One of the most popular pastimes in Southern California is golf, and the volume of golf clubs in the area proves this to be true. Those new to Coto de Caza and the surrounding areas may have trouble deciding which one will be their new leisure-time home, but fortunately, a few stand out among the rest. If you’re New Windowplanning on building in the area, consider a lot close to your favorite golf course in order to spend less time driving and more time practicing your drive.

 

Live in the lap of luxury at Coto de Caza Golf and Racquet Club. The elite club features two different 18-hole golf courses designed by Robert Trent Jones, Jr., each with its own challenges ranging from doglegs to water features and natural obstacles to test your game. The putting area and driving range allow new and experienced players to work on their swing before hitting the lush greens.

 

After a great game on the course, the clubhouse features more fun. The three restaurants offer light dishes, like fabulous ahi tuna tacos, to enjoy on the outdoor dining patio overlooking the vista. Wine connoisseurs will appreciate the extensive wine selection, featuring over 24 different blends and six flights if you’re in the mood for a tasting. A spa provides relaxing treatments for those who need to unwind in a soothing environment, and the fitness center allows members to improve their health and get pumped up on top-of-the-line workout equipment. Ten racquetball courts and three pools provide other ways to have fun with family and friends.

 

Social butterflies will love that the club offers event space with catering, beautiful backdrops for your event, and a planner to help you get everything done perfectly. The service at Coto de Caza Golf Club is top-notch, ensuring that every member finds respite in the club.

Arroyo Trabuco Golf Club in Mission Viejo is one of the most popular courses in the area. The grass driving range and massive putting green provide plenty of opportunities to work on your technical skills before hitting the 18-hole, Tom Lehman-designed greens. The rural area allows a quiet, peaceful view as you play around natural hazards, including the lake and any wildlife wandering by. Beginners will have fun with a variety of challenges, while doglegs and elevation changes challenge even the most experienced golfers. The club’s staff is consistently friendly and helpful, whether you need to borrow a set of clubs or want help figuring out why you can’t perfect that trick shot.

 

Beyond golf, the club can be rented out as an event venue and has become exceedingly popular for weddings. Additionally, residents love to stop by for a meal at O’Neill’s Bar and Grill. The limited menu signifies that everything is done to perfection, particularly the diverse charcuterie board. Even if you aren’t a golf fan, you won’t want to miss their Sunday Brunch, which features everything you could want, including a chocolate fountain.

A golf course designed by golfing legend Jack Nicklaus is nearly guaranteed to be amazing, and Dove Canyon’s course is no exception. The 18 holes take advantage of the canyon’s elevation changes to add plenty of challenge, making this the perfect course for strong golfers who want to push themselves to the limit. The greens are very fast, and the course is always in great shape, even after rain. The view of Saddleback Mountain as you golf is unbeatable, and due to the proximity to so much untouched nature, it comes as no surprise that local wildlife is occasionally spotted on the grass.

 

The golf club features two restaurants, Canyon Grille and Jack’s Den. The former features gourmet dishes with fresh ingredients, like salmon with artichoke hearts or chicken piccata in a refreshing lemon sauce, and the latter focuses on casual dining, with options that include hot dogs, wraps, and burgers.

The beautiful course at San Juan Hills Golf Club is moderately challenging, making it perfect for groups of mixed-level golfers or single golfers still building their skills. The rolling greens provide a bit of a twist, and the unique layout keeps the game interesting, no matter how many times you hit the course. The practice range is extensive with mats, grass, targets, a putting area, and even a chipping green. PGA instructors are on staff for those who want professional help with their swing, and there’s a junior program in the summer for the younger crowd just getting into the sport.

 

The clubhouse is home to an excellent sports bar where you can catch the football game on television as you dine or enjoy a cocktail and some live music on the weekends. Enjoy a juicy ribeye served over pasta, but save room for dessert — the bread pudding drizzled with brandy-caramel sauce is fantastic.

Tijeras Creek Golf Club in Rancho Santa Margarita, just next door to Coto de Caza, is a golfer’s dream. The 18-hole course, designed by Ted Robinson, features fast greens, water hazards, elevation play, and more, so every visit seems new. The front nine winds through a quiet residential area, full of manicured lawn and carefully cultivated terrain. The back nine dips down into a canyon for a grittier experience and a high likelihood that you’ll see some wildlife as you play. Before you make your tee time, visit the driving range or putting area to perfect your game.

 

After you play, enjoy lunch or dinner in TJ’s Tap & Table, the on-site restaurant that serves great food and features special events, such as Taco Tuesdays and Sunday Brunch. The service is always perfect, which leaves you to focus on friends and networking.

When you’ve decided which golf course is your favorite, it’s time to find or build your dream house. Whether you’re picturing a regal Georgian mansion or a Craftsman chalet-inspired retreat, New WindowEddie Hodges at HomeOpulent Design Build can turn your visions into a reality. From finding the perfect plot of Coto de Caza land for sale to designing the New Windowchef’s kitchen your family will gather in, you’ll want the best team working on your behalf.