San Clemente Golf Club

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ocweeklybestof | Costa Mesa, CA | 160 Reviews

Green fees at this 18-hole, Billy Bell-designed municipal golf course equal what you'd tip the bag boys at private or overpriced public clubs. And even the links for the upper-snothead set that hug the coast can't beat the "Pride of the Pacific" when it comes to stunningly beautiful ocean views. Set on land San Clemente founder Ole Hanson donated to the city in 1930, the course features challenging elevation changes and a Par 5 on the back nine that is among the goofiest encountered in Orange County. But instead of lowering our rating, we count that as a positive, seeing how a certain Weekling birdied the hole. For those who desire actual exercise with their golf—imagine that!—you can walk the San Clemente course without getting the stink-eye from the starter. Check that: Starters everywhere give the stink-eye to everyone. But he won't give walkers any more of a stink-eye than he gives duffers who rent carts. Now back to those green fees: If you can produce proof that you reside in San Clemente, you'll get on the city-owned course for a ridonkulously low 18 bucks on weekdays and $25 on weekends and holidays (with the $50 purchase of an annual resident-discount card). It's almost worth buying a house down there just for the privilege—especially if it's one of the cute cottages that line many holes.