My parents are coming to visit for a week and I’ve hit upon a wonderful scheme. This year, instead of buying “things” for gifts, we got them tee times! It’s a win-win situation, because my folks, just like energetic kids after soccer practice, are happiest after 18 holes. Besides which, their own golf course in Virginia is under a couple inches of snow, so they’ll be jonzin’.
A friendly neighbor kindly rattled off his six favorite courses in a twenty-mile radius:
*1. Arroyo Trabuco Golf Club ($94) – A Tom Leeman-design course.
2. San Juan Hills Golf Course ($68)
*3. Monarch Beach Golf Links ($195) – The neighbor says this course is a real treat, with gorgeous sweeping views of the coast and ocean like Pebble Beach.
4. Strawberry Fields ($145)
5. Oak Creek Golf Club ($145) – Tom Fazio design.
6. Tustin Ranch Golf Club ($165) – Ted Robinson design.
7. Aliso Creek Inn and Golf Course ($32) – The neighbor didn’t bring this one up – I asked about it. It’s a short nine holes in a canyon just south of Laguna Beach. Very close to my house.
*Where my folks will be golfing during their stay.
Tee times can be made up to two weeks in advance and the holiday season will fill up quickly.