Tijeras Creek / Strawberry Farms in CA

Yes, 30 years ago. At the time, it was the best course I had ever played.

Charging $147 to play as a public rate so I am assuming it was nice.

Not to say it’s not “nice”. It is pretty nice.

In the orange county area unfortunately there’s no like $50-75 tee times.

Just that like Arroyo Trabuco (I’ve never played in the same area) is over $200. Obviously you’re Pelican Hill if you’re making a drive, they charge like $600 or something stupid. Nicer stuff down in SD.

I think just unfortunately all the “decent” courses inflate the shite out of their prices because of the area. Just average courses around charge $175-200.

Which is why Tijeras is a cool under the radar play for the price. But it won’t knock your socks off like a Pelican or something if that’s what you meant by “nice”.

The front 9 is within a community, houses around the fairways, although not close enough to the grass that they’re in play.

The back 9 for whatever reason looks completely different. No houses. Almost feels like you’re in the jungle or something on some holes.

Definitely a fun course that I enjoyed and think you will too. Just don’t want to assume what your idea of “nice” meant if you’re expecting some unbelievable golf on a vacation

Oh sweet yea I don’t know what I’d compare it to in Vegas. I’ve played a handful of courses in Vegas, but don’t remember prices vs quality. Feel like everything in Vegas is expensive.

Now that I think about it, you maybe were the one who gave me golf course tips when I was coming to town to the LSU/USC game. I ended up playing Bali Hai, which was meh but maybe it was just cuz that weekend was stained ha.

I think Tijeras in Vegas comps is like a less cool version of Bear’s Best maybe?

I did have a lot of fun playing Tijeras, so don’t want to talk you out of it.

I don’t know what other options you have or proximity. It’s a fun course though. I have no idea what their aeration schedule is. Greens were pretty good when I played little while back

Sweet I saw the trackman range. That could either help or hurt

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Arroyo Trabuco

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I'm pretty certain that's where Michael Block is the head golf professional.

October is punch time here in Southern California so I would just check to see if they are punching. If I recall correctly, they usually punch later in the “season,” so you are probably good.

Front 9 is ok; back 9 is much better as another poster described.

Overall, Arroyo Trabuco is the better course, imo, for what you are looking for. Similar price range, albeit usually more expensive. But that is OC public golf since Covid. Expensive and getting more so.

I would put Tijeras and Strawberry on about equal footing (but back 9 of Tijeras best nine of both). Both solid choices in that price range.

I concur that I would play Strawberry Farms for sure. Interesting layout on a very small land parcel. Great barn clubhouse.

Thought about playing Strawberry Farms last year but ended up playing Pelican Hill because I got a discounted rate because we were staying at the Marriot Vacation Club. The prices at Pelican Hill is crazy but couldn't pass up the opportunity with the discount. Course was beautiful. I got paired with 3 other guys who were local to the area and they suggested checking out the Ranch at Laguna Beach, its a 9 hole course but they said it was cool to check out. I didn't end up making it out there though.