
Ocean South Course
The Resort at Pelican Hill
About this course
Ocean South at Pelican Hill isn't just a golf course, it's an immersive experience sculpted into the dramatic coastal bluffs of Newport Beach. Sweeping vistas of the Pacific frame nearly every hole on this Tom Fazio design. The generous fairways belie the challenge; prevailing ocean breezes and strategic bunkering demand calculated shot-making, particularly on the closing holes where the Pacific becomes a dramatic, ever-present hazard. While the resort atmosphere might suggest a more forgiving layout, Ocean South presents a stern test for even accomplished players. Fazio’s artistry is evident in the subtle contours and strategically placed hazards. The course offers a variety of teeing options, enabling golfers of all skill levels to enjoy the round. Ocean South is not defined by hosting major championships, but by the quality of the golf experience and the allure of its location. The course is frequented by those seeking a luxury golf experience, where impeccable service and stunning scenery are as integral to the day as the golf itself.
Rankings
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
Best in USA
Best in CA
Quick facts
- Location
- Newport Coast, CA, USA
- Access
- Public
- Year built
- 1991
- Holes
- 18
- Designer
- Tom Fazio
- Par
- 70
- Length
- 6,580 yards
- Difficulty
- 77.4/143
- Course Vaults score
- 8.1
Getting there
The Resort at Pelican Hill is most readily accessed via Orange County's John Wayne Airport (SNA), a mere twenty minutes south by car, or alternatively through Los Angeles International (LAX), situated roughly an hour's drive northwest through the coastal sprawl of greater Los Angeles. Private aviation clients benefit from proximity to several regional hubs, including Long Beach Airport (LGB) and the more exclusive options at Santa Ana or Burbank, each offering seamless ground service to the resort. The final approach descends through the affluent neighborhoods of Newport Coast, trading the Pacific Coast Highway for a winding private drive that crests the bluffs overlooking the Pacific, revealing the Mediterranean-inspired architecture of the resort itself perched dramatically above the Pelican Hill headlands. From touchdown to arrival, the entire journey unfolds as a graceful transition from Southern California's urban energy into one of the region's most coveted coastal enclaves.

FAQ
Common questions about Ocean South at The Resort at Pelican Hill
Ratings, design, and course details pulled from Course Vaults.
Ocean South at The Resort at Pelican Hill has a Course Vaults score of 8.1 out of 10 based on 110 logged golfers.
Ocean South was designed by Tom Fazio.
Yes. Ocean South at The Resort at Pelican Hill is listed as welcoming public or guest play on Course Vaults.
Par at Ocean South is 70.
Ocean South plays 6,580 yards from the back tees on Course Vaults.
The slope rating at Ocean South is 143.






