Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel

The strange part. I was led to believe when checking in, the tip % added to the green fees was a composite for all staff. First time I had encountered an add on in advance, pick your tip % at check in.
Found out later it was pro shop personnel only who shared in the tip.
Went back in the pro shop, asked that they split the 20% of the total with the club cleaner, the valet, and the marshal, as well as the shop staff.
Kind of perplexing-I like the one tip for all, but think the one minute check in doesn’t warrant the whole $ 105 tip.
The shop said it only slit when requested Troon, you should at least explain what the system is.

Course is poorly managed compared to similarly priced nearby courses.

For $300 there should be a range, bunkers should be consistent and no way should you be waiting on the T box or fairway for slower groups to clear. Beautiful course, staff is great..... but not worth it

Agree with reviews that you'll be disappointed if this course is your destination. It's a nice resort course with wide and favorably sloped fairways. Only two holes are scenic and it is not walkable. I played 18 holes in an outing on Saturday and played 9 holes late afternoon the next day. The $131 was for the 9 holes. If you are going to play 9, make sure you play the front.

Fun course with some nice water holes and creative shots needed. Only two holes on the beach if you think it is an ocean course it is not really.

Staff was very friendly at all locations pro shop, snack shop, Marshall, etc..

No driving range but hitting area was good for warm up.

If you ever thought about playing Monarch Beach and just haven't done it......don't wait! It is a tough but fair course and the conditions are wonderful. The fairways and greens are well maintained and the views are just as good.
I Played as a single as was paired with some local players. I couldn't have had picked nicer and more helpful playing companions for my first outing there.
Treat yourself and friends and book a round soon.

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.

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

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.