Aliso Creek Golf Course : Laguna Beach, CA

This month’s golf course review is Aliso Creek Golf Course in Laguna Beach. The 9 hole course is located off of Pacific Coast Highway. You couldn’t ask for a nicer drive to the course along P.C.H. with the coast and cliffs of Laguna Beach. However, as you turn off of P.C.H. towards Aliso Creek, you are transfixed from one element to another. The short drive into the canyon boasts large cliffs, hillsides and heavy vegetation. It’s like taking a 2 hour drive from the coast to Big Bear in less than 1 minute.

When you arrive at Aliso Creek Golf Course, do not plan on warming up on a driving range. They have a warm up area, but it consists of a few stations hitting into netting. If you need to warm up before a round, this is your only option. They have a nice putting area near the 9th hole to warm up your short game.

"My dad and I have played this course during the summer at
a comfortable 75 degrees, when it was 10-15 degrees hotter
inland."

This par 32 course plays a bit more difficult than the numbers dictate. Beautiful trees and heavy vegetation require you to be fairly accurate on almost every tee shot. If you spray your tee shot, more than likely you will be taking a drop after searching forever to find your ball among the bushes and shrubs. Luckily for beginner and intermediate golfers, the yardage is rather short on the par 4’s and somewhat lenient in fairway width. Most of the par 3’s are long however, measuring 201, 195, 120, and 207 yards.

The first hole is a great opening hole. It measures 300 yards and is perched above the canyon. The slightly downhill shot is laid out well. Many long hitters will want to take out their driver and attempt to drive the hole. However, a creek bed is placed 50 yards before the green forcing the longer hitter to lay up with a 5 iron. Hole 2 is a par 3 measuring 201 yards from the back tees. This tee shot again is downhill from the back tees, with heavy vegetation on both sides. Hole 3 is a par 4 measuring 308 yards. The fairway opens up on this hole, but then shuts back down as you get closer to the hole. You are very well aware of the creek bed on the left during your tee shot, so staying to the right is essential. But trees and a small hillside knoll guard the green, so make sure you leave a comfortable length for your approach shot to the green. Hole 4 is a long par 3 measuring 195 yards, and the par 4 fifth hole is a little more forgiving, with trees guarding both sides of the fairway. Your tee shot from the fifth carries over the creek bed to an eventual elevated green.

Hole 6 is a short downhill par 3 measuring 120 yards. Over or under-hitting here is very costly, with not much room for error. Hole 7 is a scenic hole hitting towards to coast. This hole can play longer than it’s 298 yards with afternoon ocean breezes blowing towards you. Hole 7 is a fun par 3 that measures a strong 207 yards from the back tees. The green is guarded by the creek bed in front which prevents shorter hitters from rolling the ball up to the green. The finishing hole is a 274 yard par 4 leading to an elevated green. The fairway is inviting enough to hit a long drive on this hole, and long hitters will do their best to get as much carry as possible considering the elevated green reduces roll.

The pace of play can vary depending on when you play. As with all courses, the crowd and ability levels of the golfers dictate much of the pace. Obviously if you get stuck behind beginner golfers, it could be a long round due to the simple fact that some hate to part with their $1.00 golf ball that they hit out-of-bounds, and will scour the vegetation until they either find it or are harassed to move on. Each time I have played Aliso Creek the pace of play has been more than adequate.

Aliso Creek Golf Course also offers an on-site restaurant and inn. The restaurant is called The Canyon Lodge American Grill. A bit higher priced than a casual lunch ($10-$15), but the menu is very diverse. After your round of golf I recommend having a drink from the bar and nice cigar out on the patio overlooking the first hole. It’s a great place to unwind afterwards and talk about your round among the beautiful scenery.

I have not had a chance to stay at the Aliso Creek Inn. The prices range from $134.00-$412.00 a night. There are studio units available, as well as 1 and 2 bedroom lodging. Fairway executive suites are on the upper end of the price range. They usually offers package deals, so take the time to visit their website to find more information at http://www.alisocreekinn.com/.

Each time I have played Aliso Creek Golf Course I have enjoyed myself. The course is usually in good shape, and sometimes it’s nice to play 9 holes instead of 18, especially during the weekend on crowded courses. One thing that also makes this course special is the weather. My dad and I have played this course during the summer at a comfortable 75 degrees when it was 10-15 degrees hotter inland. The canyons seem to trap in some of the cooler air from the coast. Aliso Creek is a nice summer alternative if your local course is nearing triple digit temperatures. Take the time to play this little course on the coast, and soak up the views during and after your round.

Aliso Creek Golf Course is located at 31106 Pacific Coast Highway in the city of Laguna Beach. To get more information or reserve a tee time, you can call them at 949-499-1919 or visit them on-line at www.alisocreekinn.com.

*Rates and info should be verified before making reservations. Call for any additional and updated information.

Corey Bogardus received his B.A. degree in Graphic Design and Fine Arts from Azusa Pacific University. He is the Editor-In-Chief of the Investment Property Update Newspaper. He also heads up a company known as The Design Well, an advertising agency which produces print and web graphics for companies such as the IPU. You can visit them online at www.TheDesignWell.com.