
RiverView Course
RiverView Golf Course
Public: #2811
Public: #2582
Public: #189




About this course
RiverView Golf Course sits in Santa Ana, in the heart of Orange County, California. Designed by David Pfaff, the course occupies relatively flat terrain characteristic of the coastal plain region, where strategic bunkering and water features provide the primary challenges rather than dramatic elevation changes. The layout reflects the practical design approach common to Southern California municipal and daily-fee courses developed in the latter half of the twentieth century, emphasizing playability for a wide range of golfers while maintaining enough interest to reward thoughtful course management. The course takes its name from its proximity to the Santa Ana River corridor, which influences both the setting and the routing. Players encounter a mix of open and tree-lined holes, with mature vegetation framing fairways and defining playing corridors. Water comes into play on several holes, requiring carries or strategic positioning to avoid hazards. The flat topography allows for good visibility and straightforward walking, though it places greater emphasis on accuracy and club selection rather than shot-shaping around terrain features. RiverView serves the local Orange County golf community as an accessible option in a densely populated area where public golf facilities face ongoing pressure from development. The course provides a straightforward test that rewards solid ball-striking and smart decision-making without the severe penalties or extreme length that can slow pace of play at more demanding layouts.
Quick facts
- Location
- Santa Ana, CA, USA
- Access
- Public
- Year built
- 1970
- Holes
- 18
- Designer
- David Pfaff
- Par
- 70
- Length
- 6,190 yards
- Difficulty
- 68.4/120
- Course Vaults score
- 4.9
Getting there
Most visitors to RiverView Golf Course arrive through John Wayne Airport (SNA) in Orange County, a swift fifteen-minute drive northwest into Santa Ana's urban core. The course sits tucked along the Santa Ana River corridor, accessible via the Costa Mesa Freeway before transitioning onto surface streets that trace the river's green belt through the heart of the city. The approach offers a striking contrast - palm-lined boulevards giving way to the unexpected expanse of fairways and mature trees that define this municipal gem, a quiet oasis carved into the fabric of one of Southern California's most densely populated counties.

FAQ
Common questions about RiverView
Ratings, design, and course details pulled from Course Vaults.
RiverView has a Course Vaults score of 4.9 out of 10 based on 14 logged golfers.
RiverView was designed by David Pfaff.
Yes. RiverView is listed as welcoming public or guest play on Course Vaults.
Par at RiverView is 70.
RiverView plays 6,190 yards from the back tees on Course Vaults.
The slope rating at RiverView is 120.



