5 Country Clubs on Newport Beach

Newport Beach is known primarily for sandy beaches and warm air, but many locals also enjoy membership at premium country clubs. These clubs are well-known for their immaculate golf courses, state-of-the-art fitness areas, and spacious event venues. Perhaps you’re looking at Newport Beach homes for sale and hoping to pursue membership at one of these country clubs once you’re settled into the area. Take a short break from looking through real estate listings and learn more about a few of the luxurious country clubs that Newport Beach has to offer.

Newport Beach Country Club features elegant shared gathering spaces, a recently-built clubhouse, and a beautiful golf course designed by William F. Bell. You’ll experience 6,584 yards of par-71 golf from the longest tees. Eagle Four Partners purchased Newport Beach Country Club in 2012. Since that time, the club has built a new clubhouse that includes a fitness room, a swimming pool, and additional meeting facilities for the first time.

If you’re interested in becoming a member, there is currently a waiting list for open spots. Furthermore, membership requires invitation and sponsorship. For more questions about club membership, you can reach Danielle Sayer, Membership Manager, at 949-524-8122.

Big Canyon Country Club was established in 1971 and is only one mile away from Newport Beach Country Club. This is a well-developed area, with several Newport Beach real estate listings available nearby. The par-72 golf course is 7,012 yards long from the black tees. The course is kept in great shape — rumor has it that Tiger Woods has frequently visited this course for play and practice. Big Canyon Country Club also features a pool, a fitness center, and a restaurant. Guests rave about the high-quality service and tasty food in the restaurant.

Like Newport Beach Country Club, membership at Big Canyon Country Club requires invitation and sponsorship. Furthermore, club staff cannot give out membership information to anyone who is not a current member.

Pelican Hill is slightly different from the first two clubs on this list. First of all, the club features two golf courses (Ocean North and Ocean South) rather than just one course. The Ocean North course is the signature course, featuring 6,945 yards of golf on a par-71 course with ocean views from each hole. The Ocean South course is a local favorite as well, offering a 6,580-yard, par-70 experience with several holes close to the ocean.

The other aspect of Pelican Hill that is different from the first two clubs on this list is that Pelican Hill will allow guests to book tee times. Keep in mind that guests who aren’t staying at the Pelican Hill Resort must book a time 14 days in advance.

In addition to picturesque golf, Pelican Hill offers a spa, multiple options for fine dining, a pool, and a resort. The club does offer memberships, but at the time of writing, memberships are fully committed, and the waitlist is closed. However, there is another option for golfers called “The Players Club.”

Mesa Verde Country Club offers opportunities for golf, tennis, and swimming. The golf course has hosted several PGA events in the past and was also a site for US Open qualifying rounds. The club offers tennis summer camps and regular lessons in golf, tennis, and swimming.

Individuals interested in a membership at Mesa Verde Country Club should fill out this online form. A member of the Mesa Verde staff will be in touch to discuss options.

Santa Ana Country Club opened in 1901. The course was originally designed by John Duncan Dunn and has since been remodeled several times. Most recently, Jay Blasi laid out a master plan for the course in 2014. Golfers enjoy the scenic and challenging par-72 course laid out over 7,019 yards. Mulligans Snack Bar, located by the ninth green, serves refreshments at the turn. Golfers can also relax, eat, and drink at Tavern 1901 or the Men’s Card Room, both located in the clubhouse.

Like other clubs on this list, you must have a relationship with an existing Santa Ana Country Club member to begin the process of becoming a member yourself. Once the process starts, there will be a period between 90 and 120 days before your membership becomes official.

As you can see, these clubs are all renowned and well-established. Sometimes, this can mean that procuring a membership is challenging. The best approach to becoming a member of a country club you love is settling into the area, making connections, and being patient. Eventually, the opportunity will present itself, and since you’ve started weighing your options early, you’ll have the knowledge and experience necessary to make a wise decision about pursuing membership when the time comes.

As you think about your new life in Newport Beach, reach out to Blair Walsh as you’re getting ready to start the homebuying process. Blair is knowledgeable about Newport Beach homes for sale. He will guide you through the sales process and help you determine which listing is the right fit for you!