Guest Post by Brian Peña @ Red Birdie Golf.
When you think about the best golf course you've ever played, what exactly stands out for you? Is it the challenging design, the beautiful scenery, the stunning fairways, or the post-round relaxation at the clubhouse?
Whether it's one thing or a combination of the different factors, the experience of playing on a truly amazing course will stay with you for many years down the road.
If you're looking to relive that unforgettable golf game or create a new "best golf course" memory, then the sunny Irvine, California is a great place to start. This actually comes as no surprise since Irvine is home to various masterpieces that'll instantly draw you to its rugged features, dynamic changes, and scenic greenery.
Today, we're reviewing 3 of the best Irvine California golf courses: Oak Creek, Strawberry Farms, and Rancho San Joaquin.
Oak Creek Golf Club
A perfect example of refined golfing experience in Irvine takes place in the sophisticated Oak Creek Golf Club.
This tightly-knit, par-71 course is centrally located between rows of beautiful trees with lots of carved bunkers, winding paths, and two mesmerizing lakes. Stretching over 6,834 yards, this course has something for everyone from tricky traps to straight fairways. Designed by Tom Fazio, the world-famous golf course designer, the Oak Creek Golf Club brilliantly sparks the competitive spirit of golf players at all levels. Each of the 18 holes across this golf course presents a new challenge for players to shape up their game while surrounded by scenic greens and wildlife.
You can easily access the Oak Creek Golf Club from the close by Quail Hill and Turtle Rock areas, or the nearby Highway 5 and 405 interchange, home to the gorgeous Irvine Spectrum Center.
The Oak Creek Golf Club also holds all sorts of events whether you're planning a small gathering or a full-blown production.
Strawberry Farms Golf Club
The Strawberry Farms Golf Club is located on University Drive off the 405 freeway, basically neighboring the University of California in Irvine.
This golf course winds its way through Sand Canyon in the Turtle Rock area, proving to be a testament to the beauty of nature in Southern California. Developed by former California Angel third baseman, Doug DeCinces, you can expect to find the finest golfing experience in Orange County.
The Strawberry Farms Golf Club features a par-71 golf course extending over an area of 6,700 yards. It's a joy to explore thanks to its rugged hills, wooded ravine, and spectacular views over the Sand Canyon Reservoir.
This 18-hole course offers picturesque scenery across vast rolling greens surrounded by wildlife, natural vegetation, and hills with natural waterfalls. That being said, it's no wonder that the Strawberry Farms Golf Club is also one of the best venues for weddings and events in California.
Thanks to the dedicated Ceremony Lawn, Terrace Veranda, and Big Red Barn, it can be the perfect location for your indoor or outdoor celebrations.
Rancho San Joaquin Golf Course
The Rancho San Joaquin Golf Course is a public course designed by famous golf course architect William Francis Bell in 1964.
This Par73 local gem is just one turn off the highly central Culver Drive in the heart of Irvine, California. The Rancho San Joaquin golf course is set along a coastal inlet with three different lakes, bordered by the Irvine Business Complex and University Town Center.
With such a location, you may expect to find a somewhat compact executive-length course. Instead, you'll get a 6,431-yard course built for quality golfing, topped off with a driving range and large water structures. Daily rates range from $38-$55 to walk, making it also the most budget-friendly course in the city.
Winner of "Orange County's Best Place to Play" in OC magazine 2011, the Rancho San Joaquin Golf Course is also recognized as Irvine's oldest golf course.
You can even see some of its heritage at the nearby Irvine Historical Museum that's directly adjacent to the Rancho San Joaquin clubhouse, which features a pro shop and banquet facilities.
Wrap Up
There you go, detailed reviews of the 3 best Irvine California golf courses that'll have you dusting off your trusty golf bag and willing the time to pass until your next visit.
Being relatively small and mostly urban, Irvine is not short of world-class golfing options. Rancho San Joaquin Golf Course, Strawberry Farm Golf Club, and Oak Creek Golf Club are all fine examples of great golf courses that you can visit today.
Looking for a group to play with at one of these courses?
Here are 3 local groups to check out:
Flex Golf Tour gives EVERY golfer the opportunity to play Tour Golf on their schedule. Play the designated monthly tournament course on ANY day during the month that is convenient for you. Play different courses each month. Originating in Orange County, Flex Golf Tour has expanded to also feature tours in Los Angeles, San Diego, and the Inland Empire.
Women on Course is the fastest growing national community for lifestyle enthusiasts and business professionals interested in connecting through the game of golf and all it has to offer. We host over 800 events nationally for women looking to learn and improve their skills, play for recreation and sport, and connect through 19th hole lifestyle activities. Members receive lower rates to all events, priority access for travel events, exclusive discounts to a variety of golf apparel partners, and access to an online member directory. If you're ready to be part of an amazing community of women, learn a new skill, or network in a supportive environment, Women on Course is for you!
This club is open to anyone who has affiliation with UC Irvine. This includes faculty, staff, alumni, students, and community members. They hold bi-monthly outings in the Irvine area, including an annual club championship tournament.
