Shorecliffs GC
View of a green at Shorecliffs Golf Club.
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Rating Index Rating
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3.5
1291 Reviews (1291)
5 Stars
161
4 Stars
451
3 Stars
334
2 Stars
162
1 Stars
183
Conditions
3.2
Value
3.7
Layout
3.5
Friendliness
4.4
Pace
3.6
Amenities
3.8
73.1%
Recommend this course
867 out of 1291 reviews
Read Reviews
Average Rating
Avg Rating
3.7
71 Reviews (71)
5 Stars
16
4 Stars
31
3 Stars
13
2 Stars
7
1 Stars
4
Conditions
3.4
Value
3.8
Layout
3.7
Pace
3.8
Amenities
4.1
StaffFriendliness
4.6
77.5%
Recommend this course
55 out of 71 reviews
Read Reviews
Average Rating
Avg Rating
3.7
110 Reviews (110)
5 Stars
25
4 Stars
48
3 Stars
22
2 Stars
10
1 Stars
5
Conditions
3.4
Value
3.9
Layout
3.7
Pace
3.7
Amenities
4.2
StaffFriendliness
4.6
79.1%
Recommend this course
87 out of 110 reviews
Read Reviews
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AI summaries based on real golfer reviews
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Course Highlights
The renovated clubhouse, friendly staff, and solid food and beverage options consistently impress visiting golfers. A tight canyon layout winding near the ocean delivers a challenging and rewarding round at strong value.

About

Holes 18
Type Public
Par 70
Length 5718 yards
Slope 125
Rating 69.0

Shorecliffs Golf Course wanders through the coastal canyons and valleys of San Clemente, heading towards the beautiful shoreline. Situated just steps from the ocean, the course enjoys cool ocean breezes and a temperate climate, which makes it a year-round haven for golfers. Its location also provides the golf course with plenty of scenic ocean views. The course features narrow fairways tightly lined with trees and small greens bordered by sand bunkers. The front nine is shorter and requires more accuracy than the longer, wider back nine. Shorecliffs opens with one of the trickiest par-5s in the area. This dogleg left hole features trouble both left and right. Although the layout does offer a fair challenge, players of all skill levels will feel comfortable taking on the golf course.

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Course Details

Year Built 1964
Fairways Bermuda Grass
Greens Poa Annua Grass
Golf Season Year round
Architect Joe Williams

Rentals/Services

Carts Yes - included in green fees
Clubs Yes

Practice/Instruction

Driving Range Yes
Bunker 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

Food & Beverage

Restaurant

Available Facilities

Clubhouse
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Reviews

3.5
1291 Reviews (1291)

What Golfers Are Saying

The 19th Hole is Great For:
Drinks 38
Watching the Game 9
Amazing Food 8
Course Challenges Include:
Narrow Fairways 77
Elevation Changes 42
Bunkers 21
This course/club is great for:
Locals 64
Seniors 30
Advanced Golfers 26
This Course's Location is:
Convenient to the City 46
Worth the Drive 24
In the 'Burbs 11

Numbers based on reviews tagged with attribute.

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Recommended
Handicap
Age
Type of Golfer
Gender
Played On
Reviews 2
I Recommend This Course
3.0
Previously Played
Good weather
Used cart

It's fine

Shorecliffs is-what-it-is. It's a place to get out and play and practice your game without forking over too much green stuff. For most people, that should be more than enough. Personally, I like the layout and score pretty well, but that's beside the point. At the end of the day, you're hitting a golf ball around a course and it really shouldn't matter how nice the course is. What really matters is your swing and how you're hitting the ball.

Conditions Average
Value Excellent
Layout Average
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Amenities Average
Difficulty Moderate
df5a77ea-a050-520f-9fb3-7327a5d25192
Commented on 05/23/2016

Glad you enjoyed the layout here at Shorecliffs. We hope we see you again soon and keep practicing!

Played On
Reviews 3
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
2.0
First Time Playing

Poor

I never write reviews about anything but after my total disgust with this course I felt it necessary. The greens were the only acceptable part of this course. The tee boxes and fairways were very poorly kept. The rate of play was terrible. The front 9 was fast but the back 9 was backed up by groups of 4 or 5 one after another. On top of waiting on other golfers, the grounds keeper was watering the green of a par 3 with a garden hose while I waited in the tee box to tee off. The course overall was dirty with all the tunnels you have to drive through that smell like dead fish. The worst golf experience I've ever had.

Conditions Fair
Value Fair
Layout Poor
Friendliness Good
Pace Poor
Amenities Poor
Default User Avatar
Commented on 06/03/2016

You nailed it. Quite possibly the worst course I've ever played. And I've played on some Midwestern cow pastures!

df5a77ea-a050-520f-9fb3-7327a5d25192
Commented on 05/23/2016

We regret to hear your experience at Shorecliffs GC was not all it could be and it compelled you to write a review. We will inform our staff and crews and ensure these concerns are addressed. Thanks for looking out.

Played On
Reviews 3
Skill Beginner
Plays Once a month
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played

Beginner

Second time playing this course. I'm a beginner but this course is still fun. Front 9 moved along quick but got stuck behind a couple groups on the back 9. Great course for the price I paid on golfnow. Will def be back.

Conditions Average
Value Excellent
Layout Good
Friendliness Good
Pace Average
df5a77ea-a050-520f-9fb3-7327a5d25192
Commented on 05/09/2016

Awesome! So glad you loved the course and found a great deal. We are happy to hear you'll be coming back for more. See you again soon!

Played On
Reviews 30
Handicap 10-14
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing
Excellent weather
Used cart

Blast from the Past

This is a muni-feeling course, but the layout suggests it was once played but some of the best golfers around. They claim Richard Nixon played here regularly. His B&W photo proudly hangs on the clubhouse wall. The tee boxes are in horrible condition and the fairways are pretty rough, but the greens are excellent. They obviously know what's most important to real golfers. Most of the bunkers are thin. The par 3's are some of the longest and toughest around. I must say the people (staff and players) are wonderful. The tunnels that take you to under streets to get to the next hole are charming, but a little scary. I'll definitely play here again. Hope they hook me up with nice players like they did this time.

Conditions Average
Value Good
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Good
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
df5a77ea-a050-520f-9fb3-7327a5d25192
Commented on 04/25/2016

Thanks so much for playing Shorecliffs GC! We appreciate the review and glad you had a great time at the course, sounds like you enjoyed your visit and it was unique! Come back soon.

Played On
Reviews 1
Skill Intermediate
2.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing

Poorly maintained but cheap

The guy at the starter was rather rude but the bartender was very friendly. The whole place is pretty rough looking from the clubhouse to the greens. Everything was so overgrown and the green are in need of maintenance. The atmosphere over all was dumpy and not pleasant to look at. It was extremely cheap so I guess you get what you pay for

Conditions Poor
Value Good
Layout Average
Friendliness Fair
Pace Fair
Amenities Poor
df5a77ea-a050-520f-9fb3-7327a5d25192
Commented on 04/25/2016

Thanks for leaving your feedback, we regret to hear your experience at the course was not up to your expectations, we will inform our staff and audit the course. We hope to see you again soon!

Played On
Reviews 9
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing

Small greens like bay area's Olympic Club

Wow narrow fairways and small greens. I hit great approach shots that could not hold the hard greens. Need to aerorate!!

Conditions Average
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Average
Amenities Fair
df5a77ea-a050-520f-9fb3-7327a5d25192
Commented on 04/25/2016

Thanks for playing at Shorecliffs GC. Glad you found the course a challenge, we hope it tested your skill. Come back and see us!

Played On
Reviews 3
Handicap Don't know
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Previously Played
Good weather
Used cart

go to course

Always a pleasure to play here and for the price it cost I would suggest it as a go to course if money is tight

Conditions Good
Value Good
Layout Good
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Average
Amenities Good
Difficulty Moderate
df5a77ea-a050-520f-9fb3-7327a5d25192
Commented on 04/04/2016

Thanks so much for playing at Shorecliffs Golf Course! We appreciate your feedback, glad you found good value in playing here. Come back and see us soon!

Played On
Reviews 2
Handicap 15-19
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a month
3.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played

Narrow fairways

Extremely narrow fairways on some holes. Lots of OB. Bring balls. Good price for O.C.

Conditions Average
Value Good
Layout Average
Friendliness Average
Pace Good
Amenities Average
df5a77ea-a050-520f-9fb3-7327a5d25192
Commented on 04/04/2016

Thanks for playing at Shorecliffs, sorry to hear you lost a lot of golf balls out there, but it's nice to hear it was quite the challenge. We can't wait to see you again - keep on practicing!

Played On
Reviews 9
Handicap 5-9
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
3.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played

Off Day for Shorecliffs?

Cart ran out of "juice" on back 9. Needed assistance from partner to limp

Into stable. Pace was a tad slow Normally pretty good.

Conditions Average
Value Average
Layout Good
Friendliness Good
Pace Fair
Amenities Average
df5a77ea-a050-520f-9fb3-7327a5d25192
Commented on 03/14/2016

Thanks for reviewing our course. We regret to hear you had some trouble with the cart on the back 9. We will address this with our staff and ensure you don't run into such an issue again. Hope to see you again soon!

Played On
Reviews 3
Handicap Don't know
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a month
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing
Excellent weather
Used cart

nice course for the money

very nice course for the money. I had a real good time. The greens were very quick.

Conditions Good
Value Excellent
Layout Good
Friendliness Good
Pace Average
Amenities Good
Difficulty Moderate
df5a77ea-a050-520f-9fb3-7327a5d25192
Commented on 03/03/2016

Awesome! Glad you liked the course and enjoyed your round and the greens. We look forward to seeing you back at Shorecliffs GC on your next round. Take care!

Played On
Reviews 3
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
1.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing

This course was terrible!

I am not going to play here again. Employees are not professional manner. They don't help player. And not try to listen player. Terrible!

Conditions Fair
Value Poor
Layout Fair
Friendliness Poor
Pace Poor
Amenities Poor
df5a77ea-a050-520f-9fb3-7327a5d25192
Commented on 03/02/2016

Sorry to hear your experience with the staff was not as expected. We really hope you return and let us know what we can do while you're here at Shorecliffs GC to make your round exceptional. We apologize there was an issue when you came down to play but we assure you we will do whatever it takes to make sure you're happy with your round. Email us directly so we can sort something out for you: shorecliffsteetimes@yahoo.com

Played On
Reviews 4
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Previously Played

Course always improving!!

This course has been through some tough times over the last few years. Just about a year ago I would NEVER consider coming here to play cause the conditions were so bad. That's not the case now. The greens are in much better shape than I've ever seen, the fairways are still extremely firm with lots of dirt patches everywhere, but that's nothing to complain about seeing as they're renovating a few holes as well as completely changing a couple holes to new par 4's and 3's.

Despite the course construction, there are only 2 things I could find that were actual negatives to playing here. 1.) my biggest complaint is the pace of play here. I understand when a course like this doesn't have a starter. But the fact that twosomes refuse to listen to the guy checking them in at the pro-shop by not pairing up with the other twosome in their tee-time, really slows down the pace of play. The last 4 times I've played here, we ended up teeing off 30 mins after our tee time because of groups refusing to play together just because they dont have a starter forcing them to match up at the first tee. We ended up playing a 3 hour FRONT NINE because of this. It took us almost a full 6 hours to complete the round. Lucky for us, the twosome who refused to group up had carts that died on them halfway through the round (karma?) and the twosome infront of them eventually paired with the twosome infront of THEM, and by the 12th hole, we were on a normal pace. I wish they would have a Marshall that actually enforced pace of play. Instead, I saw the Marshall TWICE all round, every round I've played there. What did he/she do? Either ignored us completely and passed by, or just waved as he/she passed by... Little frustrating, but you get what you get for a $20 round.

And 2.) I know the course is under repair and renovations, but the TEE BOXES need some serious work. I can't say there was a single hole on the course that had an evenly flat tee box. I was teeing off with the ball below or above my feet every shot. In addition to the tee boxes not being flat, most of them contained lumpy patches of grass and scattered dirt patches as your options to hit from.

Other than that, the course is awesome for its cost and it's only getting better each time I play. I love the challenge it brings, you can't just grip it and rip it and expect your next shot to be playable. It really requires strategic play with minimal room for error. I'm definitely going to continue to play here as renovations continue. I just hope they do something to crack down on the pace of play.

Conditions Average
Value Excellent
Layout Good
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Poor
Amenities Average
df5a77ea-a050-520f-9fb3-7327a5d25192
Commented on 02/29/2016

Thank you for leaving your detailed review and for taking the time to provide feedback on Shorecliffs Golf Course. We will inform our staff regarding the pace of play issues you may have experience, we'll be sure to better address them and make your next round the best possible round for you. Hope to see you again real soon, thanks for noticing all our improvements!

Played On
Reviews 5
Handicap 20-24
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
3.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Fair weather
Used cart

Challenging course - helps golfers improve their driving accuracy.

Driving accuracy will keep your ball on the fairway. Over-all fairways are green with just a few brown spots. Greens are well-kept but terrain makes it a little tricky. will definitely recommend to friends.

Conditions Average
Value Good
Layout Good
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Average
Amenities Good
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
df5a77ea-a050-520f-9fb3-7327a5d25192
Commented on 02/29/2016

Thanks you so much for your recommendation! We're happy to hear you enjoyed your round at Shorecliffs, we are working on patching those conditions up you had mentioned, thank you for looking out. We hope to see you again soon!

Played On
Reviews 10
Handicap 25+
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a month
I Recommend This Course
3.0
First Time Playing
Good weather
Used cart

ShoreCliffs

The course is tight with lots of trees, shrubs, and ravines. The bunkers were hard packed and abundant. The fairways were spotty with numerous open dirt patches. The greens were very nice and the highlight of the day. The pace of play was moderate; we were following a five-some and they weren't real quick. The group behind us was nice as we shared tee boxes on several occasions. All in all an average course made better by good people.

Conditions Average
Value Good
Layout Average
Friendliness Good
Pace Excellent
Amenities Average
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
df5a77ea-a050-520f-9fb3-7327a5d25192
Commented on 02/08/2016

Thank you so much for taking the time to review Shorecliffs Golf Course! We are delighted to hear you enjoyed the conditions of the greens and your round was made better with good company. We will inform our staff and crews regarding the other elements you mentioned. Looking forward to your next visit!

Played On
Reviews 4
Handicap 10-14
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Previously Played
Excellent weather
Used cart

Favorite course in OC

How do you not love this place? I play here about 12x a year and everytime I come here I see an improvement. The greens are in amazing shape and the fairways are getting better, by the way, who cares about the fairways on par 3's, just hit the green. I've played most of the courses in Orange County and Cliffs is 4 strokes harder then everywhere else becuase you can't grab a driver and slice it in the next fairway and expect to still play that shot. This course is very stregic so hit them straight.

Pace of play is always smooth
Best greens in OC
Can't beat the price.
Breakfast burro is a must
Staff is always respectful.

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Difficulty Extremely Challenging
df5a77ea-a050-520f-9fb3-7327a5d25192
Commented on 02/08/2016

Thanks so much for playing at Shorecliffs! We are happy to hear you loved the whole list of things here at the course, we love our fans! We can't wait to see you on your next round, thank you for taking notice of all our improvements. Have a great one!

Played On
Reviews 4
Handicap 10-14
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Previously Played
Excellent weather
Used cart

Favorite course.

How do you not love this place? I play here about 12x a year and everytime I come here I see an improvement. The greens are in amazing shape and the fairways are getting better, by the way, who cares about the fairways on par 3's, just hit the green. I've played most of the courses in Orange County and Cliffs is 4 strokes harder then everywhere else becuase you can't grab a driver and slice it in the next fairway and expect to still play that shot. This course is very strategic, so hit them straight.

Pace of play is always smooth
Best greens in OC
Can't beat the price.
Breakfast burro is a must
Staff is always respectful.

Conditions Good
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Good
Difficulty Extremely Challenging
df5a77ea-a050-520f-9fb3-7327a5d25192
Commented on 02/03/2016

Awesome! Thank you so much for your great review, we love hearing your feedback on the course and very happy to hear you loved the price, the staff, the course, the greens and even our breakfast burrito! Hope to see you again soon!

Played On
Reviews 43
Handicap 10-14
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
3.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Excellent weather
Used cart

I like the layout

This was probably a great course in its day; however, the fairways and tee boxes were in really rough shape.
The greens on the other hand were in very good condition. I do like the layout as there is lots of variety and some scenic views.
Unfortunately it is under maintained.

We booked late on Golf Now and got an amazing rate of $14.00 which makes it pretty hard to complain.
I would say it was great value if your expectations aren't too high.

Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
df5a77ea-a050-520f-9fb3-7327a5d25192
Commented on 02/01/2016

Thank you for leaving your review on Shorecliffs GC! We appreciate the honest feedback and definitely hear your concern on the conditions you had mentions. We are working towards the best Shorecliffs yet, our staff and crews have been notified and will be addressed. Come back and see us this season!

Played On
Reviews 20
Handicap 10-14
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
3.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Average weather
Used cart

Lack of Course Supervision

PACE was extremely slow. Though there was a Marshall he was not doing anything to assist speed of at. When visual he was busy on his cellphone or looking for errant golf balls. Greens are great, the pace was slow...two groups in front should have been compiled...there are no benchmarks of time to maintain a good round.

Conditions Average
Value Fair
Friendliness Average
Pace Fair
Amenities Average
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
df5a77ea-a050-520f-9fb3-7327a5d25192
Commented on 01/13/2016

Thank you for leaving your feedback on Shorecliffs Golf Course. We will inform our staff of your experience, we are happy to see you enjoyed your overall round, we will address the pace of play in house. Thanks again for your feedback we hope to see you again this season!

Played On
Reviews 17
Handicap 5-9
Skill Advanced
Plays Once a week
2.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing

Awful

After a big rain it was cart path only. Over 5 hrs to play. No marshal. No refreshment cart. Fairways in bad shape. Greens good. Too narrow for the group in front of us.

Conditions Poor
Value Average
Friendliness Fair
Pace Poor
Amenities Poor
df5a77ea-a050-520f-9fb3-7327a5d25192
Commented on 01/11/2016

Thank you for your review. We will discuss with our staff. We hope to see you back soon!

Played On
Reviews 1
Handicap 10-14
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Previously Played
Good weather
Used cart

A place to discover how terrible you really are at golf.

I love this place. It has a terrible odor that repels the type of golfers that make golf miserable. It's difficulty is what makes this course great. It makes a bad golfer even worse and if played more often, skills improve. I became a much better golfer because I forced myself to play here and now other courses are much easier. I also holed out from the 13th tee box at 177yds. I enjoy the difficulty for the reason of becoming a well rounded player.

Conditions Average
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Average
Difficulty Extremely Challenging
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