RIVER VIEW GOLF CLUB

The relentless Santa Ana winds that sweep through this Orange County layout turn what appears to be a straightforward municipal track into a legitimate test of shotmaking. Water hazards snake through seven holes, demanding precise iron play on approaches where a club-and-a-half difference separates pin-high from penalty strokes. The finishing stretch along the elevated back nine offers surprising views of the surrounding foothills while presenting risk-reward opportunities that reward aggressive play with scoring chances most public tracks simply can't deliver.