The Top 5 Value Golf Courses in Orange County, CA

Orange County Golf

Orange County California is blessed with arguably the most ideal year-round weather for golf in the country, if not the world.  Orange County, home to some 3 million residents itself, has no shortfall of fantastic golf courses at the right price.  The staff at Birdie Apps has engaged in the task of identifying 5 courses that classify as our “Top 5” in terms of best value golf in Orange County.   In no particular order, here is a brief description of Birdie Apps’ Top 5 value courses, including an image from Birdie Apps’ Free Golf GPS App:

#1:  Fullerton Golf Course, Fullerton, CA

Located just 5 minutes north of Disney Land, this Orange County municipal golf course has a lot to offer at a very reasonable price.  The golf course has numerous features that make this short course challenging, despite its pedestrian length (5,168 yards from the back tees).  Golfers will find constant elevation changes and dogleg fairways make the course much more challenging than the yardage itself may suggest.   Adding to the challenge, Brea Creek winds its way around the golf course and is in play for 12 holes!  These features, combined with narrow fairways and a secluded valley setting, make Fullerton Golf Course a great destination for an enjoyable round of golf in Orange County.  To top it off, weekend green fees are under $40, making this a top notch value course in Orange County.

Fullerton Golf Course – Hole #3

Fullerton Golf Course Hole 3

#2:  San Juan Hills Golf Club, San Juan Capistrano, CA

This stunning Orange County golf course just 20-30 minutes south from central Anaheim can make resident golfers feel like they are on vacation.  Located in the rolling hills of San Juan Capistrano, this secluded golf course is the ideal setting to enjoy a championship caliber golf round without breaking the bank.   The course itself plays fairly long at just under 6,000 yards (white tees) and has a slope rating of 124.  San Juan Hills provides the Orange County golfer a nice variety of holes with strategically placed bunkers and water hazards that will challenge golfers without “overdoing it”.   Rates vary, but a golfer who walks the course can play this magnificent golf course for $49 on weekdays making San Juan Hills a top notch value course in Orange County.

San Juan Hills Golf Club – Hole #14

San Juan Hills Golf Club Hole 14

#3:  Dad Miller Golf Course, Anaheim, CA

A City owned municipal course located in central Anaheim, Dad Miller is a staple for many golfers in the Orange County area.  The golf course itself is a great place for junior golfers to develop their game with its wide fairways and moderate length (5,892 from the back tees).  The course does a fantastic job in maintaining quality fairways and green despite the heavy traffic.  The holes are all tree lined, and the layout is simple.  That said, what makes Dad Miller a top Orange County golf course for value is the very low price.  If you are looking to take a beginner golfing, or just don’t want to spend a lot of money golfing, then Dad Miller is a great option.  Member and Guest rates can be under $30 on weekdays, with twilight green fees under $20, making it a cheap Orange County golf course that everyone should give a try.

Dad Miller Golf Course – Hole #7

Dad Miller Golf Course Hole 7

#4:  Black Gold Golf Club, Yorba Linda, CA

Black Gold Golf Club embodies the commonly used phrase “championship golf”.  This stunning Orange County muni course was designed by the renowned course architect, Arthur Hills.  The course is located in the beautiful foothills of eastern Yorba Linda — many consider this course the premier golf destination of Orange County.  There are significant elevation changes during the round which provides golfers with magnificent panoramic views.  The course itself is quite challenging as golfers need to pay particular attention to avoiding the numerous bunkers and water hazards, which is exceedingly difficult for those mesmerized by the natural beauty of Black Gold Golf Club.  A non-resident of Yorba Linda may find the weekend green fee high at $115, but residents of Yorba Linda enjoy up to $20 off green fees.  Weekday fees are significantly lower, and keep an eye out for numerous promotional deals that can even further drive down the cost.  For the high quality of this course (not to mention the top notch service), the higher fees are substantiated, making Black Gold a tremendous value for Orange County golfers.

Black Gold Golf Club

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#5:  Aliso Creek Golf Course, Laguna Beach, CA

Not often does a 9 hole course make any lists, but the 9 holes of Aliso Creek are simply unforgettable and a great value for all golfers, both residents and Orange County tourists alike.  Located in the inland canyons of Laguna Beach, Aliso Creek is blessed with perhaps the most beautiful natural surroundings in the region.  A par 32 course consisting of five par 4’s and four par 3’s, Orange County golfers will find they can use many clubs off the tee as the holes themselves aren’t especially long.   Aliso Creek meanders through the course and is definitely in play on numerous holes.  Golfers will be hard pressed to stop playing after 9 holes and the right decision here is to replay nine holes.  Rates vary between $28 and $38 based upon residency, which is very reasonable given the wonderful golf experience offered by Aliso Creek and justifies adding this 9-hole gem to our list of best Orange County golf courses.

Aliso Creek Golf Course – Hole 8

Aliso Creek Golf Course Hole 8

Orange County Golf

Often forgotten in the whirlwind of Orange County life is the great golf that is available 365 days a year at very reasonable prices.  Those visiting the area just may want to put down the Mickey ears for a day and check out the golf scene, it will not disappoint!

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