We live in strange times. Things are either canceled, postponed, put away, or forgotten. Amidst COVID-19 worries, the sports world took a back seat to public safety, and one by one, all major sports halted their seasons; basketball, baseball, hockey, soccer, tennis, and yes, one of our favorites, golf. It was quite disheartening to see all tournaments cease, and it extended to all public and private tracks. One of our local gems, the Monarch Beach Golf Links, was not immune to the quarantine, and for two long months, in a glorious spring, the club ceased its operations. For us at G Social, all avid golfers, it was an excruciating time, which was echoed by people all around Orange County. For those of you who have not experienced some of the best golf in this county, or any other for that matter, Monarch Beach Golf Links is a fantastic track right by the beach (hole #3 is something to behold) at times challenging and scenic, it is paradise.
While in quarantine, the staff at Monarch, led by its General Manager, PGA Professional, Eric Lohman, and his team worked tremendously hard behind the scenes to come up with a safe way to be able to reopen the club again. Much work was done to ensure the safety of its patrons and continue to provide an unforgettable experience. Safety protocols were put in place with social distancing and limiting access to the course to a manageable number, carts were allowed on the course with one rider per cart (or two, if part of the same group who were all right with riding with each other,) masks are to be worn when entering the golf shop, or any other public places. While it is allowed to remove covers while playing, it is encouraged to keep them on. On the course, flagsticks are to remain in the holes, minimizing contact. Fear not, the on-course refreshment cart is available with all safety procedures in place. The café, off the first hole, is open with the same delicious food available before the crisis. Small inconveniences that are in no way impediments prohibiting you from enjoying your time on the course.
Needless to say, as soon as the club opened in late May, we were some of the first people to enjoy it. What a pleasure to be back! If there is anything positive to take out of the closure is that the track was in superb condition! Lush fairways, immaculate greens (something about being left without trampling for a couple of months), and, of course, the same spectacular views. In this new normal, enjoying golf is something that brings a little bit of joy in an otherwise stressful time, and we are glad that it is back!
One small caveat is that you need to make reservations quickly, the course fills up rapidly, and tee times can be a little bit challenging to procure, but we guarantee you that it is worth the wait. Golf is back at Monarch Beach, and reunited feels so good!
For more information please visit MonarchBeachGolf.com
Please note: Advance tee times are required during this time (no walk-up tee times are allowed) and should be booked and prepaid online. You will be prepaying your green fee, which provides for a safe “no contact” arrival experience. No Flex Set rental clubs are available, so please bring your clubs. To minimize the number of golfers congregating, please arrive 15 minutes before your tee time and depart upon completion of your round.
We encourage you to walk this beautiful course. However, you can ride in a cart provided to you at no cost, or rent a Golf Board or a Phat Scooter for around $25 per round.
