by Melissa Mattingly

Shorecliffs Golf Club used to be the kind of place where locals swapped stories over bottomless coffee, the chairs didn’t match, and the air smelled like burgers and beer. The menu was scrawled on a chalkboard and the bartender knew your name - and your handicap.

These days, the vibe’s been elevated. The clubhouse shines with polished wood and coastal charm, while craft cocktails, gourmet bites and live music round out the experience. The regulars are still here (although not trading in their Hawaiian shirts for polos just yet). It’s still Shorecliffs – with just a little extra shine on the 19th hole.

 

Located at the north end of San Clemente, Shorecliffs Golf Club is an 18-hole, par-70 public course that’s been part of the community since 1964. Designed by architect Joe Williams, the course offers a challenging but approachable experience with tree-lined fairways, canyon vistas, and ocean views - all set against the famously ‘perfect’ San Clemente climate.

Over the years Shorecliffs has seen several rounds of renovation. In the 1990s it tackled water drainage issues caused by its unique canyon setting. But the biggest transformation came in the early 2020s, with a major renovation culminating in a grand reopening on January 13, 2024. The updates included improved tee boxes, enhanced drainage, updated landscaping, and new water features.

 

The clubhouse was also completely reimagined. Golfers now enjoy two HD golf simulators featuring courses like Pebble Beach and Pinehurst, a sleek new golf shop, and the   

General Manager Luis Cruz was eager to talk about the transformation. “We had a $300,000 turf reduction project,” he says. “We reduced the number of sprinkler heads and added drought-tolerant plants—not just to make it look better, but to be more environmentally conscious. Locals used to say the course was great, but the greens were tough to maintain.”

Clay-based soil and heavy use once made upkeep difficult, but Cruz says the crew has turned that around. “We’ve made a ton of improvements. The course is in pretty decent shape now, and we’re always aiming to be better. Mother Nature plays her part - rain and sun help - but our team has been working hard.”

As one of three public golf courses in San Clemente, Shorecliffs doesn’t view the others as direct competition. “We’re focused on delivering a great experience - for locals and tourists alike,” Cruz says. “We’ve added events, made course improvements, and really dialed in the hospitality. That’s our lane.” 

 The strategy appears to be working. After adjusting pricing in May 2024, the club saw a major jump in attendance. “Our rates were a little high for the market, so we lowered them,” Cruz says. “Weekday rates dropped from $85 to $59, and in one month, we saw a 45% increase in rounds played.”

The club is also rolling out a new golf cart fleet. “When you pay your green fee now, you don’t just get a cart - you get tees, a towel and a water bottle,” Cruz adds. “We want every detail to feel thoughtful.”

That level of care extends to the 501 Restaurant & Bar, a growing draw for members and the public alike. “Honestly, it’s the best food I’ve had at any golf course, thanks to our Executive Chef Aaron Bagatta and the rest of the staff,” Cruz says. “Besides serving breakfast and lunch daily, we do Prime Rib Thursdays (super popular!), and Friday and Saturday night dinner specials and the crowds keep growing.” The menu blends comfort and Quality - think gourmet burgers, traditional breakfasts, Chicken Marsala, St. Louis-style baby back ribs and steak.

Shorecliffs’ comeback has also been powered by a strong team culture. “We’ve got about 60 staff members, and we’re lucky to have such a dedicated team. We recently started an Employee of the Month program for each department because we know it’s the front-line staff who deliver the experience. We want them to feel heard and appreciated.”

 The club also leans into fun, family-friendly programming. Two new golf simulators are open daily and are a hit even with non-golfers. “There’s an Angry Birds game that kids love,” Cruz says. “Shorecliffs Plus members can rent them for $20 to $30 an hour and bring two guests. Public rates range from $30 to $50. We’ve got over 40 virtual courses.”

The Shorecliffs Player Plus membership, launched to make golf more accessible, has taken off.

“It’s $29.99 a month, and members get up to 35% off green and cart fees, 15% off merchandise, and discounted simulator rentals. We even do $5 draft beers - just to make it more fun and affordable.”

Cruz says that affordability and openness are central to the club’s mission, especially during uncertain economic times. “We’ve done a SWAT analysis and are staying nimble. We keep communication open with local residents and HOAs. We want to be approachable and responsive.”

Jennifer Tracy, founder of the Kahuna Cares Foundation (benefitting the local special needs community), applauds the effort, deciding on the club for their annual Concert for a Cause this August 10 after hearing rave reviews. “From the event planner, to the chef, to every staff member involved, they couldn’t have been more accommodating,” she says.

Looking ahead, Shorecliffs has ambitious plans. “We’re hoping to host a summer concert out on hole #10, maybe a movie night or a murder mystery dinner,” Cruz says. “We’re also planning a Shorecliffs Tournament that’s open to both Plus members and the public - a two-day event with prizes. Our goal is to host at least 80 in-house events this year.”

One new favorite is the ‘Rounds and Sounds’ Sunday afternoon music series. “It runs from 3 to 6 pm., and it’s been packed every week,” Cruz says. “One of our team members, David Zimmerman, came up with the idea. It’s just been a great vibe.”

All of these updates are helping Shorecliffs shed its old nickname. “We were once called ‘The Ditch,’ and we don’t shy away from that,” Cruz says. “But we’ve worked hard to turn things around. It’s rewarding to hear people say they notice - and to see them coming back.”

So what makes Shorecliffs stand out among San Clemente’s public courses? Cruz puts it simply: “We’re not trying to compete - we’re trying to be the best at what we do. That means offering world-class service and a memorable in-house experience, all wrapped around a fun, challenging golf course. You’re gonna get great food, meet great people and get incredible service. And thankfully, even the ‘grizzled locals’ are trying to embrace the change. 

“I’m an old- schooler, not a ‘bells and whistles’ guy and do miss the old vibe,” says longtime player Tom Chavez. “But I gotta admit, it sure is pretty now!”

Tee times can be booked online or by calling the pro shop at (949) 492-1178. For events and catering visit www.501restaurantandbar.com