks for all the good suggestions in this thread, but if anyone is interested in meeting up for a round, please let me know. 

[John Cowden]

Andrew, and others, I have a tee time for four going off at Arroyo Trabuco at 12:39.  Expect a 4 1/2 hour round.  $50, member rate.  The course is 40" from the game, traffic depending. Please let me know and I'll pull the proverbial trigger.  Cheers.

[Andrew Buck]

John,

Sounds great, I'll reach out via personal message.