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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4.3
263 Reviews (263)
5 Stars
156
4 Stars
64
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
4.7
88.2%
Recommend this course
226 out of 263 reviews
Read Reviews
Average Rating
Avg Rating
3.9
9 Reviews (9)
5 Stars
4
4 Stars
3
3 Stars
0
2 Stars
1
1 Stars
1
Conditions
4.3
Value
3.9
Layout
4.6
Pace
3.6
Amenities
4.9
StaffFriendliness
4.9
88.9%
Recommend this course
8 out of 9 reviews
Read Reviews
Average Rating
Avg Rating
4.3
16 Reviews (16)
5 Stars
10
4 Stars
4
3 Stars
0
2 Stars
1
1 Stars
1
Conditions
4.5
Value
4.1
Layout
4.7
Pace
4.1
Amenities
4.9
StaffFriendliness
4.9
93.8%
Recommend this course
15 out of 16 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

4.3
263 Reviews (263)

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.

Advanced Filters
Overall Rating
Recommended
Handicap
Age
Type of Golfer
Gender
Played On
Reviews 5
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played

Great Day

Had a wonderful time playing this course again. The weather was perfect and the course conditions were up to par. I highly recommend this course to everyone

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Good
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Good
675883f1-81ad-5c0f-be3a-45663fa9fa02
Commented on 07/16/2021

Thank you, Jmoregon for taking the time to review your round with us. We strive to provide a 5-star experience and glad you felt that! Visit us again soon!

Regards,

Eric Lohman, PGA GM

Played On
Reviews 1
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a month
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Previously Played
Perfect weather
Used cart

Quintessential Coastal Orange County

Monarch Beach Golf Links is a perfect combination of upscale, beautiful, and relaxed. Just a good vibe all around. So much so that I signed up for their Links card membership today. Super stoked to call this course home!

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
675883f1-81ad-5c0f-be3a-45663fa9fa02
Commented on 06/25/2021

Greetings,

We couldn't agree more! Very grateful for your patronage and looking forward to having you around the Beach more as a Links Cardholder.

Happy Golfing!!

Eric Lohman, PGA GM

Played On
Reviews 2
Plays Once every three months
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 06/25/2021

Thank you for rating us 4-stars and we hope you visit again soon!

Regards,

Eric Lohman, PGA GM

Played On
Reviews 3
Handicap 20-24
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a month
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
Conditions Excellent
Value Good
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Good
675883f1-81ad-5c0f-be3a-45663fa9fa02
Commented on 06/11/2021

Greetings! Thank you for taking the time to rate us 5-stars. We sincerely appreciate it. Visit again soon!

Regards,

Eric Lohman, PGA GM

Played On
Reviews 7
Handicap 20-24
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
3.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing

Jvcal

Grass was tough and hard to take divot and very little roll. Greens mostly elevated and well bunkered. Low handicap golfer type course. Greens are firm and undrulated.

Conditions Average
Value Fair
Layout Good
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
675883f1-81ad-5c0f-be3a-45663fa9fa02
Commented on 06/04/2021

Greetings,

Thank you for taking the time to review your round with us. We, of course, are disappointed to see that you feel your experience was 3-stars. If you'd like, we love if you could share more and how we can elevate your experience. Please email me at elohman@monarchbeachgolf.com.

Thank you,

Eric Lohman, PGA GM

Played On
Reviews 19
Skill Advanced
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing
Conditions Good
Value Good
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Average
Amenities Excellent
675883f1-81ad-5c0f-be3a-45663fa9fa02
Commented on 05/28/2021

Thank you for taking the time to review your round with us. Visit again soon.

Regards,

Eric Lohman, PGA GM

Played On
Reviews 1
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
675883f1-81ad-5c0f-be3a-45663fa9fa02
Commented on 05/28/2021

Thank you for taking the time to rate us 5-stars.

Regards,

Eric Lohman, PGA GM

Played On
Reviews 10
Handicap 0-4
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing
Conditions Good
Value Good
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Amenities Good
675883f1-81ad-5c0f-be3a-45663fa9fa02
Commented on 05/14/2021

Thank you for rating us 4-stars! Visit again soon.

Regards,

Eric Lohman, PGA GM

Played On
Reviews 4
Skill Beginner
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
First Time Playing
Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Played On
Reviews 6
Handicap Don't know
Skill Beginner
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
3.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Perfect weather
Used cart

Friendly staff all around .

a golf staffer needs to get in a cart and patrol course for golfers playing 50 yards behind you and rushing your shots.

Conditions Good
Value Fair
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Poor
Amenities Excellent
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
675883f1-81ad-5c0f-be3a-45663fa9fa02
Commented on 05/14/2021

Greetings!

Thanks for taking the time to review your visit with us. We will certainly bring your concern regarding players behind you pressuring you to our Player Assistants attention.

Regards,

Eric Lohman, PGA GM

Played On
Reviews 1
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a month
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Previously Played

Fun atmosphere friendly staff exclusive experience

I have played here a handful of times but this last time was such a good experience I felt I needed to write a review. Everyone from the valets, pro shop, starters, beverage cart were attentive, friendly, and accommodating. Their course is maintained like a private club and the greens were so fast, it took me a hole or two just to get used to the speed. My favorite holes were the ocean holes which are so close to the beach you can watch the waves crash. Overall a very upscale experience and we finished in 4 hours which was nice.

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
675883f1-81ad-5c0f-be3a-45663fa9fa02
Commented on 04/09/2021

Greetings!

Thank you for taking the time to review your visits. We will certainly share your glowing review with our valued team members and sincerely hope to host you again soon. Happy Golfing!

Regards, Eric Lohman, PGA GM

Played On
Reviews 1
Handicap 5-9
Skill Advanced
Plays Once a month
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Previously Played
Perfect weather
Used cart

Good golf, good drinks, good vibes, what else can you ask for?

I have played Monarch a handful of times and always enjoy my round. I really enjoy the music played around the clubhouse and the cafe and the option to rent a golfboard or phat scooter. Hole 3 and 4 always take my breath away, but I think the views on the back 9 have some of the best. If you're looking for a deal, their Links Card includes a round of golf and more. Worth it if you plan to play there a few times. Definitely recommend!

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Difficulty Moderate
Played On
Reviews 8
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing

Awesome place

It lived up to the hype for me an amazing golf course

Conditions Good
Value Excellent
Layout Good
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
675883f1-81ad-5c0f-be3a-45663fa9fa02
Commented on 03/16/2021

Greetings!

We appreciate you taking the time to review your visit and even more grateful that you were able to golf with us! Visit us again soon!

Regards,

Eric Lohman, PGA GM

Played On
Reviews 2
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
2.0
First Time Playing

Eh

Don’t fall for it!! Only one ocean front hole!

If you are looking for ocean views and a well maintained course spend your money! Many better options along the coast at this price point!

Conditions Average
Value Fair
Layout Average
Friendliness Good
Pace Fair
Amenities Good
675883f1-81ad-5c0f-be3a-45663fa9fa02
Commented on 02/26/2021

Greetings Manhattan,

Though we wish you had a more memorable experience, we appreciate you joining us for the day.

Happy Golfing,

Eric Lohman, PGA GM

Played On
Reviews 2
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
3.0
First Time Playing

Eh

Don’t fall for it!! One ocean front hole!

If you are looking for ocean views and a well maintained golf course spend your money elsewhere! There are many better options along the coast at this price point.

Conditions Average
Value Poor
Layout Average
Friendliness Good
Pace Fair
Amenities Average
Played On
Reviews 2
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Conditions Excellent
Value Average
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Good
Pace Good
Amenities Good
675883f1-81ad-5c0f-be3a-45663fa9fa02
Commented on 02/12/2021

Greetings Mr. Wright,

We appreciate you taking the time rate us 4-stars. Glad you love our course and we hope to see you around Monarch Beach this year!

Regards,

Eric Lohman, PGA GM

Played On
Reviews 20
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Previously Played

Good day at the beach!

As usual, the course is in good conditions. Friendly staff as always!

Conditions Good
Value Good
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Good
675883f1-81ad-5c0f-be3a-45663fa9fa02
Commented on 01/08/2021

Greetings Lagunapc,

Thank you for taking the time to share your experience with us. I will be sure to share your comments with our team members. Hope you can golf with us again soon!

Regards,

Eric Lohman, PGA GM

Played On
Reviews 1
1.0
Previously Played
Perfect weather
Walked

grandmaster

I lived in the neighborhood above this place before it was built in the late 70s early 80s. my childhood years were spent exploring from my house to the coast. there were many different natural aspects i remember, including creeks and vernal ponds. i used to swim in them. then i remember being chased off the land, as just a small child hiding behind a ten foot tall ant hill! no lie, that was me. maybe it was only four feet tall since i was only seven years old but still, that was my childhood before the curtain fell and everything went to... golf is so rad

Difficulty Moderate
Played On
Reviews 1
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
First Time Playing
Conditions Good
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Played On
Reviews 1
2.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Perfect weather
Used cart

Roll and cut your greens (See example at Madares Golf Club-Troon)

Monarch is a very nice resort layout with wide fairways. However, the turf is very firm and is not a great choice if you like to take divots. It is way over priced for the layout, condition and speed of play. You are paying for the "Happy Hour" and not the golf course. The greens are terrible for the cost and level of experience the resort should be offering. The greens are designed well and have interesting contours, however they are poorly maintained too soft. The grass surface is to long and the greens need to be rolled as they are extremely tracked up with footprints and bumps. The greens are almost unplayable by the end of the day with all of the footprints. They should model Mederas Golf Club in San Diego which is a Troon Property and offers a similar layout, but much better conditioning.

Soften the fairways a little and firm up and smooth out the green surface and you will improve the overall experience 100%.

I hope they fix the course as I live in the area and would like to see all of the top tier golf courses maintain their excellence in customer experience.

Regardless of level of player, a good putting surface yields a great experience.

Conditions Poor
Value Poor
Layout Fair
Friendliness Good
Pace Fair
Amenities Good
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
675883f1-81ad-5c0f-be3a-45663fa9fa02
Commented on 12/04/2020

Greetings,

We appreciate your feedback and review. As you can expect, courses such as ours have been busier than usual which results in a challenge to keep the conditions to our high standards. Additionally, being close to the coast provides its own unique challenges in regards to salt & soil conditions. Lastly, poa annua greens tend to get bumpier as the day progresses as you noted - we do cut and roll our greens, unfortunately you may have visited us when our superintendent was working hard on not stressing out our turf due to high traffic. With all that being said, we hope you do have a chance to visit us again in our warmer spring months and enjoy peak conditions. Wishing you a happy holiday season!

Regards,

Eric Lohman, PGA GM

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