Newport Beach Country Club

The Pacific breeze carries a hint of salt as it sweeps across this mature Orange County layout, where towering eucalyptus trees frame elevated tee shots and demand precision over power. Donald Ross-inspired bunkering punishes wayward approaches, particularly on the closing holes where the back nine tightens considerably and rewards course management over hero shots. What sets this Newport gem apart is its surprising elevation changes for coastal California, creating dramatic downhill par-3s that play two clubs less than the yardage suggests.