Nice, laid back range in South OC?

[LimeTree]

Hi everyone.

I've been reading here a while, but I just joined to post. I'm a super, mega beginner (read: I'm terrible), but I hope to learn quickly!

I am wondering if anyone has recommendations for a nice but laid back driving range in South Orange County (CA). I want some place that I can go during lunch (I work in south Irvine) and not have to worry about dress code, etc. I usually wear jeans and a polo or a dress shirt to work, but Oak Creek has a "no denim" rule I believe (which is fine, and I don't wear denim on the course, but I also don't want to wear golf clothes to work every day). Any suggestions?

[AmazingWhacker]

If you haven't called to check, you might want to - a courses I used to belong to required proper dress for the course but not for the range.  The range at Mile Square Park is really laid back - it was my favorite when I lived in OC.  It might be just a little out of range for a lunch trip from Irvine - depending on how strict your lunch hours are.

[Beachcomber]

Originally Posted by LimeTree

Hi everyone.

I've been reading here a while, but I just joined to post. I'm a super, mega beginner (read: I'm terrible), but I hope to learn quickly!

I am wondering if anyone has recommendations for a nice but laid back driving range in South Orange County (CA). I want some place that I can go during lunch (I work in south Irvine) and not have to worry about dress code, etc. I usually wear jeans and a polo or a dress shirt to work, but Oak Creek has a "no denim" rule I believe (which is fine, and I don't wear denim on the course, but I also don't want to wear golf clothes to work every day). Any suggestions?

Rancho San Jaquin.  That is where I use the range... And it is a muni where pretty much anything goes in terms of dress code.  It is off of Harvard - so a little further North than you may want to drive??

I know Golfingdad uses a range in Lake Forest.  I haven't tried it - but that may actually be closer than driving up by UCI to hit San Jauqin?

Strawberry Farms has a range too... I have no idea if they are laid back or not?

And then there is also Leisure World Golf Club - or Laguna Woods which is off of Irvine Blvd - just south of the Spectrum and the 405/5.  I believe they have a range?? Not 100% sure.  Only driven by there... And never checked out their grounds.  But it looks like it would be a laid back muni.

[Golfingdad]

Originally Posted by Beachcomber

Rancho San Jaquin.  That is where I use the range... And it is a muni where pretty much anything goes in terms of dress code.  It is off of Harvard - so a little further North than you may want to drive??

I know Golfingdad uses a range in Lake Forest.  I haven't tried it - but that may actually be closer than driving up by UCI to hit San Jauqin?

Strawberry Farms has a range too... I have no idea if they are laid back or not?

And then there is also Leisure World Golf Club - or Laguna Woods which is off of Irvine Blvd - just south of the Spectrum and the 405/5.  I believe they have a range?? Not 100% sure.  Only driven by there... And never checked out their grounds.  But it looks like it would be a laid back muni.

Weekdays during lunch I have to second Beach's recommendation of RSJ, since you are already in Irvine.  I used to live up there and had trouble on weeknights with waiting because the place was packed.  Lunchtime should be nice and quiet.

The LF one he is referring to (Off Jeronimo between El Toro and Los Alisos) is nice because they also have a grass section for a little bit more $$ a bucket.

Laguna Woods is private so that one is out.  The range is the only area of their community that is not gated, but there is always going to be some grumpy old man there hoarding the tokens, so don't even bother.  I go with my father-in-law some times and they still give me a hard time.

Not knowing where in Irvine you are, I'd vote for RSJ.

(Side note:  I have the perfect setup down by my office in San Clemente ... the Talega driving range is right down the street and almost always empty so I go there at lunch ... in fact, I'm heading out there today!)

[Beachcomber]

Originally Posted by Golfingdad

Weekdays during lunch I have to second Beach's recommendation of RSJ, since you are already in Irvine.  I used to live up there and had trouble on weeknights with waiting because the place was packed.  Lunchtime should be nice and quiet.

The LF one he is referring to (Off Jeronimo between El Toro and Los Alisos) is nice because they also have a grass section for a little bit more $$ a bucket.

Laguna Woods is private so that one is out.  The range is the only area of their community that is not gated, but there is always going to be some grumpy old man there hoarding the tokens, so don't even bother.  I go with my father-in-law some times and they still give me a hard time.

Not knowing where in Irvine you are, I'd vote for RSJ.

(Side note:  I have the perfect setup down by my office in San Clemente ... the Talega driving range is right down the street and almost always empty so I go there at lunch ... in fact, I'm heading out there today!)

So Laguna Woods is private? Ha... I didn't know that.

[Golfingdad]

Originally Posted by Beachcomber

So Laguna Woods is private? Ha... I didn't know that.

Yeah, it's just for residents and guests.  But it's such a big community that it works more like a muni as far as crowds are concerned.  My father in law has to go to the course at 6am (maybe 6:30 or 7, I don't remember) Saturday morning to participate in a lottery for tee times for the following Saturday.  They have this lottery every day, and as I understand it all tee times are booked for basically the entire morning.  Afternoons are easy to get on though cuz its too hot for all the old people.

The course is nothing fancy, but if you want to play there once just to say you have, I'm sure I could work it out.  My father-in-law would probably enjoy playing with a "real" good golfer for a change.

[Beachcomber]

Originally Posted by Golfingdad

The course is nothing fancy, but if you want to play there once just to say you have, I'm sure I could work it out.  My father-in-law would probably enjoy playing with a "real" good golfer for a change.

I'll have to take advantage of this offer sometime in the future...