Monarch Beach Golf Links
A sunset view of a green at Monarch Beach Golf Links.
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Rating Index Rating
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4.5
254 Reviews (254)
5 Stars
152
4 Stars
61
3 Stars
28
2 Stars
10
1 Stars
3
Conditions
4.3
Value
4.0
Layout
4.6
Friendliness
4.7
Pace
4.3
Amenities
4.5
91.3%
Recommend this course
218 out of 254 reviews
Read Reviews
Average Rating
Avg Rating
4.8
4 Reviews (4)
5 Stars
3
4 Stars
1
3 Stars
0
2 Stars
0
1 Stars
0
Conditions
4.5
Value
4.5
Layout
4.8
Pace
4.8
Amenities
4.8
StaffFriendliness
5.0
100.0%
Recommend this course
4 out of 4 reviews
Read Reviews
Average Rating
Avg Rating
4.8
12 Reviews (12)
5 Stars
9
4 Stars
3
3 Stars
0
2 Stars
0
1 Stars
0
Conditions
4.5
Value
4.3
Layout
4.8
Pace
4.8
Amenities
4.8
StaffFriendliness
4.9
100.0%
Recommend this course
12 out of 12 reviews
Read Reviews

About

Holes 18
Type Resort
Style Links
Par 70
Length 6645 yards
Slope 143
Rating 78.2

Playing at Monarch Beach Golf Links will bring to mind the great traditions of Scottish links golf. The seaside course offers sweeping views of the oceanfront as well as a challenging and diverse layout. Robert Trent Jones, Jr. designed the golf course, fully utilizing the dramatic bluffs and natural beauty of the landscape. The course offers small, rolling greens and tight fairways that are both kept in excellent condition. Strategically placed bunkers wait treacherously throughout the course and there are a number of tricky doglegs to watch out for. The course is on the shorter side but it is an excellent place to work on your iron game. Monarch Beach Golf Links' par-4 third hole is one of the most difficult. It plays along the ocean but don't let the views distract from the challenging green that is dramatically undulated.

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Monarch Beach Golf Links
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Course Details

Year Built 1983
Golf Season Year round

Rentals/Services

Carts Yes
GPS Yes
Pull-carts Yes
Clubs Yes

Practice/Instruction

Driving Range Yes
Golf Simulator Yes
Teaching Pro Yes
Pitching/Chipping Area Yes
Indoor Practice Yes
Putting Green Yes

Policies

Credit Cards Accepted VISA, MasterCard, Amex Welcomed
Metal Spikes Allowed No
Fivesomes Allowed No
Single Allowed No
Walking Allowed Yes
Dress code Proper golf attire.

Food & Beverage

Food & Beverage

Available Facilities

Clubhouse, Locker Rooms

Accolades

  • Golf Advisor: Golfers' Choice (2025 #6)
  • Golf Advisor: Top 25 Off-course amenities in the U.S. (2025 #15)
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Reviews

4.5
254 Reviews (254)
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Overall Rating
Recommended
Handicap
Age
Type of Golfer
Gender
Played On
Reviews 2
Handicap 5-9
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Previously Played
Perfect weather
Used cart

Great day

Monarch has a great course in superb condition with a cool breeze and ocean views it is a great setting!! Renee in the pro shop was very helpful to select some souvenirs for the family. Check in is easy and valet guys are quick and friendly. Treat yourself to a round here!!

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Good
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Played On
Reviews 1
Handicap 5-9
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Previously Played
Perfect weather
Used cart

Gotta Love Monarch Beach Golf Links

Great greens that roll true.

The course starts you out with a very short par 4 that puts in a birdie frame of mind.

Fabulous views of the Pacific ocean from many holes.

Hole # 3 is very short par 4 and right next to the surf at Salt Creek beach.

Renee in the pro shop knows the latest golf fashions! I just bought very cool reversible belt that she picked out.

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Amenities Excellent
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Played On
Reviews 5
Skill Advanced
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
First Time Playing

Goodtimes again.

We teed off at 8am and played in 4 hours 15 mins. Not too bad. We did play a fivesome. Greens were silly good. Awesome views and staff. Fun and will be back soon.

Conditions Good
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Amenities Excellent
675883f1-81ad-5c0f-be3a-45663fa9fa02
Commented on 12/07/2018

Great review! Thank you for taking the time!

Regards,

Eric Lohman PGA GM

Played On
Reviews 1
I Recommend This Course
5.0
First Time Playing
Perfect weather
Used cart

Wonderful staff and views!

I accompanied my boyfriend for his round of golf at this wonderful course and it was so much fun! Tommy at the valet podium was great and Renee in the golf shop was so sweet and helpful! The course was well maintained and overlooked the water. I would definitely come back again.

Difficulty Moderate
675883f1-81ad-5c0f-be3a-45663fa9fa02
Commented on 12/07/2018

Thank you for taking the time to review your experience!

Regards,

Eric Lohman PGA GM

Played On
Reviews 1
Handicap 10-14
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Previously Played
Perfect weather
Used cart

Unbeatable golf atmosphere

I had the opportunity to play a round with my father for his birthday. We tee'd off at 9 am and was off the course by 1 pm. The outside staff was the most friendly and accommodating I have ever experienced. The course was in phenomenal condition and he weather was a perfect 70 degrees in February in CA. Renee in the golf shop helped me pick out an outfit that I am very proud to represent! I will definitely be returning to Monarch Beach soon!

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
675883f1-81ad-5c0f-be3a-45663fa9fa02
Commented on 12/07/2018

Thank you for taking the time to review your experience! This is the kind of review we want to read.

Hope to see you around in 2019!

Regards,

Eric Lohman PGA GM

Played On
Reviews 1
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing
Conditions Good
Value Good
Layout Good
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Amenities Excellent
675883f1-81ad-5c0f-be3a-45663fa9fa02
Commented on 12/07/2018

Thanks for the review!

Regards,

Eric Lohman PGA GM

Played On
Reviews 1
Skill Advanced
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Previously Played

GREAT golf experience

From start to finish, a great experience. From the moment you drive up, the staff welcome you with a smile and gets you prepped for a solid round of golf. A great environment around the pro shop and first tee. Golf course was in excellent condition - greens smooth and fast. Fairways and rough were consistent and sand was fluffy. Played in just about 4 hours so little waiting on holes. Love the layout - challenging but fair and fun. Top shelf place but the staff makes you feel at home. See you again soon Monarch!

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Played On
Reviews 1
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a month
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Previously Played

Great Course!

Fantastic course, fantastic layout! The course was in great condition and the staff was awesome! I would recommend to anyone!

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Played On
Reviews 1
Skill Advanced
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Previously Played

Top Notch All Around

I have been blessed enough to play here a handful of times. Each time has been nothing short of exceptional. From the friendly staff to the course conditions, all aspects have been tremendous. Our bags were loaded and ready for us by the time we walked out from the golf shop, the starter greeted us as soon as we walked downstairs, and they had hand towels and lemonade waiting for us when we returned. Don't forget to stop by the golf shop on your way out for a fresh baked cookie!!!! You read that right, they have complementary cookies at the counter. No other course in the area offers nice touches like that.

The course itself was very well maintained and challenging, yet fair, as any RTJ designed courses tend to be. In a day and age where a 5-hour round is almost expected, we played a mid Saturday morning round in just over 4:30!!!! If you get an opportunity, I would highly recommend trying out the Golf Boards that they offer. It's a fun experience that only made the day that much better.

If you have an opportunity to play here, do not pass it up. You will not be disappointed!!!

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Played On
Reviews 1
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
First Time Playing

Best Course in the OC

If you want to cool place to go hang out and play an awesome golf course check out Monarch Beach golf links. The course and the views are amazing in their staff treats you like you're a member at a private country club. I can't wait to go back.

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Played On
Reviews 1
Plays Once a month
I Recommend This Course
5.0
First Time Playing
Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Played On
Reviews 5
Skill Advanced
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Previously Played

Wowsers

Great time Friday. Greens were perfect. The smoked tri-tip tacos at the Monarch Café were super yummy. I can’t say enough about the stuff they are great from beginning to end.

Conditions Excellent
Value Good
Layout Good
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Played On
Reviews 1
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a month
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Previously Played

Great course and great people

I have been fortunate to play Monarch Beach golf Links a few times and I never leave unsatisfied. They always take great care of you and I always have a great time while I'm there. Eric, the PGA GM, always makes sure you are in great hands. This place has great views and is well kept. Definitely a fun and challenging course to play. I always love playing here and always look forward to playing here when I get a chance

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Amenities Excellent
Played On
Reviews 5
Skill Advanced
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Previously Played

Wowsers

Course was in great shape after some recent improvements and greens aerification. They no longer overseed which is way better. The staff is the best I have ever seen. Everyone from valet, to the Pro, marshal, etc. is very friendly. Worth the trip.

Conditions Excellent
Value Good
Layout Good
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Played On
Reviews 8
Handicap 10-14
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
3.0
Previously Played
Perfect weather
Used cart

Nice Location but poor course condition.

Everything about Monarch Beach is excellent except for the course. Poor course condition with fairways with dead and patches of grass all over. Greens where so so and in poor condition. Muni atmosphere. too bad this place and location are nice but just not up to par it seems run down. Hope Management would take care of this course. I've played with some members and were very critical. And after playing this course twice, I wouldn't recommend it.

Conditions Poor
Value Poor
Layout Average
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Good
Difficulty Moderate
Played On
Reviews 4
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
3.0
First Time Playing

Not the best 1st time out

Course is pretty nice, conditions were good. Greens and bunkers were as good as it gets, but fairways and rough were dormant and pretty bare in quite a few spots.

As for the ocean views, its more of a view. 1 hole you’re really out there and it is pretty amazing.

Now for the real issue. Pace of play. My son and I teed off on a Saturday at 11:40 and we finished up at a little after 5. That is completely inexcusable and should not be allowed or tolerated. That alone will probably make it so we choose another course when splurging on a nice round. It was miserably slow.

Conditions Average
Value Poor
Layout Average
Friendliness Good
Pace Poor
Amenities Good
Played On
Reviews 7
Handicap 15-19
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
First Time Playing

Learn the course

This is a great track. Plays longer than indicated distances. Many blind shots. Get a course map before you play. Much more difficult and challenging than most "resort courses."

Three holes are actually down on the beach with waves rolling in.

Very beautiful golf course but I can't stress enough that without course knowledge or a hole map, you will lose several strokes you could avoid

Conditions Good
Value Average
Layout Average
Friendliness Good
Pace Good
Amenities Good
Played On
Reviews 3
Skill Advanced
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
3.0
Previously Played
Perfect weather
Used cart

Fun course, but overpriced

I've played here a number of times. There are few holes which are memorable. Only 1 is on the water. The rest don't do much for me.

It's way overpriced in my view, but that's because it caters to the folks who stay at the Ritz and what was formerly known as the St. Regis.

The staff is great, and the facilities and the food are superb. It's just not my cup of tea for a round of golf in Orange County.

Conditions Average
Value Fair
Layout Average
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Average
Amenities Excellent
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Played On
Reviews 1
Handicap 15-19
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a month
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Previously Played
Perfect weather
Used cart

Best Public Course In Orange County - BY FAR

I can't say enough great things about Monarch Beach Golf Links. The second you arrive, you are greeted by the friendly staff who treat you like royalty. The "vibe" is fun, energetic and beachy. It's the polar opposite of a "stuffy" country club vibe. The greens and fairways are immaculate. Did I mention that the views are spectacular??!! Even the food is delicious! If I could leave 10 stars, I WOULD!!

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Played On
Reviews 5
Skill Advanced
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Previously Played

Great times at an improved facility

I hadn't played Monarch for a few years and heard they had been making some changes. I was very impressed with what I found. Brand new golf shop is one of the best with killer views. Staff was awesome. I had clients with me and they too were impressed. Most of all the course is better. Conditions have definately improved since my last round there. Greens were smooth and fast, fairways improved, etc. I didn't remember the course being this fun either. The staff was definitely having fun that day.

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Good
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Amenities Excellent
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Golf Packages

Monarch Beach Resort Stay & Play Package

CLICK BELOW
ORANGE COUNTY, CA | Enjoy lodging accommodations at the Waldorf-Astoria Monarch Beach, the Ritz-Carlton Laguna Nigel, the Montage Laguna Beach, or the Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa and golf at Monarch Beach Golf Links.
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Monarch Beach Resort Stay & Play Package

CLICK BELOW
ORANGE COUNTY, CA | Enjoy lodging accommodations at the Waldorf-Astoria Monarch Beach, the Ritz-Carlton Laguna Nigel, the Montage Laguna Beach, or the Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa and golf at Monarch Beach Golf Links.

The Lodge At Torrey Pines Stay & Play Package

CLICK BELOW
LA JOLLA, CA | Enjoy up to 5 nights’ accommodations at The Lodge at Torrey Pines and up to 4 rounds of golf at your choice of Torrey Pines – South Course and Torrey Pines – North Course.

The OMNI La Costa Resort & Spa Stay & Play Package

CLICK BELOW
CARLSBAD, CA | Enjoy up to 5 nights’ accommodations at The OMNI La Costa Resort & Spa and up to 4 rounds of golf at your choice of Aviara Golf Course, OMNI La Costa – South Course, and OMNI La Costa – North Course.

The Palm Mountain Resort & Spa Stay & Play Package

CLICK BELOW
PALM SPRINGS, CA | Enjoy up to 5 nights’ accommodations at Palm Mountain Resort & Spa and up to 4 rounds of golf at your choice of Indian Canyons – South Course, Indian Canyons – North Course, The Classic Club, Tahquitz Creek – Resort Course, and Tahquitz Creek – Legend Course.
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