San Juan Hills

Pros

• The greens and facilities are outstanding.
• The course has great greens and solid facilities.
• The staff is amazing and the prices are fair.
• It offers the best value around with greens in great condition.
• San Juan Hills features an interesting layout and greens that are usually in very good shape.
• The driving range and practice areas are well-regarded, with friendly staff and a good vibe.
• The bar and restaurant are delightful.
• The course is highly recommended for golf and a great time before or after your round.
• The atmosphere is friendly with good food and a full bar.
• The staff (including Matt and Brenden) provide excellent customer service.
• The event staff deliver outstanding service for weddings and banquets.

Cons

• The course raised prices and shifted to a member-only tee-time system, making it hard for non-members to book ahead.
• It's described as expensive for lacking basic amenities like coolers and range balls.
• Holes 10 and 11 were ruined by the redesign, with two short par-4s and greens that have zero character.
• New Year's Eve pricing was a rip-off, with overcharged guests and insufficient seating.
• Some reviewers say the prices are out of control, especially compared to nearby venues.
• The bumpy cart path between holes 11 and 12 is horrible and rattling.
• The GPS mislabels the cart-path area as restricted.
• Pace of play can be very slow when the course is busy.
• Booking within a week is tough due to club members, reducing access for non-members.

Review

San Juan Hills Golf Club comes across as a solid, widely favored public course that many locals treat as a reliable go-to for weekend rounds and family outings. Reviewers consistently praise the greens and overall conditioning, noting that the course often plays well in both fair and challenging ways. The front nine and back nine are described as notably different, offering variety that keeps rounds engaging from start to finish. It's the kind of place where tee times are recommended, not just for pace of play but to ensure you can enjoy the full spectrum of what the course has to offer.

Condition-wise, players repeatedly highlight the greens as a standout feature, often described as in very good or excellent shape. The fairways are frequently mentioned as well-kept, and several reviews emphasize well-maintained, enjoyable conditions across the course. Beyond the links themselves, the experience extends to the practice facilities and the driving range, which are described as friendly and well-supported by attentive staff. There's a strong sense that the staff creates a welcoming, low-stress environment, making it easy for families to visit on weekends and for individuals to come out after work. The overall vibe on the range and at the club is described as relaxed and friendly, with enough personality - music, themed range days, and attentive range staff - to keep the atmosphere appealing.

Food, drink, and social life around the course also draw praise. A number of reviews mention the on-site restaurant and bar, calling it delightful and a good value for the money. Several guests have had positive breakfast and lunch experiences, with specific menu items like avocado toast receiving compliments for flavor and portion size. The post-round atmosphere, especially on the outdoor patio, is described as lively and inviting, with live music and a friendly crowd that makes for a pleasant way to wind down after a round. Beyond golf, people note that the venue can function as a social hub for family gatherings, banquets, and even weddings, underscoring the club's versatility as both a playing facility and a hospitality venue.

There are, however, important caveats noted by some guests regarding pricing and the booking process. A recurring theme is the perception that prices have risen substantially, with some reviewers calling the course expensive for what they receive and comparing it unfavorably to other local options. A subset of comments targets the booking system, describing a shift toward a more private-feeling model where members can secure standing tee times weeks in advance, leaving less availability for non-members. In these voices, the pay-to-play dynamic and the way tee times are allocated are seen as limiting access for casual players, especially during peak periods. For some, this makes the experience feel less inclusive than hoped, particularly when combined with reports of last-minute cancellations by members with little penalty.

Several reviewers weigh in on course design changes and operational hiccups. The course has undergone a redesign around holes 10 and 11, with two short par-4s that some feel have lost character, even as others still enjoy the rest of the layout. Construction activity around the 10th hole and occasional cart-path issues - such as a rough ride between 11 and 12 - are points of frustration for a few players. GPS quirks on the carts and occasional slowdowns when the course is busy also surface in commentary, underscoring how flow and navigation can affect the round. There's also a practical note about needs like better on-course water access and the potential for a water station to improve the daily experience.

The range and staff receive particular accolades, with several mentions of standout team members who contribute to a welcoming, easygoing experience. People speak highly of Matt and Brenden at the range, praising their friendliness, helpful offers, and the positive playlists that set a relaxed tone. One author even singles out Matt K for exceptional service, noting how staffers' warmth and engagement enhance the overall visit. The range atmosphere - complete with themed days and a "country club feel" - appears to be a key driver of repeat visits and a reason many golfers choose San Juan Hills as their regular practice and play site.

Finally, the venue's capacity to host life events is highlighted as a major plus. The site is not only a course but a community space, with weddings, baby showers, and other gatherings held on-site. The staff team behind events - Stacey, JC, Geo, Omar, Gloria, Ely, Gonzalo, Pedro, Alma, and others - receives frequent praise for professionalism, clear communication, and seamless execution. Reviews describe the ceremony site on the first tee as beautiful, the catering as excellent, and the whole event management experience as well-organized and attentive to guests' needs. In short, San Juan Hills stands out for those seeking a dependable round of golf combined with strong hospitality and the potential for memorable social occasions, while acknowledging that pricing dynamics and some design changes may influence the overall experience for certain players.

Pharmacies

• Rite Aid (0.6 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2.6 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2.7 miles)
• Rite Aid (2.7 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2.7 miles)
• Walgreens (4.1 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (4.1 miles)

Restaurants

• El Adobe (0.6 miles)
• Ciao Pasta (0.7 miles)
• Tea House On Los Rios (0.8 miles)
• In-N-Out Burger (2.6 miles)
• McDonald's (2.7 miles)
• Bottega Angelina (2.7 miles)
• Maison Cafe & Market (2.8 miles)

Parks

• Los Rios Park (0.7 miles)
• Chapparosa Park (2.5 miles)
• Capistrano Beach Park (3 miles)
• Founders Park (4 miles)
• Max Berg Park (4.9 miles)
• Cabot Park (5 miles)
• Laguna Niguel Regional Park (5.1 miles)

Places of Worship

• Mission Basilica San Juan Capistrano Parish (0.8 miles)
• Corpus Christi Catholic Church (6.6 miles)

Physicians

• Ronald E Moser (2 miles)
• Prem Pediatrics (2.6 miles)
• Family Medical Center (2.7 miles)
• Optum Primary Care (2.7 miles)
• San Clemente Oral and Facial Surgery (2.7 miles)
• OC Dermatology (2.7 miles)
• Kenneth K. Paddie, MD (2.7 miles)

Cafes

• Starbucks (3.9 miles)
• Starbucks (4.4 miles)
• Moulin (4.6 miles)
• Kona Loa Coffe (8.5 miles)

Hospitals

• CHOC Children's at Mission Hospital (4.5 miles)
• Head & Neck Associates Of Oc (4.7 miles)
• Palm Terrace (7.4 miles)

Theaters

• Regal Edwards Aliso Viejo & IMAX (7 miles)