Golf Guide to Monarch Beach Golf Links

The Monarch Beach Golf Links is one of the most gorgeous golf courses in Southern California. This golf course is arguably more beautiful than Pelican Hill. Monarch Beach is a small neighborhood in Dana Point, California. You can tell this place is $$$ based on the houses surrounding the golf course.

You can opt to stay at the resort within Monarch Beach Golf Links and enjoy the beach around Dana Point that night or the day after/before.

Accessing the Monarch Beach Golf Links

Driving to Dana Point is quite an adventure, regardless of whether you’re northbound or southbound. The biggest difference from The Ranch at Laguna Beach is that there are multiple roads you can take to Monarch Beach. You have to be mindful of the toll road if you’re coming from the north. Once you arrive at the Monarch Beach resort, you can opt to self-park or go through complimentary valet.

The customer service at the Monarch Beach Golf Links is unmatched. The staff are kind, the carts are nice, the cafe has great food, and there are amazing goodies at the pro shop. I found a CUTE Malbon bucket hat that I couldn’t pass up. I accidentally dropped my putter cover, and they actually recovered it! There may be a couple of holes that have public access (to the beach), but I felt fairly safe that I was fine leaving my Louis Vuitton bag in the back. Gotta ride in style.

The Golf Experience

The Monarch Beach Golf Links is not a walking course. I played gold, and even then, there were a handful of 300+ yard holes and three closer to 500. This golf course tests your endurance throughout the 18-hole experience. Expect a lot of lakes, ditches, hills, animals, and amazing views. There are opportunities to fish for lost balls within the lakes and bushes. I found a handful of Pro V1’s here. There are plenty of driver opportunities, so loosen your muscles for some good swings.

Pro Tips For The Monarch Beach Golf Links

• You can practice on the putting green to the side.
• The ball will somehow gravitate towards the ocean.
• Be mindful of the curves, especially affected by the ocean winds.
• The restrooms are clean, considering the price you pay.
• There are golf cart girlies with ready-to-purchase beverages.
• Lakes are notorious as a “golf ball” donation center.

Overall, I’ve had a great time the two times I’ve been to Monarch Beach. This is the place to be, especially with the amazing views. The problem I had after going to this course was that it’s hard playing at cheaper courses like the Rancho Park par 3 or the Arroyo Seco Golf Course. Hitting off the mat ain’t it for me.

The “19th hole” wasn’t impressive, though. The restaurant next to the pro shop didn’t have the most appetizing options, and they did not have a proper coffee station. I asked if they had espresso, and the best they had was regular hot coffee. Save your money and dine at a nicer place down the street in Dana Point. Otherwise, I’d recommend the Monarch Beach Golf Links for all golfers.