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The inviting first at Pelican Hill's Ocean South is a strong introduction. Tim Gavrich/Golf Advisor
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A big carry across one of Pelican Hill's many ravines confronts golfers on the Ocean South's 5th tee. Tim Gavrich/Golf Advisor
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The 12th is the first of consecutive oceanside par 3s at Pelican Hill's Ocean South Course. Tim Gavrich/Golf Advisor
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Two greens and the Pacific ocean define the par-3 13th at Pelican Hill's Ocean South. Tim Gavrich/GolfPass
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One more carry over a ravine stands between golfers and the closing green at Pelican Hill's Ocean South Course. Tim Gavrich/Golf Advisor
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There's more room than you can see here at the par-3 2nd at Pelican Hill's Ocean North Course. Landing a shot short and right of the green will kick it into good position. Tim Gavrich/Golf Advisor
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Pelican Hill's Ocean North Course's 12th green looks back toward the city of Newport Beach and the Pacific Ocean. Tim Gavrich/Golf Advisor
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The 13th at Pelican Hill's Ocean North Course heads up through a canyon. Tim Gavrich/Golf Advisor
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There's a definite "infinity edge" effect on the approach shot at 14 at Pelican Hill's Ocean North Course. Tim Gavrich/Golf Advisor
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The par-5 17th at the Ocean North Course at Pelican Hill is breathtaking. Tim Gavrich/Golf Advisor
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The ravine-hopping finisher at Pelican Hill's Ocean North Course has more room off the tee than most golfers think. Tim Gavrich/Golf Advisor
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The breezeway leading to the main golf facility Pelican Hill exudes Italianate-style luxury. Tim Gavrich/Golf Advisor
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The coastal setting of Pelican Hill is gorgeous. Tim Gavrich/Golf Advisor
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Pelican Hill Golf Club: Spiffy in Southern California

This upscale 36-hole facility has Pacific Ocean views for days.

Few public-accessible golf facilities overwhelm golfers with views as relentlessly as Pelican Hill Golf Club. The Pacific Ocean is in full view from practically every hole on both its Ocean South and Ocean North layouts, and two back-nine par 3s on the Ocean South get within spitting distance of the waves.

But it's actually the Ocean North that serious golf course enthusiasts will prefer. Not only is it a bit longer, but it has a more engaging and varied mix of holes. It also mostly eschews the occasional odd routing loops and switchbacks that break up the flow of the South course, somewhat. Though don't be fooled - carts are mandatory and necessary on both these courses.

Playing golf at Pelican Hill is a splurge at $295 ($195 twilight, which is frankly the best time to play, given the possibilities of the sunset on the Pacific), but one many golfers consider worthwhile.

Tim Gavrich is a Senior Writer for GolfPass. Follow him on Twitter @TimGavrich and on Instagram @TimGavrich.
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Pelican Hill Golf Club: Spiffy in Southern California