DANA POINT, Calif. -- As one of the few southern California golf courses right next to the Pacific, Monarch Beach Golf Links not only presents players with panoramic views of the sea but outstanding playing conditions and a challenging test of golf to boot.
This Robert Trent Jones Jr. design -- which hosted the 2001 Hyundai Team Championships won by Fred Couples-Mark Calcavecchia (PGA), Allen Doyle-Dana Quigley (Senior PGA) and Lori Kane-Janice Moodie (LPGA) -- is a par-70, 6,601-yard course laid out over gently rolling dunes. Even as you move away from the ocean, there are still Pacific views due to the rising nature of the course.
The signature hole is arguably the third, a short, downhill par 4 that ends on the edge of a bluff overlooking the Pacific. But there are plenty of inland holes with water features, deep bunkers, tight fairways and small undulating greens that give the club plenty of character.
Conditioning at this resort-level course is always outstanding, so much in fact that Watson, who aced the 146-yard 13th at the 2001 event, compared it to Augusta National. The numerous deep, white-sand bunkers add to the dramatic effect.
There are four sets of tees. From the back, the course has a slope of 138 and a rating of 72.8 (remember, it's a par 70). It can play as short as 5,050 yards from the forward tees.
Monarch Beach Golf Links - hole 3
By the time you get to the par-4 third hole at Monarch Beach Golf Links, the Pacific Ocean is in clear view.
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Monarch Beach Golf Links - hole 1
The first hole at Monarch Beach Golf Links is an uphill par 4 with water in play on the right.
Mike Bailey/TravelGolf
Monarch Beach Golf Links - hole 2
With water and bunkers in play off the tee, the 446-yard par-4 second is one of the most difficult holes at Monarch Beach Golf Links in Dana Point, California.
Mike Bailey/TravelGolf
Monarch Beach Golf Links - hole 4
The fourth hole at Monarch Beach Golf Links is a 185-yard par 3 that moves away from the Pacific.
Mike Bailey/TravelGolf
Monarch Beach Golf Links - hole 6
The sixth at Monarch Beach Golf Links is a 400-yard par 4.
Mike Bailey/TravelGolf
Monarch Beach Golf Links - hole 7
The seventh hole at Monarch Beach Golf Links is a 612-yard par 5.
Mike Bailey/TravelGolf
Monarch Beach Golf Links - hole 8
The eighth hole at Monarch Beach Golf Links is a long, uphill par 4.
Mike Bailey/TravelGolf
Monarch Beach Golf Links - hole 9
The ninth at Monarch Beach Golf Links, at just 512 yards, is a good risk-reward hole with water left of the green.
Mike Bailey/TravelGolf
Monarch Beach Golf Links - hole 11
The 11th at Monarch Beach Golf Links is a straightaway, straighforward par 4.
Mike Bailey/TravelGolf
Monarch Beach Golf Links - hole 12
The par-5 12th at Monarch Beach Golf Links, at 542 yards, presents a good birdie opportunity.
Mike Bailey/TravelGolf
Monarch Beach Golf Links - hole 13
Though not an ocean hole, the par-3 13th is certainly one of Monarch Beach Golf Links' most picturesque.
Mike Bailey/TravelGolf
Monarch Beach Golf Links - hole 15
The 15th is another strong par 3 at Monarch Beach Golf Links in Dana Point, California.
Mike Bailey/TravelGolf
Monarch Beach Golf Links - hole 16
The 16th at Monarch Beach Golf Links is a 424-yard dogleg right par 4.
Mike Bailey/TravelGolf
Monarch Beach Golf Links - hole 18
The green on the finishing hole at Monarch Beach Golf Links is well guarded by water and bunkers.
Mike Bailey/TravelGolf
