Rancho San Joaquin Golf Course

First time playing here and I paid $40 to start at 5:42 and ended up starting at 6:05 just to play 7 holes because there were no marshals or starters pushing the pace of play. (played +4 through 7)

Guy managing the pro shop is just sitting in the back not paying attention to anyone coming in.

Of the 7 holes,Tee boxes were in good condition. Fairways are pretty wide and have a variety of grass conditions (really good, decent, dirt) I'd say most of it was a bit better than decent. Rough isn't very wide so if you miss you'll be in either a dirt path or hitting into another fairway.

Design of the course is decent. A majority of the course is flat and is pretty easy.

Would only recommend this course if you are either a beginner or are looking for a cheap course and don't mind a 5-6 hour round.

Course conditions were terrible. Hard dry ground or mud with unkept grass off the fairways

I used to play this course a lot back in the late 1990s and early 2000s. I actually like the layout. The only bad thing back then was the pace of play. I guess that will never change. Now it’s not only the pace of play but the course conditions. Golf should never take 5.5 to 6 hours to finish a round. You should never hit from dirt or a hole or a pond (from over watering) from the middle of the fairway.

I see these 4 star ratings from these “mystery” usernames. Do not trust those! You’ve been warned!!!

Besides few holes fairway fixing has been done. With hot weather not why we had ponds and oceans on 10th hole.

Since we had semi beginner on our group, sorry for slower pace....

About 1/4 holes are cart path only which is weird for summer.

On the holes where carts are allowed, the cart GPS kept telling us to back up but WE WERE LESS THAN 100 YDS AWAY IN THE MIDDLE OF THE FAIRWAY!!

It's like not having a cart and everyone in front of us were slowed by having to go back and forth for clubs. We were about 1.5 groups backed up.

This course will eat your balls even down the fairway, puddles uneven grass, uncut down the middle. Cart died on 16th hole, golf elsewhere

Booked an early tee time for July 4th (cart included) for $90+ .. got to the course early…. Paid for my tee time …. Soon after they swiped my card; that’s when they inform me that I would have to share my cart since I’m a single…. NOT O.K. !

When I expressed my hesitance to ride with a stranger (1. For simple health related concerns; 2. There were no disclaimers on their website about forcing Single players to share carts and I took screen shots afterward my interaction) the club manager insisted that ALL golf courses do this? Dude. I play twice if not 3x per week in OC / LA / IE and nowhere is this “rule” enforced especially after the pandemic. When I asked for a refund, the manager simply refused and gave me the general managers business card. I’ve tried to contact multiple times and no avail. Basically…. I Just had $90+ stolen from me.

I’m sure this place accommodates well for others…. Just not for some.

Though this course is not so good, course management get better and better recently .

Although I have lived in Irvine for several years now this is my first experience playing Rancho. In the past I’ve only used their driving range facility. Since my daughter plays golf for Uni High School she’s played this course. I couldn’t refuse when she asked me to join her. Overall the layout of the course is good. Condition of the course was up to par and the pace of play was fine. I’d probably play this course again

The earlier reviews made mention of lot of construction and coursework, so I had very low expectations. I was pleasantly surprised that the construction was less than had been described. Perhaps it had advanced since the earlier reviews?

There was one hole where a cement truck was blocking the cart path, and no alternatives route was provided. The course definitely requires more water and attention and with this could be excellent. I understand that the new owners have been making improvements and look forward to seeing continued progress.