
Shorecliffs Course
Shorecliffs Golf Club

About this course
Shorecliffs Golf Club occupies a coastal bluff setting in San Clemente, California, where the Pacific Ocean provides a dramatic backdrop for this municipal facility. Designed by Joe Williams and opened in the early 1960s, the course serves as an accessible public option in a region known for its premium private clubs and resort layouts. The property sits on relatively compact terrain characteristic of Southern California municipal courses, where routing efficiency and playability for a wide range of golfers take precedence over championship length or severe hazards. The layout makes use of its elevated coastal position, with several holes offering ocean views and exposure to the marine layer and afternoon breezes that influence club selection and shot-making. The design features modest elevation changes and straightforward hole corridors, with traditional bunkering and small to medium-sized greens that reflect the era of its construction. While not a tournament venue or nationally ranked design, Shorecliffs serves its community as a walkable, affordable option for daily-fee play in one of California's more scenic coastal settings. The course appeals primarily to local residents and visitors seeking a casual round in pleasant surroundings without the premium pricing of nearby resort courses. Its location near San Clemente State Beach and the historic downtown area makes it a convenient stop for golfers exploring the Orange County coast, offering straightforward golf in a relaxed atmosphere that emphasizes accessibility over difficulty.
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
- 1964
- Holes
- 18
- Designer
- Joe Williams
- Par
- 72
- Length
- 6,244 yards
- Difficulty
- 71.1/130
- Course Vaults score
- 5.9
Getting there
The journey to Shorecliffs Golf Club begins at either Los Angeles International (LAX) or the closer San Diego International (SAN), both roughly ninety minutes north and south respectively, though SAN offers the more direct route for those arriving from the east. The final leg traces the Pacific Coast Highway south through Orange County's coastal towns, a drive that gradually shifts from suburban sprawl to the quieter, more refined stretches of San Clemente's bluffs, where the ocean emerges in full view and the air carries the salt-tinged clarity of the Southern California coast. Private aviation can land at nearby Meadowlark Airport or Santa Ana's John Wayne Airport (SNA), both within thirty minutes of the club. The approach to Shorecliffs itself unfolds along the clifftop roads overlooking the Pacific, where the course's dramatic perch above the water becomes apparent long before arrival, setting the tone for a round played against one of California's most arresting coastal backdrops.

FAQ
Common questions about Shorecliffs
Ratings, design, and course details pulled from Course Vaults.
Shorecliffs has a Course Vaults score of 5.9 out of 10 based on 20 logged golfers.
Shorecliffs was designed by Joe Williams.
Yes. Shorecliffs is listed as welcoming public or guest play on Course Vaults.
Par at Shorecliffs is 72.
Shorecliffs plays 6,244 yards from the back tees on Course Vaults.
The slope rating at Shorecliffs is 130.



