Tijeras Creek Golf Club
Tijeras Creek Golf Club is an 18-hole layout set amidst Southern California’s rugged foothills, blending mountain and arid landscapes into a compelling test for golfers of all levels. Featuring a versatile range of tee options and a top-tier practice facility with advanced technology, this course offers a rich golf experience paired with sweeping views and attentive amenities.
Course Overview
Tijeras Creek Golf Club offers a distinctive 18-hole golf experience that balances natural Southern California terrain with strategic design, crafting a course that welcomes players across skill levels. Located in Rancho Santa Margarita, this semi-private layout stretches close to 7,000 yards from the back tees, delivering a challenge that rewards precision over power. The course moves through a dramatic mix of mountainous canyons, lush arroyos, and desert-like vegetation, creating a setting that shifts character from hole to hole while maintaining a cohesive flow.
The front nine presents golfers with wider fairways and more generous landing areas, encouraging confident swings and a measured approach. In contrast, the back nine is tighter and demands accuracy, with well-placed bunkers and native foliage acting as natural obstacles to test course management. The elevation changes are subtle but impactful, allowing for captivating views of the nearby Saddleback Mountains and a chance to engage with the landscape’s unique flora and fauna. Wildlife sightings add an extra dimension to the round, often including deer and occasional birds of prey that glide overhead.
Playability is a core strength of Tijeras Creek Golf Club. Multiple tee boxes accommodate beginners and experienced players alike, offering routes that can be enjoyed as a relaxed outing or a more demanding test. Greens are well-maintained and exhibit varied contours that require a thoughtful putting strategy. The course’s layout encourages thoughtful club selection and shot placement, making it an ideal venue for players working to refine their game.
The practice facilities deserve mention, boasting a state-of-the-art driving range equipped with Toptracer technology that transforms practice sessions into immersive experiences. Complementing the golf is an inviting clubhouse with dining options that provide a comfortable environment to unwind after play.
Tijeras Creek stands as a rewarding destination for those traveling through Orange County, combining the natural beauty of California’s foothills with a thoughtfully designed golf challenge.
Course Highlights
Distinctive front and back nine layouts that contrast in difficulty and style, elevated positioning with panoramic vistas of the Saddleback Mountains, the integration of natural arroyos and native plants defining hole boundaries, and a well-equipped Toptracer driving range empowering players to practice effectively in any weather.
Frequently Asked Questions
Guest Reviews
Hoppy Trails
A challenging track that has fantastic views of Saddleback Mountains, arroyos, deer, etc. Accuracy is key on many holes, so you don’t need a driver on every par 4. There’s plenty of tees for all skill levels and the practice facility is well designed. I’d love to play here on a regular basis…
Jimmy Baratta
Great driving range and practice area. Tracking software with an app to help monitor your progress. Club house has good food and cold beer. Not much more a man could want.
Todd Kovaletz
We golfed here as a practice round for an upcoming tournament and wow what a gem of a place. The front 9 and back 9 are like two completely different golf courses. Back 9 is one of the more beautiful and fun layouts I’ve played in a while. You would never guess we were in south Orange County instead of the wilderness somewhere. Only point of criticism was the greens were recently “micro punched” which you don’t exactly expect on the last day of May. But not the end of the world. Overall would definitely golf here again.
Jerry Flanagan
I was in Orange County for a business trip and had to drive through Los Angeles County after a 5PM meeting. No one wants to spoil a successful meeting by sitting in LA traffic. I figured I’d search for a local golf course that replicates the TopGolf feel using TopTracer technology on the driving range. Tijeras Creek Golf Club enhanced my short business trip, blending productive work with enjoyable golf, dining, and drinks. Instead of sitting miserably in LA traffic, I was at the Toptracer golf range in 10 minutes after 5PM. They have over 30 bays ready to practice your game. Toptracer Range transforms driving range visits, changing them from simple practice to an engaging experience for all skill levels. Real fairway turf provides true course-like conditions for players hitting golf balls. I played 18 virtual holes at the St. Andrews Links Old Course and the Angry Birds Golf challenge from 5:30 PM - 8:00 PM for $20. The commute from Orange County to LA County on Thursday evening was smooth and uncrowded after 8PM. I had a wonderful day of business, dinner, drinks, and golf. Thank you team!
Ashley Hyter
We love going as a family. My 8yo daughter just completed the summer golf camp and loved it. All around amazing people at TC! Beautiful course that's fun to play even as a beginner!
Ashley Hyter
We love going as a family. My 8yo daughter just completed the summer golf camp and loved it. All around amazing people at TC! Beautiful course that's fun to play even as a beginner!
Jimmy Baratta
Great driving range and practice area. Tracking software with an app to help monitor your progress. Club house has good food and cold beer. Not much more a man could want.
Travis Widner
Great club house. Beautiful course. Fun with a group or as a single. Food is good. Great bar. The brunch on Sundays is the best deal in town.
Jack Hoyt
Played today and I have to say for $180 the condition of the course was REALLY poor. Winter rye is still prevalent on all the fairways, tee boxes are half dirt/half thick, sparse, and rough grass, and NO ONE repairs their ball marks which makes the greens very inconsistent. Desperately need a new groundskeeper.
Sandra Ochoa
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Course Details
Access & Location
29082 Tijeras Creek, Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688, USA
The clubhouse features casual dining with views overlooking the course and practice areas.
Walking is welcomed; the course terrain includes moderate elevation changes, so footwear with good grip is advised.
Advance booking recommended, with preferred access for members and their guests.
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