Ocean North Course
Newport Coast, CA, USA
Ocean North at The Resort at Pelican Hill, carved into the coastal bluffs of Newport Beach, is where the Pacific Ocean serves as an omnipresent hazard. The course, designed by Tom Fazio, plays longer than it appears, favoring a high ball flight and an ability to judge the ever-shifting sea breezes. Errant shots find barranca or the steep, unforgiving slopes leading down to the shore. The course presents stunning views, a demanding layout, and the constant challenge of negotiating the wind. Ocean North tests every aspect of a golfer's game. The generous fairways lull players into a false sense of security, only to be challenged by the undulating greens, a Fazio signature. Subtle breaks and lightning-fast speeds demand careful study and a delicate touch. The course feels more classic than its modern vintage suggests, a testament to the timeless nature of good design. Beyond the course, Pelican Hill has attracted those who want a Southern California lifestyle with its Mediterranean architecture. It is the kind of place where you can find a member discussing world affairs on the practice green, or a family enjoying the famous weekend brunch. This unique blend of world-class golf and relaxed luxury defines the experience.
Ranked by CV ratings from golfers who've played this course. Positions are shown worldwide, by country, and by state; the Public column compares courses anyone can play.
Best in World
Public: #241
Best in USA
Public: #137
Best in CA
Public: #7
Golfers say this resort course delivers stunning ocean views and a memorable layout that keeps play interesting from hole to hole, with most praising the scenic backdrop along the Newport Coast and noting the variety in the routing. Reviewers consistently mention the premium pricing, with several finding value only in twilight rates while questioning whether conditions justify green fees that can exceed $400. Most describe solid conditioning and reasonable pace, though one reviewer criticizes greens quality and slow play as falling short of expectations for a high-end facility. The course plays relatively scorable for longer hitters, and visitors—especially those from outside Southern California—frequently cite it as a bucket-list experience worth playing at least once.
8.2
148 players
Beautiful course, resort style and most holes are interesting, nothing too repetitive although not in perfect enough condition that would warrant a $400 green fee. Only value here is in twilight tee times (which in my opinion is great watching the sun set over the ocean).
Beautiful course. Felt like every hole had something about it that was great, never got boring.
Pretty score able resort style course. Longer hitters will have mainly wedges into par 4s. Unbelievable views.
Resort style course with some of the best views in SoCal. Pricey round but well conditioned and good enough pace. Not overcrowded
I wish the Irvine Company would reinvest the tens of millions they earn on this resort back into the course. One of the most incredible layouts overlooking the Newport Coast, and the conditions are no better than the Costa Mesa Muni. Pathetic greens and HORRIBLE pace of play. UPDATE: with ongoing renovations throughout 2026, I’m really looking forward to seeing a refreshed and revitalized Pelican Hill. Curley/Wagner will knock this project out of the park and bring this place back to prominence in the CA golf rankings.
One of the best courses I’ve ever gotten to play. Being from the Midwest it was epic playing along the ocean. Layout was top notch with ocean scenery as the backdrop for most of the holes. Difficult track, even in the fairway it would frequently be an uphill/downhill lie. Greens were lightning fast. Played at twilight for $175 about a year ago - saw rounds going for $400+ now. Probably not worth it for that price, I’d pay $300 absolute max. Awesome track nonetheless, bucket lister
Public courses closest to Ocean North at The Resort at Pelican Hill.
FAQ
Ratings, design, and course details pulled from Course Vaults.
Ocean North at The Resort at Pelican Hill has a Course Vaults score of 8.2 out of 10 based on 77 explicit golfer ratings.
Ocean North was designed by Tom Fazio.
Yes. Ocean North at The Resort at Pelican Hill is listed as welcoming public or guest play on Course Vaults.
Par at Ocean North is 71.
Ocean North plays 6,945 yards from the back tees on Course Vaults.
The slope rating at Ocean North is 145.
