Imagine standing on a tee box, the vast expanse of the Pacific Ocean stretching endlessly before you, a gentle breeze carrying the scent of salt air. This isn’t merely a picturesque moment; it’s the signature sensation of Pelican Hill Golf Club, a world-class destination nestled on California’s sun-drenched Newport Coast. Like the Miami Beach Golf Club, it provides unique golf experiences. Crafted by the legendary Tom Fazio, this golfing sanctuary offers an experience so profound, it transcends the game itself. Following meticulous updates and continuous refinement, Pelican Hill redefines coastal luxury golf, blending jaw-dropping scenery with a truly strategic challenge.
The Enduring Legacy of Pelican Hill’s Greens
Pelican Hill Golf Club, initially unveiled with the Ocean South course in 1991 and Ocean North in 1993, has continuously evolved, solidifying its place among the game’s elite. A significant “re-perfection” spearheaded by Fazio himself in 2005 saw a comprehensive overhaul. This involved the replacement of turf on fairways and tee boxes, strategic reshaping of bunkers, enhanced drainage systems, and the installation of a state-of-the-art water system designed to conserve and recycle water. This meticulous attention to detail has cultivated a course that is as visually stunning as it is intellectually stimulating to play, echoing the timeless allure that once drew Hollywood icons like Humphrey Bogart and John Wayne to its hallowed grounds. Celebrating over 25 years of majestic California sunsets, unforgettable rounds, and unmatched service, Pelican Hill Golf Club continues to garner accolades.
Tom Fazio’s Masterful Design Philosophy
No living golf course designer has left a more significant mark on modern golf than Tom Fazio, consistently featured on Golf Digest’s list of America’s 100 Greatest Golf Courses. At Pelican Hill, Fazio’s genius shines through his ability to perfectly complement the natural landscape with every lie, every shot, and every hole. His design philosophy emphasizes wide fairways and expansive, undulating greens that are both inviting and challenging. He masterfully utilizes the dramatic coastal terrain, integrating canyons, cliffs, and ocean vistas, ensuring that players are constantly captivated by their surroundings while still facing a rigorous test of their skills.
The Distinct Challenges: Ocean North and Ocean South
Pelican Hill boasts two distinct championship courses, each offering a unique journey through its stunning terrain.
Ocean North: A Strategic Symphony of Canyons and Cliffs
The Ocean North course, stretching nearly 7,000 yards, is a veritable test of precision and strategic thinking. It’s renowned for its demanding par-3s, which require precise, calculated carries over deep canyons to greens perched precariously at the edge of the landscape. For instance, the 197-yard 2nd and the 170-yard 6th play downhill to greens on the other side of small canyons, demanding accuracy over power. This course, with its open canyons and elevated plateaus, consistently traces the cliff’s edge, creating an exhilarating blend of challenge and aesthetic splendor. On the back nine, the 558-yard 17th is widely regarded as the signature hole, swinging right and down to a promontory green where approach shots played beyond the putting surface are in significant trouble. Golfers seeking a strategic, visually impressive round will find Ocean North a compelling choice.
Ocean South: A Dramatic Canvas of Promontories and Panoramas
Ocean South, featuring striking Pacific Ocean vistas, offers a captivating and dramatic golfing journey. This course tends to see more play and, according to local insights, its conditions reflect the higher traffic while still maintaining top-notch standards. The course’s design, characterized by wide fairways and large, often receptive greens, can be forgiving off the tee, yet the challenge intensifies dramatically on the putting surfaces. Greens here are known for being quick and challenging, with various breaks that necessitate staying below the hole for the best chance at a good score.
The back-to-back par-3s on the South Course, #12 and #13, are particularly memorable, taking golfers right to the edge of a cliff overlooking the beach, where one can almost feel the spray of the ocean. Hole #13 even offers two green options, with the left-hand green demanding precise club selection for its rather skinny putting surface. The final four holes, affectionately dubbed “the death march” by local players, present a formidable finish:
- #15 plays uphill into a two-tiered green, where a long and left shot is often the best choice.
- #16, an iconic par-3, can become an instant double bogey with an errant tee shot, especially when the sea breeze picks up.
- #17 is a wonderful par-5, offering birdie opportunities if players can skillfully clear the grass ravine on their second shot.
- #18 is arguably the most difficult finishing hole in Southern California; a local tip suggests taking more club than anticipated on the second shot into its well-defended green.
While forgiving in some areas, the course’s design elements and demanding approach shots make Ocean South a truly challenging and rewarding experience, offering breathtaking 270-degree Pacific vistas.
Unparalleled Service and Amenities
Pelican Hill Golf Club provides an experience that rivals elite private clubs, boasting top-notch conditioning, immaculate facilities, and a commitment to extraordinary service from the moment you arrive. This extends to various services designed to enhance your visit.
Elevating Your Game: Forecaddie Services
To refine your game and navigation of these exceptional courses, professional forecaddie services are available by reservation. Expert forecaddies offer invaluable insights into reading greens, course strategy, and local knowledge, significantly enhancing your overall playing experience. This service is consistently rated with a high satisfaction rate for improving play, offering an advantage on these complex layouts. Booking can be easily arranged by calling (877) 735-4226.
Environmental Stewardship: Golf with a Conscience
Pelican Hill Golf Club is committed to environmentally responsible practices. The resort has invested in advanced water management systems that conserve and recycle water, reflecting a dedication to sustainability. These efforts ensure that the pristine beauty of the course is maintained while minimizing its ecological footprint, allowing golfers to enjoy the game with a clear conscience.
Planning Your Visit: Packages and Practicalities
Pelican Hill offers thoughtfully curated experiences, from tailored golf packages to essential visitor information.
Tailored Pelican Hill Golf Packages
For those looking to immerse themselves fully, Pelican Hill offers thoughtfully curated Pelican Hill golf packages. These options cater to various group sizes and preferences, ensuring a seamless and memorable escape.
- Two-Player Package: Booking select accommodations (Bungalow Guestroom, Bungalow Suite, or Two-Bedroom Villa) includes two rounds of golf per day, ideal for a golfing duo.
- Four-Player Package: This option provides one round of golf per player per day, perfect for a foursome seeking an unforgettable golf vacation.
- South Villas: Enjoy up to four complimentary rounds of golf when reserving the opulent South Villas, with additional adults also having access to a la carte options.
The Resort at Pelican Hill: A Mediterranean Coastal Sanctuary
Perched on 504 acres of stunning coastal beauty, The Resort at Pelican Hill offers a true Mediterranean-style escape. The ocean-view bungalows and suites are sanctuaries of luxury, featuring plush, feather-top beds with European linens, private terraces boasting breathtaking ocean views, and spacious bathrooms with deep soaking tubs and walk-in showers. The Tuscan-inspired design, complete with vaulted ceilings and stone flooring, creates an ambiance of timeless elegance, inviting guests to prolong their stay beyond the greens.
Understanding the Cancellation Policy
Life’s unpredictability necessitates awareness of the cancellation policy. Pelican Hill, like other top-tier clubs, observes specific timelines for modifications or cancellations to reservations. Familiarizing yourself with these details, readily available on their official website or upon booking, is advisable to avoid any unforeseen fees or complications.
Added Convenience: Complimentary Self-Parking
Enjoy the ease of complimentary self-parking, allowing you to focus entirely on the golfing experience without the added concern of parking costs. This thoughtful amenity underscores Pelican Hill’s commitment to a convenient and luxurious visit.
Is the Investment Worthwhile? A Balanced Perspective
While a round at Pelican Hill Golf Club represents a significant investment, with green fees dynamically ranging from approximately $130 for a twilight rate to $700+ per player during peak times, many golfers consider the unparalleled experience to be worth every penny. The dynamic combination of breathtaking scenery, a challenging and enjoyable layout, and impeccable service culminates in a truly memorable round, solidifying its status as a premier golf destination. Pelican Hill Golf Club proudly partners with Jack and Barbara Nicklaus and Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, further adding to its community value.
Pros and Cons of a Pelican Hill Golf Experience
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Stunning panoramic ocean views from nearly every tee box on both courses, providing a dramatic backdrop. | Higher price point compared to many other golf destinations, reflecting its luxury status and amenities. |
| Two distinct and challenging courses (Ocean North and Ocean South) meticulously designed by Tom Fazio, offering varied play. | Potential for slower pace of play, especially during late morning/early afternoon peak times, sometimes exceeding 5 hours. |
| Luxurious accommodations and high-end resort amenities create an exceptional, all-encompassing experience. | The dynamic pricing system can lead to significantly higher green fees depending on the time of day and season. |
| Tailored Pelican Hill golf packages offer flexible and convenient options for individuals and groups. | Specific design elements on some holes, particularly the challenging greens, may prove frustrating for some players. |
| Environmentally responsible practices, including advanced water management and conservation. | The resort atmosphere, while luxurious, may not appeal to those seeking a more traditional, less crowded golf club feel. |
| Professional forecaddie services available to enhance course navigation and strategy. |
To book your unforgettable golf getaway or to inquire about exclusive offers and Pelican Hill golf packages, call (800) 228-9290.
Pelican Hill Golf Club represents more than just a round of golf; it’s an immersive journey into unparalleled beauty, exquisite design, and meticulous service. Standing on a tee box, the ocean breeze on your face, and the endless blue stretching before you — this is the magic that lingers long after your final putt. Whether you choose the strategic demands of Ocean North or the dramatic allure of Ocean South, Pelican Hill offers a coastal golfing paradise that promises to be an experience you’ll remember forever.
Source: Pelican Hill Golf Club
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