What are the best public golf courses in Corona, California?

Introduction to Corona, CA

In this blog post we’re going to explore the best public golf courses in the city of Corona, California. 

East of Greater Los Angeles, Corona is a city located on the western edge of the larger Riverside County. 

This charming city is home to a thriving community and many diverse neighborhoods. It also has some sensational views, especially over the surrounding Santa Ana Mountains. 

With its warm winter weather, hot summers and ample outdoor spaces, this is an outdoor enthusiast’s perfect destination.

But for now, let’s jump into the best public golf courses in the city.

See also: What are the best golf courses in Riverside, California?

List of the best public golf courses in Corona, California

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1. Eagle Glen Golf Club

Nestled in the Cleveland National Forest, ten minutes drive south from downtown Corona, is the wonderful Eagle Glen Golf Club.

The course occupies a prime piece of land, positioned at the base of the Santa Ana Mountains. The elevated plot has fantastic views overlooking the distant mountain ranges, which include the famous San Jacinto and San Bernardino Mountains. 

Part of a wider planned community, this 6,898 yard layout was designed by the highly respected Gary Baird, opening in 1999. 

There are two very different nine holes on offer, across terrain and topography which for some higher handicaps, might be a bit too demanding.

The front nine crosses ravines and canyons and includes elevation changes and forced carries. Whilst the back nine is a links-style where you’ll be battling against prevailing winds, split fairways and deep bunkers.

But surely this is what golf is all about. A wonderful location with views to match. Challenging golf shots which require strategic play. Know when to play conservative and know when to go for the hero shots. 

Thrilling golf and well recommended as one of Corona’s best public golf courses.

2. Hidden Valley Golf Club

One of the most picturesque golf courses in Southern California, Hidden Valley Golf Club definitely has the wow factor.

Perched up in the hills on Norco Ridge, this is not a course for the faint hearted. But those who do venture here will get to enjoy one of the best public golf courses in this part of Southern California.

Designed by Callaghan Golf Design, the course opened for play in 1997 and ever since opening, has been a must-play for golfers from all over. 

Routed across rolling terrain, there are ravines, boulders, rocky outcroppings and vast elevation changes. Although fortunately, with five sets of tees, you can take things easy on the first visit. 

Which is a good thing because alongside the natural topography, there are narrow undulating fairways lined with rugged wasteland and snaking creeks you must avoid at all costs.

From the back tees, the course reaches 6,880 yards which should only really be attempted by more competent golfers. 

The clubhouse is sensational with a popular Italian restaurant Villa Amalfi onsite. 

If you’re looking for a deal, you simply can’t go wrong with one of the midweek rates. Just over $50, this is a bargain. 

See also: What are the best public golf courses in Los Angeles, California?

3. Glen Ivy Golf Club

Furthest south from Corona on this list, you pass Dos Lagos and Eagle Glen on your way down the 15 freeway. Eventually you arrive in Temescal Valley and it is here you’ll find the public, yet championship layout of Glen Ivy Golf Club.

Formerly called The Golf Club at Glen Ivy, this wonderful course was designed by the infamous Ted Robinson Sr. 

With a C.V. spanning numerous states and countries, Robinson Sr. is one of those architects who didn’t quite have the fame of others, but probably has his mark on more courses than most. 

Aided in the project by his son, Ted Robinson Jr. Glen Ivy occupies a mountainous piece of land. Seamlessly integrating with the surrounding canyons and hillsides, this is a scenic and elegant plot.

You can also expect to find natural citrus groves, avocado groves and some large lakes, all of which come into play. 

The back nine is particularly pleasant, with majestic views and rounded off by the phenomenal 18th hole. Featuring an elevated tee box, this par 4 has a 200 yard drop from tee to fairway, with then water biting round the front of the green to add further aesthetic and risk.

A little further out of town but certainly worth the drive.

4. Dos Lagos Golf Course

South of El Cerrito just a ten minute drive from downtown Corona, is the fantastic Dos Lagos Golf Club.

Sometimes referred to as a hidden gem, this is one of the newest courses to have opened in Southern California. 

Opening in 2007, it was designed by one of the great family names in golf, Dye. On this occasion, not Pete Dye, but his nephew Matt Dye. 

Matt Dye was involved in golf from a very young age and for many years worked closely with his cousin Perry Dye on a number of golf projects worldwide. 

After setting up his own architectural firm, Dos Lagos was one of a small number of courses he designed. His most well known solo project is the phenomenal The Ledges Golf Club in the golfing mecca of St George, Utah.

Sadly, Dos Lagos proved to be one of his last, as he passed away in 2008 having been diagnosed with colon cancer. But his memory will live on especially with some great designs like Dos Lagos and The Ledges.

A cliffside track, it offers two very distinct styles. Some holes routed in the valley with lakes and subtle undulations coming into play. Whilst there are other holes which climb up into the hills and offer more target golf.

Granted this will be a little more challenging for some of the higher handicap players. But boy will they enjoy the views and at 6,544 yards from the backs, it isn’t too long. 

Great value and superb views.

See also: What are the best golf courses in Orange County, California?

5. El Prado Golf Courses (Chino Creek & Butterfield Stage)

Northwest of Corona in Chino, is the 36-hole public golf facility of El Prado. 

Like many of the courses listed here, golfers get to enjoy wonderful views of the San Bernardino Mountains. On occasions, you may even be able to admire the snow-capped peaks of Mount Baldy. 

This is a vast site with two par 72 courses. Chino Creek stretches to 6,858 yards whilst Butterfield Stage is 6,568 yards from the back tees. 

Both courses were designed by the Californian father and son combo, Harry & David Rainville. And similarly, both opened in 1976.

Of the two courses, Chino Creek is geared towards the better, more capable golfers. The longer yardage, narrow fairways and well protected small greens will challenge the best out there. 

Whereas Butterfield Stage is definitely easier going. Wide fairways, less hazards and a shorter course make this high-handicapper friendly. 

One of the hazards which you won’t see on the scorecard is the wicked prevailing winds. Not only can these really pick up and cause chaos with club selection, but depending on the time of day you are playing, they could be blowing in completely different directions!

The charming clubhouse has an early Californian and Spanish character, with arched openings and mission tiles. 

6. Green River Golf Club

Up in the Santa Ana Mountains, close to the Yorba Linda city limits, you will find the sprawling Green River Golf Club.

Taking the 91 freeway up and out of Corona towards Anaheim, you’ll come across Green River Golf Club at one of the most elevated points. 

A fascinating fact about Green River is that the plot is located in three different counties. The clubhouse is in San Bernardino County. A handful of holes are in Orange County. And the majority of holes are based in Riverside County.

Designed by Cary Bickler, a relatively small time course designer based in California at the time, the club opened in 1960. 

At the time of opening, there were two 18-hole courses. But upon being purchased by Orange County, land was required to aid with the development of a major flood control project. 

Therefore in 2007, two became one, taking the best holes from each course.

When describing the atmosphere onsite, on one hand you feel detached from city-life whilst enjoying stunning canyon views and listening to the wildlife skirting the Santa Ana River nearby. 

But then on the other, you have the noise of the freeway and the occasional train careering past. 

Yet that said, it’s fantastic value and very popular with the locals for a reason. 

There are wide forgiving fairways and in an area which is known for its mountains and hilly topography, the course is surprisingly flat. 

Perfect for beginners and mid to high handicap players, it also has enough hazards to keep things interesting and challenging. 

7. Cresta Verde Golf Course

Cresta Verde Golf Course has been part of the Corona landscape for around a century and is the most central of the public golf courses on this list.

Having opened in 1927, the club is literally no more than a couple of minutes drive from the city center. On the intersection of 15 and 91 freeways, it couldn’t be more convenient. 

Recognised as one of America’s 500 oldest golf courses, the club was initially called Parkridge Country Club on first opening. 

Over the years the club has seen much change, including slowly but surely being surrounded by residential housing. Fortunately, there is enough foliage, mature trees and undulations to keep golfers focused.

With a premium on course management and not necessarily distance, Cresta Verde is ideal for golfers of all skill levels. For example, from the back tees, it is only just over 7,075 yards long. 

With that in mind, it is also priced accordingly. A low-key, unpretentious public facility.

What is the best public golf course in Corona?

The best public golf course in the city of Corona, California, is the sensational Eagle Glen Golf Club. Located in the Cleveland National Forest and just ten minutes from downtown Corona, it opened in 1999 and was designed by the renowned architect Gary Baird.