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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4.2
258 Reviews (258)
5 Stars
153
4 Stars
62
3 Stars
28
2 Stars
11
1 Stars
4
Conditions
4.3
Value
3.9
Layout
4.6
Friendliness
4.8
Pace
4.0
Amenities
4.6
86.9%
Recommend this course
221 out of 258 reviews
Read Reviews
Average Rating
Avg Rating
3.2
5 Reviews (5)
5 Stars
1
4 Stars
2
3 Stars
0
2 Stars
1
1 Stars
1
Conditions
4.0
Value
3.2
Layout
4.6
Pace
3.0
Amenities
4.8
StaffFriendliness
5.0
80.0%
Recommend this course
4 out of 5 reviews
Read Reviews
Average Rating
Avg Rating
4.3
14 Reviews (14)
5 Stars
9
4 Stars
3
3 Stars
0
2 Stars
1
1 Stars
1
Conditions
4.5
Value
4.2
Layout
4.9
Pace
4.1
Amenities
4.9
StaffFriendliness
4.9
92.9%
Recommend this course
13 out of 14 reviews
Read Reviews
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AI summaries based on real golfer reviews
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Course Highlights
Exceptionally friendly staff and a beautifully maintained layout with challenging, undulating greens consistently impress recent golfers. Rounds regularly finish in under four hours, making this course a rewarding and well-paced experience.

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

4.2
258 Reviews (258)

What Golfers Are Saying

Course Challenges Include:
Bunkers 7
Undulating Greens 7
Water Hazards 6
This course/club is great for:
A Weekend Splurge 7
Wildlife/ Scenic Views 7
Advanced Golfers 6
This Course's Location is:
At a Resort 7

Numbers based on reviews tagged with attribute.

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Overall Rating
Recommended
Handicap
Age
Type of Golfer
Gender
Played On
Reviews 25
Handicap 5-9
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
3.0
First Time Playing

Underwhelming

Ridiculously overpriced for an unmemorable course. Anything good about the course has to be tempered with the fact that it’s simply too expensive for what you get.

Ranger came by 2 or 3 times to tell us we were half a hole behind even though nobody came close to being behind us. 4:20 right on pace on the card.

One ocean hole. Guess that’s what you’re paying for. Won’t be back, too many better courses around for less than $200.

Staff was nice though, and was put with a good group of people.

Conditions Average
Value Poor
Layout Average
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Played On
Reviews 1
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
3.0
First Time Playing

Fun Course | Poor Value

I will keep this short - if you are booking this as a destination experience you will be disappointed if your expectations are not set.

If part of your experience is driven by experiencing course facilities you will be disappointed.

- No Driving Range

This is hard information to find on the site and they try to sell you on this being a good thing. Would be passable if they had additional technology such as TrackMan, but the facility is no better than a backyard cage

- No food for early tee times

Both food options were closed in the morning during the weekday. This may be different for the weekend.

- Locker Room below expectations

The locker room was simply a bathroom. No sauna, steam room, nice toiletries, etc.

- Fairways Under Repair

A surprising amount of fungus and damage to the fairways at this price point. It sounds improved from earlier in the year, but the fairways are still a bit rough on certain holes.

- Not Walkable

The site says its walkable - it really isn't. There are several holes with significant walks through tunnels and up hills. Do yourself a favor and get a cart. This is particularly true if you are playing in a group with other cart riders.

If expectations are anything higher based on price point you will be disappointed. Unless you have a discounted round rates from staying at the hotel think twice before booking. You can play comparable courses in the area 3-4 times for this green fee.

Conditions Average
Value Fair
Layout Good
Friendliness Good
Pace Good
Amenities Fair
675883f1-81ad-5c0f-be3a-45663fa9fa02
Commented on 07/29/2022

Greetings kbishop33,

Thank you for taking the time to review your experience with us. Though we may not fully agree with all you mentioned, there are some valid points. We plan to add tech to our hitting bays soon. Golfer also have access to the Miraval Spa for a nominal fee, the golf shop carries some F&B for times when the Cafe is not open and we do have many people who choose to walk our Links course. As for the conditions, we work hard every day to solve longstanding issues and are closer to the standard we are holding for ourselves.

Thank you again for choosing to play and review Monarch Beach Golf Links - we do hope you can visit again soon.

- Eric Lohman, PGA GM

Played On
Reviews 3
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Conditions Excellent
Value Good
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
675883f1-81ad-5c0f-be3a-45663fa9fa02
Commented on 07/29/2022

Thank you for ranking us 5-stars!

- Eric Lohman, PGA GM

Played On
Reviews 1
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing

Great course. Great value.

I will be back! Very playable course with just the right amount of obsticles. Ill be back!

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
675883f1-81ad-5c0f-be3a-45663fa9fa02
Commented on 07/08/2022

Thank you for taking the time to review your visit. We look forward to hosting you again!

- Eric Lohman, PGA GM

Played On
Reviews 37
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Conditions Good
Value Good
Layout Good
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Played On
Reviews 18
Handicap 20-24
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing
Perfect weather
Used cart

Great way to spend Mother's day

The staff was extremely pleasant , the weather was perfect & the course was in great shape. Only downside was a couple of the fairways had major work being done but we warned ahead of playing so no big deal there. Will be returning in the near future.

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Played On
Reviews 49
Handicap 5-9
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing
Perfect weather
Used cart

Two fairways under repair

We had a great time and the course was in very good shape. The only disappointment (which we knew about) was fairways 6 and 7 were under repair and they made both holes very short par 3's. I understand these two holes should be back in operation in a month or so and we look forward to coming back.

Conditions Good
Value Good
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Difficulty Moderate
675883f1-81ad-5c0f-be3a-45663fa9fa02
Commented on 07/01/2022

Thank you for sharing your thoughts! Please do return as both of those fairways are looking so healthy!

Happy Golfing!

-Eric Lohman, PGA GM

Played On
Reviews 1
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing
Perfect weather
Used cart

Bob

very nice course, just 3 holes under construction so we lose a lot of fun, hopefully they can finish the construction in next couple month.

Conditions Average
Value Good
Layout Good
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
675883f1-81ad-5c0f-be3a-45663fa9fa02
Commented on 04/29/2022

Thank you, Bob for taking the time to rate your experience. We will be completing the project within the next month so you'll have to come back and see the finished project!

Regards,

Eric Lohman, PGA GM

Played On
Reviews 2
Handicap 0-4
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing
Perfect weather
Used cart

Amazing experience. Greens were perfect! Views are outstanding. Challenging but VERY playable. ?Used every club in my bag. Highly recommend to others.

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Amenities Excellent
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
675883f1-81ad-5c0f-be3a-45663fa9fa02
Commented on 04/13/2022

Thank you for taking the time to share your experience and rate us 5-stars. Visit again soon!

Regards,

Eric Lohman, PGA GM

Played On
Reviews 25
Handicap 5-9
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Perfect weather
Used cart
Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
675883f1-81ad-5c0f-be3a-45663fa9fa02
Commented on 04/13/2022

Thank you for rating us 5-stars!

Visit again soon,

Regards,

Eric Lohman, PGA GM

Played On
Reviews 4
Skill Advanced
Plays Once a week
2.0
First Time Playing

Cancellation policy is too strict

My wife and I get ill on the day (Mar 12th). Our TEE time was 13:10 PM. In the morning, I tried to cancel the booking, but failed. I made a phone call several times dire tly to the golf proshop, but failed to talk to the sraff working there.

We are very much disappointed to see that you charged full money.

Conditions Fair
Value Fair
Layout Fair
Friendliness Poor
Pace Fair
Amenities Fair
675883f1-81ad-5c0f-be3a-45663fa9fa02
Commented on 03/18/2022

Greetings,

We apologize for this experience as booking tee times through Golf Now has a stricter cancellation policy than booking directly with us. Additionally, booking directly with us allows for more flexibility and typically a better rate. We understand if you choose not to visit us again, but we do invite you to return at a heavily discounted rate. Simply connect with me, Jackie, if this is something you're interested in. Once again, we apologize for this experience and hope you and your wife are feeling better.

Regards,

Jackie Riegle, PGA

jriegle@monarchbeachgolf.com

Played On
Reviews 2
Skill Beginner
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing

Wow! So much fun

What a great course. The staff is beyond friendly. From the valet to the course marshals. Customer service was impeccable.

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
675883f1-81ad-5c0f-be3a-45663fa9fa02
Commented on 03/11/2022

Thank you for the stellar review. Visit again soon!!

Regards,

Eric Lohman, PGA GM

Played On
Reviews 6
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
Conditions Good
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Amenities Fair
675883f1-81ad-5c0f-be3a-45663fa9fa02
Commented on 03/04/2022

Thank you for rating us 5-stars. Visit again soon!

Regards,

Eric Lohman, PGA GM

Played On
Reviews 5
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing
Conditions Excellent
Value Good
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
675883f1-81ad-5c0f-be3a-45663fa9fa02
Commented on 03/04/2022

Thank you for rating us 5-stars. Visit again soon!

Regards,

Eric Lohman, PGA GM

Played On
Reviews 6
Skill Advanced
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
First Time Playing

Worth it !

From staff to course was impressed by all ! Great and difficult greens! Not very long , but the greens are the teeth of the course! Great views of the ocean and the vibe of Dana Point was spectacular. Hope this helps!

Conditions Good
Value Good
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Amenities Excellent
675883f1-81ad-5c0f-be3a-45663fa9fa02
Commented on 03/11/2022

Thank you so much for taking the time to rate and review your visit with us. We hope you have a chance to visit us again soon!

Regards,

Eric Lohman, PGA GM

Played On
Reviews 10
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
3.0
Previously Played

Bare Dirt & Divots Everywhere

The course is in terrible condition. We were told it was because they did not overseed this year?? Love this course, but right now huge bare dirt spots and literally hundreds of divots near the greens. I recommend you go elsewhere until conditions improve.

Conditions Poor
Value Fair
Layout Good
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Average
Amenities Excellent
Played On
Reviews 3
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a month
I Recommend This Course
5.0
First Time Playing
Conditions Average
Value Good
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
675883f1-81ad-5c0f-be3a-45663fa9fa02
Commented on 01/21/2022

Thank you so rating us 5-stars!

Regards,

Eric Lohman, PGA GM

Played On
Reviews 2
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Conditions Excellent
Value Average
Layout Good
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
675883f1-81ad-5c0f-be3a-45663fa9fa02
Commented on 01/21/2022

Thank you so rating us 5-stars!

Regards,

Eric Lohman, PGA GM

Played On
Reviews 1
2.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Conditions Fair
Value Poor
Layout Average
Friendliness Good
Pace Fair
Amenities Fair
675883f1-81ad-5c0f-be3a-45663fa9fa02
Commented on 01/21/2022

Hello,

We are sorry to read you had a 2-star experience. We would like to understand why as are always striving to improve. Reach out to me if you'd like to discuss.

Regards,

Eric Lohman, PGA GM

Played On
Reviews 1
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a month
I Recommend This Course
5.0
First Time Playing

Great Course. Better Staff

Great SoCal course. I probably have reason to feel insecure with the state of my game playing a course like. That being said the course is beyond beautiful and the staff was great. Definitely would recommend to anyone.

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
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Golf Packages
MB2.1.jfif

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.

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.

Aviara Stay & Play Package

Click Below
SAN DIEGO, CA | Enjoy lodging accommodations at the Park Hyatt Aviara Resort, Golf Club & Spa and golf at Aviara Golf Club.
Aviara Golf Club - Hole #18

Aviara Stay & Play Packages

Click Below
SAN DIEGO, CA | Enjoy lodging accommodations at the Park Hyatt Aviara Resort, Golf Club & Spa and golf at Aviara Golf Club.

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.
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