I played today, 3-1-17, with iluv2golflady. I was last here a couple years ago and really enjoyed the course. Unfortunately there was a lot of fog over the water today so we didn’t get the beautiful o... Continue »

I played today, 3-1-17, with iluv2golflady. I was last here a couple years ago and really enjoyed the course. Unfortunately there was a lot of fog over the water today so we didn’t get the beautiful ocean views. Just like last time, the parking lot is a nightmare. It’s nearly impossible to find a spot, but they do have complimentary valet if needed. We had a GroupGolfer deal that included a push cart. I had taken my own but was impressed to see that their fleet was of very nice Clicgear carts. The staff in the pro shop was super friendly as was the starter. We arrived a bit early for our 10:45 tee time so took advantage of the large practice green and chipping/bunker areas. We were paired with a dad and his young son who was clearly a Rickie Fowler admirer. The course conditions were fantastic. Tee boxes were level with much less divot damage than expected. There were laser range finders at each tee. The fairways were completely lush as was the rough. There are bunkers everywhere! The sand was damp but soft and easy to hit out of. The greens were firm and really fast. The starter had reminded us about the greens breaking toward the ocean, but because the course is out on the point, the ocean could be on two sides and that made things even trickier. The course was full with a POP of just under 2 hours. The course will be closed March 20-22 for aerification of the tees and greens. It’s a bit of a drive to get down there but with a good deal it’s definitely worth it and highly recommended.

Played out here with my son with a 10:00 tee time this morning. Got a "Deal" time on TeeOff.com minus a 25% promo, making it a great rate. However, they informed me that pre-paid times don't have push... Continue »

Played out here with my son with a 10:00 tee time this morning. Got a "Deal" time on TeeOff.com minus a 25% promo, making it a great rate. However, they informed me that pre-paid times don't have push carts included. Also the hitting bays were for rent only, not available to hit a few balls to warm up (my son hadn't played in a long time and just wanted to take a few swings). I'm not complaining about either of these, just noting them. As usual for this course, the starter was great; friendly and proactive. Today's starter approached us on the chipping green and offered to get us out a little early because otherwise we'd be right behind a fivesome. Much appreciated!

The course is in excellent condition, both visually and playability wise. Greens were smooth, fast and accepted full shots quite well. Fairways and rough don't come into play much, but they were nearly pristine. Tee boxes were flat and in great condition (laser range finders are a great touch). The bunkers looked and felt very good underfoot, but I played all of my shots terribly out of them. I think the sand is quite heavy here, making good shots more difficult.

It's a long drive from Aliso Viejo to go play nine par 3s, but there's just a great, freeing feeling out on this beautiful course that makes it all worthwhile (as long as I get a good deal on the golf, that is). My son enjoyed it a lot, too. (Especially free, chilled apples on the fourth tee.) Afterward we took advantage of the Discovery Trail that circles around the resort and provides access to the shoreline and great views of the coastline in both directions. I'll be back!

Met a friend from out of town who had never played this course. Since I have only played here a couple times, it was another excuse for me to return. A wonderful morning, enjoyed the great views, bu... Continue »

Met a friend from out of town who had never played this course. Since I have only played here a couple times, it was another excuse for me to return. A wonderful morning, enjoyed the great views, but also enjoy the challenge of this course.

If you play the "tips", there are a few holes which offer a pretty challenging shot. Generally a lot of par 3 courses are boring and redundant, but this course is anything but. Condition was good, but not outstanding. Greens rolled nicely, and the two bunkers I found had plenty of sand.

My only complaint is it's a bit pricey and not easy to get too, but once you're there and take in the scenery, it seems worth the effort and the $$.

Walked the Blacks (1239) in 1H, 20M playing as a single. The weather was clear, windy and in the mid 80's. Easy & fun course to walk. No motorized carts but a nice walking cart is included as part o... Continue »

Walked the Blacks (1239) in 1H, 20M playing as a single. The weather was clear, windy and in the mid 80's. Easy & fun course to walk. No motorized carts but a nice walking cart is included as part of your fee. No GPS, but they do have range finders on the tees. The Pro Shop is in a trailer but is well stocked and very functional. Very nice chipping and pitching green in addition to the large practice putting green that is usually very reflective of the greens on the course. No driving range, they have nets for you to warm up in. Tremendous views plus a really good course layout make this a very fun par 3 course. However, while not bad, the course is not in as good of condition as usual here. Most holes have elevation changes and the prevailing ocean wind always swirls here. The tees had good coverage, were level and semi lush but had lots of divot damage. Looks like they have a few tees opened farther back than where the markers are, so they may be looking to stretch out a few holes? The fairways and rough do not come into play all that much on a par 3 course, but both were in good shape. The rough is thick around the sand traps, other than the native areas and the deep faced traps, that is the main real punitive area to avoid. The sand traps were well maintained with thick sand that I find to be inconsistent. They are tough to get balls up/down with some of the huge lips and deep rough close to the traps here. The greens are huge for a short par 3 course, so expect some long lag putts. They putted medium fast and were mostly smooth. More ball marks than average which may be why they were still receptive to nice high approach shots even though they were firm. The Customer Service from everyone encountered was excellent as usual here. Recommended = Yes. You should play here at least once for the views and nice layout.

Walked the Blacks (1239) in 1.5H playing as a single. The weather was clear, windy and in the mid 80's. Tremendous views coupled with usually good course conditions make this a very fun par 3 course... Continue »

Walked the Blacks (1239) in 1.5H playing as a single. The weather was clear, windy and in the mid 80's. Tremendous views coupled with usually good course conditions make this a very fun par 3 course. However, today, I found that the summer heat has the course in probably the poorest shape I have experienced here. Not bad, but alot closer to average than usual. Most holes have elevation changes and the prevailing ocean wind always swirls here. Today was probably the windest I have seen. I hit 3 iron into the wind on #3 and it was a club short. The tees were semi lush with good coverage. However, unusual for Terranea, they looked like par 3 tees divot wise. The fairways and rough are both in good shape, which will skew the overall course rating up somewhat. The rough is thick around the sand traps, other than the native areas, that is the only real punitive area to avoid. The traps were well maintained with thick sand that I find tough to play out of with some of the huge lips on the traps here. The greens are large for a course this length. They putted medium fast and were mostly smooth. Firm but still receptive to well struck iron shots. More ball marks than average here. The Clubhouse/Pro Shop is in a trailer but is well stocked and very functional. Very nice chipping and pitching green in addition to the large practice putting green that is usually very reflective of the greens on the course. No driving range, they have nets for you to warm up in. The Customer Service from everyone encountered was excellent, especially the starter Buddy. No GPS, but they do have range finders on the tees. Easy & fun course to walk. No motorized carts but a nice walking cart is included as part of your fee. Recommended = Yes. Even if you do not prefer shorter 9 hole courses, you should play here at least once.

Course is in great shape. Greens don't look the best but play great. Fast and smooth. Took almost 2 hours to finish 9 holes on a par 3. My playing partners even got a free round. It was a little ... Continue »

Course is in great shape. Greens don't look the best but play great. Fast and smooth. Took almost 2 hours to finish 9 holes on a par 3. My playing partners even got a free round. It was a little cloudy/foggy so didn't get the views. I wouldn't head out here just to play the course but if you are in the area, I'd definitely hit it up.

After attending the Northern Trust Open Collegiate Showcase this morning at Riviera, I stopped at Terranea for 9 holes starting at 3:00. Paired with two others, lots of people on the course but play m... Continue »

After attending the Northern Trust Open Collegiate Showcase this morning at Riviera, I stopped at Terranea for 9 holes starting at 3:00. Paired with two others, lots of people on the course but play moved along fine.

Conditions are very good for the most part. The greens seemed the slightest bit crusty/crispy and a little bit bumpy, but otherwise pretty fast. Fairways are fantastic but don't really come into play. Rough is also very nice and lush. Tee boxes were acceptable. Bunkers were good but do have some small rocks in them. Overall really fun on a beautiful afternoon, and thanks to Forelinx, don't have to worry whether or not the rack rate is overinflated.

As I had to be in the area and the weather was so nice, decided to stop by and play. Can't really add much to all the recent reviews by Nick. While the course is overpriced, I guess you have to pay ... Continue »

As I had to be in the area and the weather was so nice, decided to stop by and play. Can't really add much to all the recent reviews by Nick. While the course is overpriced, I guess you have to pay for the view?

Enjoyed myself. Course was not as crowded as I expected on such a nice day. If it were closer and cheaper, I'd play here more often.

Walked the Blacks (1239) using Forelinx in 1.5H, matched up with Barry & Jordan. The weather was clear, breezy and in the 70's. Tremendous views coupled with good course conditions make this a very fu... Continue »

Walked the Blacks (1239) using Forelinx in 1.5H, matched up with Barry & Jordan. The weather was clear, breezy and in the 70's. Tremendous views coupled with good course conditions make this a very fun par 3 course. Most holes have elevation changes and the prevailing ocean wind always seems to swirl here. The tees are lush with good coverage. Most divots had been properly repaired. The fairways and rough are both in very good shape. The rough is thick around the sand traps, other than the native areas, that is the only real punitive area to avoid. The traps were well maintained with thick sand that I find to be tough to play out of with some of the huge lips on traps here. there is also a decent amount of small rocks in them. The greens are large for a course this length. They putted medium fast and were mostly smooth. Firm but still receptive to well struck iron shots. Average amount of ball marks considering that shorter irons are being hit into green after green. The Customer Service from everyone encountered was excellent, especially the starter Alex. No GPS, but they do have range finders on the tees.Easy & fun course to walk. No motorized carts but a nice walking cart is included as part of your fee. The Clubhouse/Pro Shop is in a trailer but is well stocked and very functional. Very nice chipping and pitching green in addition to the large practice putting green that is usually very reflective of the greens on the course. No driving range, they have nets for you to warm up in. Recommended = Definitely, even if you are not "in to" par 3 courses, you should play here at least once.