
San Clemente Municipal Course
San Clemente Municipal Golf Club


About this course
San Clemente Municipal, affectionately known as "The Muni," is where Southern California golf humility meets oceanfront accessibility. Carved into the bluffs overlooking the Pacific in south Orange County, the course presents a stark contrast to the area's manicured, high-dollar layouts. Originally designed by William P. Bell in 1930, the course possesses a classic, no-frills character. The terrain is undulating and exposed, with the wind constantly playing a factor, rewarding strategic shot making over brute power. It’s a layout that favors players who can control their ball flight and navigate tight fairways guarded by mature eucalyptus trees, requiring less length and more accuracy for success. San Clemente Muni is a haven for everyday golfers and families. While it lacks the pedigree of championship venues, its charm lies in its unpretentious atmosphere and community spirit. It’s a place where a quick nine after work is as common as a weekend round, and where the post-round banter is often louder than the crashing waves below.
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
- San Clemente, CA, USA
- Access
- Public
- Year built
- 1930
- Holes
- 18
- Designer
- William Francis Bell
- Par
- 72
- Length
- 6,435 yards
- Difficulty
- 70.9/117
- Course Vaults score
- 7.4
Getting there
Most visitors arrive through John Wayne Airport in Orange County (SNA), a swift twenty-five-minute drive south along the Pacific Coast Highway, though San Diego International offers an alternative gateway roughly an hour to the southeast. The route from either direction traces California's storied coastal corridor, where the urban sprawl of greater Los Angeles gradually yields to the relaxed, sun-bleached charm of South Orange County. As you descend into San Clemente proper, the road hugs bluffs above the Pacific, offering glimpses of whitecaps and Spanish tile rooftops before turning inland toward the municipal layout perched on rolling terrain just above the historic downtown and pier.

FAQ
Common questions about San Clemente Municipal
Ratings, design, and course details pulled from Course Vaults.
San Clemente Municipal has a Course Vaults score of 7.4 out of 10 based on 34 logged golfers.
San Clemente Municipal was designed by William Francis Bell.
Yes. San Clemente Municipal is listed as welcoming public or guest play on Course Vaults.
Par at San Clemente Municipal is 72.
San Clemente Municipal plays 6,435 yards from the back tees on Course Vaults.
The slope rating at San Clemente Municipal is 117.





