Arizona golfers relish the opportunity to play no matter the season, but when summertime temperatures reach triple digits, I think we can all agree that it’s a bit uncomfortable.  This is why thousands of Arizonans – golfers included – pack up their SUVs and make a break for the cool ocean breezes of Southern California’s Orange County.

Located in Rancho Santa Margarita, in the shadows the Saddleback Mountains, the Ted Robinson-designed Tijeras Creek Golf Club is the tale of two nines. The front is characterized by open spaces, shimmering lakes and gently rolling terrain. The backside weaves its way up, around and through dramatic chaparral canyons filled with old-growth sycamore and oak trees. 

“The golf course begins with a more open feel with tree-lined fairways and water hazards,” said Rob Heslar, Director of Golf. “The back is characterized by elevation changes and thickly vegetated out-of-play areas, and the views from some of the higher points are simply spectacular.”

The golf course starts out with a couple manageable holes before turning up the heat on the 477-yard, par-4 3rd. Water comes into play on the next two, and then it’s on to an attention-grabbing stretch from 7 to 10. The par-3 14th plays anywhere from 129 to 195 yards with a dramatic drop in elevation. The 16th sets up similarly: the 172-yard, par-3 plays downhill with a gnarly hazard to the left. Careful consideration to wind direction and yardage is a must on these two memorable holes. Indeed, No. 16 was voted as one of Orange County’s Best 18 Holes by members of the Southern California PGA Section.

“We definitely have four strong par 3s at Tijeras Creek,” said General Manager Rick Convertini. “Whether it’s the way that 5 and 7 hug the water hazards or the thick native chaparral guarding 14 and 16, the only way to come out unscathed is to hit good shots.”

Tijeras Creek’s coastal cousin – Monarch Beach Golf Links and accompanying St. Regis Monarch Beach Resort – are located oceanside in Dana Point blessed with a commanding cliff-top vantage point. It’s truly a one-of-a-kind SoCal golf vacation destination that embodies a unique blend of luxury lodging and exceptional golf punctuated by the crashing Pacific.  

Robert Trent Jones Jr. designed the golf course to maximize the location as well as the spectacular views from this 6,600-yard, Scottish links-style golf course. In fact, if the third hole didn’t dogleg hard to the left, the green would be on the beach. The routing then turns back inland to the difficult, slit-fairway, par-5 7th. At a healthy 612 yards from the Championship tees, it’s the No. 1 handicapped hole on the golf course. The only other par 5 on this par-70 track, No. 12, weighs in at 542 yards, but still earns the fifth spot on the handicap totem pole. 

Jones sprinkled in five par 3s and a handful of interesting par 4s that all feature the same smooth and fast greens and abundant bunkering. Although the value of seaside real estate can lead to tight fairways, Jones succeeded in creating a layout that feels roomy enough to draw out the driver or play for position with something less.

“The golf course is just a pleasure to play with a setting that is truly special,” said Eric Lohman, General Manager of Monarch Beach Golf Links. “And when you add in the beach and the incredible St. Regis Resort with all of its wonderful amenities, the experience becomes greater than the sum of its parts.” 

As Lohman mentioned, The St. Regis Monarch Beach offers one of the most rewarding stays on the California coastline. It overlooks a wide swath of the ocean with its own private beach for resort guests to explore a multitude of water sports or just relax and let the “Surf Butler” handle the details. As a five-star, five-diamond resort, it features all the indulgent amenities one might expect from luxurious suites to shimmering pools, full-service spa to an extraordinary collection of dining and special event venues. Succinctly put:  it’s one of those places where only the best makes the cut. 

Now that the mercury is beginning to rise, it’s time to map out your summertime getaway. And although you’ll be miles from home, Scottsdale-based OB Sports Golf Management provides you with a useful tie to the Valley of the Sun. The firm manages both clubs and offers a specialized travel program good for travel rates at Tijeras Creek Golf Club, Monarch Beach Golf Links and at an impressive collection of fine clubs found locally as well as throughout the West.

To learn more, visit www.TijerasCreek.com, 949.589.4421 or www.MonarchBeachGolf.com, 949.248.3001.