Pelican Hill South delivers a refined, visually thrilling round perched above the Pacific, with resort polish and strategic Fazio design throughout. The 2026 Curley-led restoration elevated playability and presentation, ensuring its place among California’s public-access must-plays.
Pelican Hill South, etched into breezy coastal bluffs, is pure Tom Fazio: panoramic Pacific vistas, bold risk-reward options, and superior playability. The routing soaks up cliffside exposures while flowing over elevation changes, always revealing new angles—especially after the 2026 restoration which added fresh green surrounds, widened play corridors, and restored bunker drama. Fazio’s touch ensures every round balances spectacle and strategy, while Brian Curley’s renovation sharpened the playing surfaces and made the split-green 13th, in particular, pop. It’s a blueprint for destination resort golf that never sacrifices quality for the view.
Tom Fazio is renowned for sculpting visually stunning yet playable resort courses, and the South Course’s 2026 Curley-led restoration carefully enhanced these DNA features with rebuilt greens, wider corridors, and signature bunker profiles.
A classic risk-reward par 5 sweeping along a bluff, 8 entices the long hitter to challenge bunkers and wind for a chance at glory. Widened fairways and restored bunkering after 2026 have made club selection all the more pivotal.
Decide if you lay up short of cross-bunkers or try for the green in two—second-shot positioning is everything, especially in the breeze.
A pulled drive—or an overeager late approach—can tumble into deep bunkers or drift toward the cliff’s edge.
Consistently pristine fairways, recently restored bunkers, and upgraded greens; some tight turf near the ocean; minor cart path transitions around elevation shifts.
Leisurely, expect 4.5–5 hours as standard for resort play; can back up during prime times or beautiful late afternoons.
Premium resort, destination golf with an energized, photo-happy atmosphere—equal parts SoCal relaxation and special-occasion polish.
Collared shirts and neat, golf-appropriate attire required; no denim or cutoff shorts.
Check the day’s wind and temperatures—coastal breezes and marine layers can shift strategy by several clubs, especially on par 3s.
Mornings can start cool and foggy, but by midday you’ll want sunglasses and sunscreen for sun-drenched bluffs.
Make time for the practice green; the renovated surfaces are quick and require touch.
Reserve your tee time and hotel months in advance for peak weekends—demand at this destination is high.
South Course opens, first of Fazio's two Pelican Hill routings
Hosts Tiger Woods Foundation Play Cup tournament
Named among top Southern California resort courses
Restoration by Curley-Wagner Golf Design commences
Restored South Course debuts with upgraded bunkering, greens, and playability
The 13th hole, perched along a coastal bluff, boasts two distinct greens—forcing you to recalibrate strategy depending on the daily setup and wind. Its views and unique design have made it the most talked-about par 3 in Orange County.
When Pelican Hill South opened in 1991, it was instantly a sensation, putting Orange County on the map for luxury public-access golf. Magazine covers and tournament buzz quickly followed, elevating it to California’s elite.
The 2026 Brian Curley/Curley-Wagner restoration didn’t just refresh bunker edges or add length—it recaptured the course’s dramatic sightlines, rebuilt green surrounds for fresh playability, and expanded teeing grounds for a modern, flexible challenge.
Hosting the inaugural Tiger Woods Play Cup in 2014, the South Course became more than just a luxury playground, supporting college-access initiatives and welcoming a new wave of junior competitors to its ocean-view fairways.
13th hole features two separate greens perched on a bluff.
Almost every hole offers at least a glimpse—if not a panorama—of the Pacific.
Pelican Hill South has hosted national charity/tournament events, including Tiger Woods Foundation’s Play Cup.
Tom Fazio’s bunkering returned to bold, sculpted forms during the 2026 Curley restoration.
Cliffside holes feature drop-offs that can change your shot and your perspective.
Top public Fazio design in Irvine, excellent for a doubleheader.
Fun SoCal play with scenery and approachable pricing.
Scenic oceanfront golf and convenient stay-and-play.
Easy-access muni for a casual warmup or extra round.
True big-stage major host; worth the drive for a bucket-list public track.
Stay in Newport Beach or on-property at the Resort at Pelican Hill for convenience, luxury, and top dining.
Courses with the most similar DNA profile — matched by deviation shape across all eight playing characteristics.
Why it matches: Gozzer Ranch Golf & Lake Club is a natural next stop after Pelican Hill Golf Club - South Course: it shares a memorable sense of place.
Why it matches: There is real overlap here. Teton Pines Resort & Golf Club shares a memorable sense of place, making it a compelling counterpart to Pelican Hill Golf Club - South Course.
Why it matches: There is real overlap here. Pelican Hill Golf Club - North Course shares a memorable sense of place and offers similarly polished playing surfaces, making it a compelling counterpart to Pelican Hill Golf Club - South Course.
Community Sentiment
See something inaccurate in this listing?