Baylands Golf Links

Golf Course Review Baylands Golf Links Palo Alto California

Reviewed by: ddesantis4442, San Jose

Been meaning to play this course for a while and kicking myself for not making it happen sooner. Mid-week, morning tee time is the first test, as just getting there in Bay Area traffic was a challenge.

Customer service was great in the pro shop, got out on time with three other players.

The Review

First impression is the perfect looking fairways. All of the turf is the same color making depth perception difficult. There is no rough at all on this course, which makes the visual fairly stunning.

The greens were excellent, rolled smooth as glass, but were not super speedy due to what appeared to be recent sanding and generous morning water. Didn’t impair the enjoyment a bit.

Watching the small airplanes take off from the adjacent airport is kind of interesting too. Wind was down this day, but was told it can kick up in the afternoon (the course is basically on the bay). Fairways were a joy to hit from, ball sat up like it was on a tee, rolled out well and, like the visual, were uniform throughout the course. Hard to miss a fairway as the they are wide and level, with the requisite links style mounds and moguls throughout.

Fun par 3 (two are in the 230 range from the black tees) and 5 par fives. Big difference from the black to blue tees. Black is about 6800 yards and wind will make some holes play very long. Beside the wind, the only defense this course has are the undulating greens (a lot like Blackhorse/Bayonet in Monterey). Most are well protected by bunkers. If you are going to run a ball up to the green you better be accurate or like sand shots.

Pace of play was OK (about 4.25 – 4.5 hours) with our foursome (2 good players and a terrific little kid with his mom watching from a cart). Great warm-to-hot weather day with low winds made for an extremely fun and rewarding round.

Final Thoughts

Playing well helps, but the wide-links style fairways makes for a great day. Rode in a cart, but it is an easily walkable course. Nice bar/restaurant/clubhouse/merchandise. Check it out.