Talega Golf Club

Great course, but with a bad back - I cannot carry a full set of clubs the 100 yards to the cart.

The club should allow carts out into the parking lot, PLEASE.

I haven’t played Tallega golf course in two years, and it was not in good shape at that time. A friend of mine played it last month, and told me that it was in great shape, and I have to admit that the course is in the best shape I’ve seen it in 10 years. Congrats to the superintendent and his crew! Fairways were great, Sandtraps. We’re in very good shape and the greens rolled, true.

This time was denied (THE MORNING OF!!!) by the course who alerted me in the nick of time that they had an all day tournament and shouldn't have had any outside tee times booked.

Please make sure to refund my fees and anything else that you think is appropriate given the inconvenience and discontent I now have with your service.

I’ve been in OC now for almost 4 years. I was initially curious about this course because it is a Fred Couples design but, many colleagues and friends said to “pass” because it had really gone to crap from what it once was. Recently I’d been noticing that reviews on the course seemed to be changing so, with the help of some discounts on GolfNow I decided that for under $50, it would be at least worth judging for myself. Boy- what a great choice.

I’ll keep it all brief but from the clubhouse to the course and the staff- this place was not at all what I was expecting. I was paired up with a guy who used to have a membership and he too was back to see if the course had improved. He was a phenomenal help with tee shots, green reads and other course intel and that really was the icing on the cake.

The course layout is challenging just to the edge of “silly” meaning that while there are some blind shots and roller coaster-like greens it isn’t so much that it feels like hitting into the mouth of a clown or off a cliff into a funnel below. It’s also extremely picturesque as so many courses out here are.

The course itself has benefited from all the rain and limited play- fairways were well maintained albeit with some weeds here and there (because of the rain), the primary rough wasn’t super tall (cut to about 2.5-3) but, it was extremely thick and unforgiving- not US Open but, for a 16 - it really made me work on 2nd shots or chips after missing a green. Greens varied in size, a few being on the very small side and a few being quite large. All are well protected with a lot of sand A LOT and those that had less bunker guards- had some water. Greens themselves all were undulating and I believe now on week 3 from aeration/punching. They are already looking phenomenal and while not lightning fast- probably are only a week or so away.

This was surely a great value at under $50 but, I would have thoroughly enjoyed it at/around full weekday price.

A few tips that I learned and that were shared with me by my playing partner and the staff:

Range is detached from course but only about a mile away. Go a bit earlier if you want to warm up.

Clubhouse and facilities are beautiful but it was quiet that day so hours and staff were definitely limited.

While we played in good time (about 4hrs) we could have played in better time had there been a ranger out. 2 foursomes ahead of us were playing from tips and it was very evident they shouldn’t have been. It took us 11 holes to finally address and play thru on our own.

If it’s your 1st time playing there- consider playing from whites or a combination of white/blue. The 3s and the 5s specifically are substantially harder, longer and trickier from the blues and golds. Unless you’re both long and accurate (with consistency) you’ll lose balls or spend a lot of frustrating time (and frustration for those behind you) looking for them. Keep it in view, learn it, enjoy it and then move back if you want to.

Also and certainly not exclusive to Talega but there have been some thefts with people on foot stealing items from golf carts. Keep your carts in full view whenever possible and sometimes at this place- it might be a challenge in itself.

Great place though overall!

Perfect weather, a favorite course, course in very good condition overall (greens a bit slower than usual), interesting playing partners, was playing above average…unfortunately, it was the SLOWEST round of golf I’ve played this year (5 1/2 hours!!!). Never saw a Marshall.

Talega Golf Course is the worst golf course experience I've ever had. My wallet was stolen from my golf bag during the five minutes that I was practicing on the putting green. The group of three players ahead of us were playing very slowly, and the group of six players behind us were extremely unfriendly. I strongly advise against going to this golf course, but if you must go, please keep a close eye on your wallet.

Not sure if it’s all that hidden, but this is a great course in San Clemente. Fairly spacious fairways, manicured tee boxes and wide greens in great shape.

Played on a Monday and there was no staff to be found anywhere. Apparently they must like to ease into their week. Food and drink service is almost nonexistent, pace of play was atrocious with nobody monitoring caused by people looking for errant shots in the bushes. Nobody repairs their divots or rakes traps. Do yourself a favor and pay the extra money to go to a course that actually acts like they’re glad you’re there. That being said, price is over 100 bucks which is high for what they’re offering. Won’t play there again.

Great course, fun, challenging and good condition. The only thing I will say is WATCH OUT WHEN THEY TELL YOU HOW MUCH YOU OWE during checkin. I had a GOLFNOW credit that I redeemed for this course meaning I owed $0 for GN and $0 for the course. When I checked in the front desk they said I owed the full amount but I said that it was already paid. When he said “we don’t do that here, check how much it says on your app and you still owe us”. I pulled up the app and showed him $0. He obliged and proceeded to check me in. Not sure if GN or the course was at error so make sure you check before you double pay!