$76 (cart included), played on Monday, March 2013 at 8am
This is an updated review for 2013: Some very nice changes are in store for those who have not played this gorgeous course since OB Sports assumed management. Pricing remains very agressive with OB's inexpensive loyalty card. We payed $76, a real bargain in Orange County for a course of this caliber and ambiance. The greens are always in mint condition. Likewise the tee boxes, many of which have been laser leveled since OB took over. Flowers have been planted everywhere, which gives the course a nice resort feel. Signature hole #3 on the ocean is worth the visit. Staff treats guests on par with the staff at El Niguel, a private club where I am a member. Lots of traps and narrow fairways on the front nine make this course a lot tougher than it looks. Fairway conditions are the only weakness. In Dana Point they are probably required to use reclaimed water, which may be one reason the fairways can get patchy.
$76 (cart included), played on Wednesday, May 2010 at 8am
With new aggressive pricing (through a very reasonably priced annual loyalty program), as well as an excellent Troon management staff and new ownership that is putting serious money into course improvements, Monarch Beach now ranks at or near the top of anyone's "must play" courses in South Orange County. If, like me, you always consider the bang for buck, this tract is a winner, far more reasonably priced than Pelican Hills, its closest ocean front competitor. Tees and greens are always immaculate. Several fairways have been re-sodded this year. Signature hole #3 right on the ocean is gorgeous. While not overly long, the layout on all holes is tough, but fair. The terrain is varied, with no two holes alike. I highly recommend this course to my friends and play it as often as I can.