Monarch Beach Golf Links, Dana Point

The Monarch Beach Golf Links, located in Dana Point at The Monarch Beach Resort is a SoCal favorite. If you want to play “hooky” from your desk job this couldn’t be a better spot to hide. Experience the panoramic Pacific Ocean views and unrivaled natural beauty while perfecting your golf game. Some have called Monarch Beach the “Pebble Beach” of Southern California and it is for good reason. There are very few golf courses that can stand up to the blend of stunning backdrops and a variety of presented challenges but Monarch Beach Golf Links does just that.

Designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr; this par 70 championship course offers sweeping views to the sea, dramatic bluffs, and an unending variety of play. Don’t be fooled; this is not an easy course. The master of his craft Robert Trent Jones Jr has designed a very challenging layout in the Scottish links tradition making one pay very close attention to each shot. I must admit I may have lost a ball or two on this natural beauty but honestly never really paid much mind to it because of the overall experience. The backdrops of Monarch Beach are ingrained in my memory forever, there’s a reason why I love to come here. It calms me. With the contrast of deep ocean blue against the manicured grass and Mediterranean style homes adjacent to the course, it makes those double bogeys tolerable. My two favorite holes are of course holes 3 and 4 as they are oceanfront property and if you are lucky enough you may be visited by a pod of dolphins or a breaching Gray whale in the distance.

Upon finishing your round you are greeted by friendly staff offering hot towels as they wash your clubs which is a welcomed surprise. Turn over your gear and head to Bourbon Steak, Michael Mina’s acclaimed restaurant to celebrate a beautiful day out on the greens. Sit on the patio and take in the beautiful Southern California weather and enjoy a nice cold refreshing cocktail. Try the Mai Tai made with Havana Club Blanco Rum, Gosling’s Black Seal Rum, Orange Curacao, Pineapple Juice, Lime and Orgeat. For a decadent bite, you can’t go wrong with the Lobster and Coconut Bisque with Truffle Boba, Dungeness Crab and Crispy Shallots. Follow that with the Black Angus Filet Mignon and you have the perfect ending to a blissful day.