Pelican Hill Golf Club: Ocean South
Pelican Hill Golf Club: Ocean South
22800 Pelican Hill Rd S
Newport Coast, CA 92657-2007
United States
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Overview
The first of the two Tom Fazio designs at Pelican Hill, The Ocean South course opened in 1991 and boasts striking Pacific Ocean vistas. Wide fairways, large undulating greens and fantastic conditions make for an enjoyable round on this coastal track.
About
Awards
Ranking history:
Second 100 Greatest: Ranked 193rd, 2013-'14.
100 Greatest Public: Ranked from 2011-'20.
Highest ranking: No. 61, 2015-'16.
Best in State: Ranked in the top 35, 2011-'16. Ranked 57th, 2023-'24. Ranked 60th, 2025-'26.
Previous ranking: 57th.
2025-'26 ranking: 60th.
Panelists
Ratings from our panel of 1,900 course-ranking panelists
100 GREATEST/BEST IN STATE SCORES
Shot Options
Character
Challenge
Layout Variety
Fun
Aesthetics
Conditioning
Reviews
Review
“I was not entranced with this course. The course had a burst of energy towards the end where the last four holes finally brought in some decision making. Otherwise you are trying to for distance of almost every tee and throwing aerial shots into over soft greens. Using the ground to work the ball was not an available option with these conditions or by design."
Read More2025
Review
“You'll feel like you're playing an elite private club at either Pelican Hill course. The conditions, service and facilities are top notch. The location is spectacular with stunning views of the pacific from many holes. The back to back short par 3's take you right to the edge of a cliff overlooking the beach where you and almost feel the spray of the ocean as the waves crash on the rocks below. Pick the right Tee box and you'll find generous fairways. Greens are quick and challenging so stay below the hole to give yourself the best shot at a good score."
Read More2025
Review
“One of two Fazio courses at this luxurious resort in Newport Beach. The South course is perched just above the cliffs overlooking the pacific. The short back to back par 3's take you right to the cliffs edge where you can almost feel the spray of the ocean just below. Plenty of room off the tee for golfers of all ability levels. The challenge of these courses is on the putting greens that are lightening fast with lots of breaks. Positioning your ball below the pin is key to a good score. Both courses boast private club conditions on a public course. Pelican Hill is the hangout of business titans and the rich and famous of Southern California. In addition to great golf and spectacular facilities, you're almost certain to see the latest models of almost every luxury and exotic car make in the circle by the bag drop."
Read More2025
Review
“Scenic ocean views with dynamic bunkering and rock formations defining many holes."
Read More2024
Review
“The South Course at Pelican Hill gets more play and is shorter than its big brother "the North Course" This is a true RESORT COURSE and the conditions show the wear and tear throughout. Wonderful views and interesting tee box options provide tighter fairways but large / target greens are usually very receptible. Depending on your time of day, the greens will react to the sun and play slower / faster depending on grain direction. For the first-time player, I'd suggest to take a fore-caddy to help you figure out the greens....they can be very tricky. The back-to-back par-3s (#12 & #13) will be challenging depending on the wind coming off the ocean. #13 offers two green options and if you are lucky to get the left-hand green, be sure to choose enough club to land onto the rather skinny putting surface. The last four holes on the course are referred to as "the death march" by the local / members. 15 plays uphill into a 2-tiered green (long and left is the shot choice here), #16 is the iconic par-3 that depending on the sea breeze, can become an instant double bogie with an errant tee shot. #17 is a wonderful par-5 that offers up birdy opportunities if you are able to clear the grass ravine on your second shot. #18 is probably the most difficult finishing hole in Southern California...local tip...take more club than you think on your second shot into a well defended green. Pelican Hill has recently changed its management operations over to the Marriott folks. According to the employees I spoke with, they believe that it will be rebranded as a St. Regis property with some much needed funds pumped into the resort and both courses. They have installed a new dynamic pricing system which means that the green fees can range from, $700 per player down to $130 for a twilight rate. Please be aware, the pace of play can be slow. The staff does a good job of moving people along, but it can easily be a 5+ hour round in the late morning / early afternoon due to the playing level of the resort guests."
Read More2024
Review
“Great place to play with excellent service from the time you drive up to the time you leave. Good conditioned course from tee to green. You can make the course hard or easy depending on your skill level. Fairways are wide and give you room to hit your tee ball; critical to know where to hit the green based on where the pin has been placed. Expect 5 hours to play."
Read More2024
Review
“Pretty expensive to play. On the borderline of not being worth the money. Great views of the Pacific Ocean on many of the holes. Be prepared for the last four holes."
Read More2023
Review
“Where it’s great it’s great. A few holes in a half pipe. Plays much longer than the yardage."
Read More2023
Review
“Great views and a couple ocean holes. One of the best vistas in golf not only in California, but in the US. Greens roll true and very fast. Fairways are firm and hard with a links type feel."
Read More2023
Review
“Well-manicured course that is reasonably fair for all skill levels. Beautiful views of the Pacific. Excellent service!"
Read More2022
