Newport Beach Golf Course

You notice the airplanes first. They thunder low over the fairways, then a shot sails and the neighborhood hush returns. An honest, compact 18 with a lit driving range and short par 3s that demand thought more than brute force. The front nine wanders across a street, the back nine bangs through a low tunnel and rewards a properly struck iron. Hole 10 is a 220-yard par 3 with water flirting the right side of the green. Hole 12 is a sharp, uphill 95-yarder that will humble the casual scorer. Greens are surprisingly true, the best public putting surfaces for miles, which makes the course feel better than its worn tee boxes and mat stretches suggest. No concession carts, limited cart access, quick rounds and a salty SoCal attitude. Bring rubber tees and patience for the mats.