Father’s Day Golf Courses

A Father’s Day gift for dads who love golf — 3 favorite OC courses

Pelican Hill Golf Course

One pelican, many hills, two golf courses, 36 dramatic holes, and a thousand “oohs” and “ahhs” as you drink in the scenery while playing at this top-ranked Pacific-coast golf paradise located on an ocean-hugging ridge in Newport Coast. Both the
Ocean North Course (pictured above) and the Ocean South Course have spectacular views, and each has its own personality; the North known for its sweeping vistas of the coast, the South feeling more secluded with tighter tree-lined fairways, and three holes that run along a sea cliff near Crystal Cove. We played the Ocean North Course on its fast greens and with wide fairways, in a brand new cart with GPS, and it was not a “good walk spoiled,” as Mark Twain once described the game. Even a hacker like me felt no pain with a lousy shot while breathing in the ocean breeze and soaking up the view. Because the beauty can be distracting —a sort of stroke-costing-but-pleasant hazard—Tom Fazio, the course architect, said he framed each hole to help players “keep their focus on the game.” It didn’t work, Tom. Plan your tee time for a spectacular sunset at the end of the round. Or play early and enjoy Father’s Day brunch with family at this landmark location (see Dad’s Day Grub on page 16 of this issue). Forecaddies available. Green fees on either course, $295. www.golfpelicanhill.com

Monarch Beach Golf Links

This is one of only a small number of oceanfront courses in California. With its scenic 3rd hole fronting Salt Creek Beach, and the rest of the Robert Trent Jones Jr. course commanding panoramic views of the Pacific, golf at stunning Monarch Beach in Dana Point makes for a memorable Dad’s Day treat. Include the added twist of a GolfBoard instead of a cart, and he’ll be smiling through the bogeys.

Golfboards, which top out at 10 mph and handle like a snowboard or a surfboard, add a thrill-ride element, capable of changing a frustrating outing into a totally rad surfing session. Add unnecessary S-turns on the way to your ball to make yourself feel better about that lousy slice. The four-wheel drive and fat tires keep you from getting stuck or spinning out. It’s pretty hard to crash unless you try; believe me, I would have if it were possible. In fact, the friendly folks who work the links at Monarch say they have never had an accident with a GolfBoard. GolfBoards can be found at other OC courses, including Coto de Caza Golf & Racket, Tustin Ranch Golf Club, and Black Gold Golf Club in Yorba Linda. At Monarch, the GolfBoard rental fee for a non-member is $30. A tee time is $250 on weekends, non-member. Forecaddies available. www.monarchbeachgolf.com

Ben Brown’s Golf Course

One of the most beautiful golf courses in California is a nine-hole course tucked away in a dramatic box canyon in Laguna Beach, off the beaten path, and part of a unique resort called The Ranch at Laguna Beach. Dad will not have ocean views, but there is stunning scenery within the walls of Aliso and Wood Canyons. The vibe is laidback and most players walk the nine holes rather than ride a cart. Book a week in advance. Tee times are $44 walking, or $55 for riding a cart. www.theranchlb.com/golf/overview