September 28, 2007

US & Canada | California | Orange County

Nouveau Green

By Tiffany Hawk

Pelican Hill has set about revamping its fairways — by perfecting nature.

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The desperate golfers of Orange County can finally swing their irons again when the Pelican Hill Golf Club re-opens in November after a two year hiatus. As part of a multi-million renovation and expansion, original designer Tom Fazio returned to “re-perfect” the property’s two 18-hole courses. Though perfect as they were, the fairways have been made over with name-brand turf (Tifway II), enhanced length, and an irrigation system that is so good it’s said to “improve upon nature.” Nature itself is part of the remodel, too -– original landscaping has been replaced with low-growing native plants to maximize ocean views. Those Newport Coast views will be seen everywhere from the more perfect Pelican Grill (also opening November, with an acclaimed chef, open kitchen and expanded wine list), to the hotel and gated Italianate villas of The Resort at Pelican Hill (opening fall 2008). The most intriguing overhaul of all, however, is the price -– green fees have actually gone down since the 2005 closure. But act fast: the introductory $235 round may not run quite as long as the wait for women to enter Augusta.