A Moveable Feast
Santa Ana Country Club’s story winds through multiple locations, but its current course owes its existence to a dramatic club relocation in 1923—setting the table for a century of private-club golf at the heart of Orange County.
Golf Course Review & Scouting Report
Santa Ana Country Club
Santa Ana, California
Established
1924
Architect
John Duncan Dunn (original), Jay Blasi (2016 redesign), Ted Robinson Sr., Harry Rainville, David Rainville, Desmond Muirhead, Ronald Fream
Access
Private
Par
Par 72
Length
4,925 – 6,812 yds
The verdict
A historic club, brilliantly refreshed
Santa Ana Country Club melds rich Orange County club heritage with Jay Blasi's sophisticated, varied, and thoroughly modern redesign. Its dynamic variety and exemplary conditioning make it one of Southern California's most interesting private rounds—even if national rankings have eluded it. Expect ground-game options, strong walkability, and a shot-maker’s paradise.
Course DNA
Difficulty
77
Scenery68
Conditioning87
Shot Variety85
Walkability83
Green Complexity82
Wow Factor71
Design Quality82
Don't miss
After your round, ask a longtime member about the historic Santa Ana CC bell—there’s a quirky tradition behind its chime.
At a glance
Quick facts
Founded
1901 (club), 1924 (current site)
Number of holes
18 regulation
Most recent major redesign
2016 by Jay Blasi
Course setting
Central Orange County, just minutes from the coast
Longest tee
6,812 yards (Pro)
Course conditioning
Rated highly by Golf Digest panelists
Practice facilities
Renovated short-game and practice complex
Club distinction
Oldest country club in Orange County
The design
The architecture
Santa Ana Country Club embodies the ideal of a timeless private club, blending Jay Blasi’s thoroughly modern 2016 transformation with deep roots in Golden Age design thinking. The routing breaks up what had become repetitive shot patterns, weaving holes of stunning variety—short and long par 4s, strategic par 5s, a healthy mix of par 3s—across the gently rolling terrain. Conditioning is exceptional, bunkering is artful but fair, and green complexes invite creative approaches with both the air and ground game. Crucially, the course now urges decision-making and rewards shot placement while giving walkers a pleasant journey through Orange County’s heart.
Jay Blasi’s full 2016 redesign restored purposeful strategy and classic visuals while using the property’s natural movement and scale to make every hole distinct.
Defining features
- Multiple risk/reward short par 4s
- Lengthy, strategic par 5s with true layup options
- Four distinct, testing par 3s
- Contoured bentgrass greens receptive to both ground and aerial approaches
- Elegant, playable bunkering
- Clean, uncluttered lines and restored openness evoke Golden Age principles
Hole by hole
Signature holes
Hole 5
The Three-Shot Challenge
PAR
5
YARDAGE
572
A long, classic par 5 demanding disciplined positioning off the tee and a meaningful decision for the second shot. Birdie is in play for the long hitter—but only with sharp execution through each stage of the hole.
Play it smart
Play for position on the drive, then lay up smartly to your preferred yardage unless the green is truly accessible.
Where it bites
Straying offline courts tree trouble and difficult angle for the approach; poor second shots can compound mistakes.
Course management
Shots to think about
Short par 4 tee shot (Nos. 2, 6, 16)
Don’t automatically reach for driver—woods and hybrids often set up a much better look at the green.
Long par 3s (Nos. 9, 12)
Trust your carry yardage and commit fully to the line; playing for the center will avoid the big number.
Second shot on par 5s
Focus on the optimal lay-up distance and angle rather than heroics unless the green opens up clearly.
Approaches to contoured greens
Factor in green slopes and elevation—don’t leave yourself above the hole if you can help it.
Final tee shot with clubhouse in view (18th)
Keep nerves in check and aim for your most reliable target—not maximum yardage.
Crosswinds on open holes
Play for extra bounce and roll; ground-game options are viable throughout.
Scrambling from short grass
Use the open approaches and run-ups—confident bump-and-runs will often save par or better.
On the day
What to expect
Conditions
Superb private-club conditioning—firm, fast greens and true fairways.
Pace
Typically brisk private-club pace; groups move efficiently on a members' tee sheet.
Vibe
Refined and welcoming, with a relaxed but tradition-steeped atmosphere.
Dress code
Standard private club attire expected; collared shirts and appropriate golf clothing required.
Before you tee off
Your game plan
01
Trust Your Mid-to-Long Irons
There’s a memorable mix of long par 3s and demanding second shots; arrive ready to hit a variety of full-iron numbers into greens.
02
Bring Soft Spikes
The club’s outstanding course conditioning is partly thanks to strict footwear policies; soft spikes only.
03
Prime Your Short Game Touch
Santa Ana’s firm, subtle green surrounds will challenge even the best chippers and putters.
04
Brush Up on Golden Age Strategy
Study up on classic shot values and angles—Blasi’s design rewards brains as much as brawn.
The lore
How it came to be
- 1901
Club founded as Santiago Golf Club in Peters Canyon.
- 1923
Relocated to present Santa Ana site.
- 1924
First nine holes opened at present location.
- 1925
18-hole layout completed.
- 2016
Jay Blasi leads transformational full redesign, reimagines routing and restores vintage feel.
Stories & legends
What makes it special
Blasi’s Golden Age Vision
Jay Blasi’s 2016 overhaul transformed a classic-but-tired routing into a thrilling, ground-game-friendly test with strong bones and restored Golden Age aesthetics—earning raves from architecture-minded golfers.
Orange County’s Original
Repeatedly recognized as Orange County’s very first club, Santa Ana CC is steeped in tradition—and the recent redesign was purpose-built to feel timeless, as if it had always belonged to the land.
Not Built for Tournaments
Crucially, Santa Ana’s renown isn’t forged by tour events or viral moments—it’s the members’ everyday play and the devotion to a genuine golf experience that define its status.
For the group chat
Fun facts
1
Santa Ana Country Club is the oldest country club in Orange County, founded in 1901.
2
The current course site has been in use continuously since 1924.
3
Jay Blasi’s 2016 redesign intentionally sought to 'feel 100 years old' on day one.
4
Many bunkers and turf areas were reimagined to maximize ground-game options.
5
The course occupies prime real estate just a short drive from the Pacific.
Build the trip
If you’re building a top Orange County golf trip
CourseAccessWhy it's on the listTrip
Pelican Hill Golf Club
Resort
Premier coastal layouts with ocean views and truly resort-level conditioning.
Industry Hills – Eisenhower
Public
Tournament pedigree and SoCal’s best test for a daily-fee round.
Strawberry Farms Golf Club
Public
Scenic setting and a friendly, fun layout—often recommended to visitors.
Coyote Hills Golf Course
Public
Very convenient to Santa Ana and delivers good value with strategic holes.
Tustin Ranch Golf Club
Public
Well-known Orange County layout with a strong finish and welcoming feel.
Stay in Newport Beach, Irvine, or Costa Mesa for the easiest access to both Santa Ana CC and other top public rounds.
Course DNA
If You Like Santa Ana Country Club
Courses with the most similar DNA profile — matched by deviation shape across all eight playing characteristics.
Strong DNA Match8.7
Apogee Golf Club
Hobe Sound, FloridaWhy it matches: There is real overlap here. Apogee Golf Club a comparable balance of challenge, variety, and character, making it a compelling counterpart to Santa Ana Country Club.
Strong DNA Match8.0
Bloomfield Hills Country Club
Bloomfield Hills, MichiganWhy it matches: There is real overlap here. Bloomfield Hills Country Club a comparable balance of challenge, variety, and character, making it a compelling counterpart to Santa Ana Country Club.
Strong DNA Match8.2
Maketewah Country Club
Cincinnati, OhioWhy it matches: Maketewah Country Club is a natural next stop after Santa Ana Country Club: it a comparable balance of challenge, variety, and character.
The architect's other work
More from Jay Blasi
Chambers Bay Golf Course
University Place, WashingtonEpic modern links, carved from a coastal quarry
SentryWorld Golf Course
Stevens Point, WisconsinHome of the World-Famous Flower Hole
Lakeside Country Club
Houston, TexasA maverick tradition in Houston’s private golf scene
Crooked Water Golf Club
Minnetrista, MinnesotaA bold reimagining on the shores of Minnetrista
Community Sentiment
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