Talega Golf Club
A weekly look at golf courses open to the public in Southern California.
* Address: 990 Avenida Talega, San Clemente.
* Phone: (949) 369-6226.
* Web site: https://www.talega.com.
* Green fees: Residents of Orange and San Diego counties: $125 Monday-Thursday; $155 Friday; $185 Saturday-Sunday. Nonresidents: $150, $200 and $250.
* Tee times: 10 days in advance.
The facility: This newly opened course is designed by Brian Curley with consulting from Fred Couples and is three miles from the Pacific in south Orange County. It meanders through the mountains and canyons, which keep the ocean out of view. Unlike many mountain courses, Talega offers wide-open spaces because original plans for the land called for two 18-hole courses. Curley persuaded owners to use the space for one. The clubhouse and driving range are still under construction and expected to be completed in the summer.
The good: Wide-open landing areas give golfers the confidence to use driver on nearly every par four and par five. The par-four finishing hole is as memorable as any on the course, with a bunker in the middle of the wide fairway and a lake guarding the front-left portion of the green. The course has a resort feel because it is not particularly challenging and the friendly staff provides top-notch service from the time you arrive.
The bad: With no ocean views, no history and a remote location, there is nothing about Talega that warrants such high green fees. The trend toward high-priced golf is getting out of control in Southern California, and Talega is destined to become the poster course for pricing the average golfer out of the game.
The score: If the rates were cut in half, the course would still be overpriced. Instead of trying to make a name for itself with high prices, Talega should have tried breaking the trend of high green fees. At a reasonable price, Talega easily would be considered a four-ball gem.
