Baylands Golf Links
A scenic 18-hole golf course on the Bay, offering challenging play with stunning views and a relaxed cafe.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, calmer winds
Baylands Golf Links
Best Time
Fewer crowds, calmer winds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A scenic 18-hole golf course on the Bay, offering challenging play with stunning views and a relaxed cafe.
"The greens were complex and nuanced, and the fairways were generous and stayed true to their namesake."
Book Tee Times Early
Popular tee times at Baylands Golf Links fill up fast! Secure your spot in advance. :ticket:
Prepare for Wind
The Bay Area wind is a significant factor here. It can make the course play longer than its yardage. :windblowingface:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Finishing Hole Views
Hole 18
Experience breathtaking bay views on the finishing hole, a truly memorable end to your round.
Challenging Greens
Throughout the course
Test your putting skills on complex and nuanced greens that can be a golfer's nemesis.
Bay Area Scenery
Throughout the course
Enjoy the unique landscape of the Bay Area, with glimpses of planes from the nearby airport.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Tee Off with the Bay Breeze
Course Conditions & Value
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Book Tee Times Early
Popular tee times at Baylands Golf Links fill up fast! Secure your spot in advance. :ticket:
Prepare for Wind
The Bay Area wind is a significant factor here. It can make the course play longer than its yardage. :windblowingface:
Respect Environmental Areas
Be mindful of sensitive environmental zones off the fairway. Straying can lead to warnings. :evergreen_tree:
Check Course Conditions
Some reviews mention inconsistent fairways and bunkers. Check recent reports before your round. :mag:
Tips
from all over the internet
Book Tee Times Early
Popular tee times at Baylands Golf Links fill up fast! Secure your spot in advance. :ticket:
Prepare for Wind
The Bay Area wind is a significant factor here. It can make the course play longer than its yardage. :windblowingface:
Respect Environmental Areas
Be mindful of sensitive environmental zones off the fairway. Straying can lead to warnings. :evergreen_tree:
Check Course Conditions
Some reviews mention inconsistent fairways and bunkers. Check recent reports before your round. :mag:
Hydrate and Snack
Bring water and snacks, or check out the cafe for coffee and treats. :coffee:
Practice Your Putting
The greens are known for being challenging and nuanced. Spend time on the practice greens. :golf:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Baylands Golf Links offers scenic bay views and challenging greens, with a new cafe adding to the amenities. However, some visitors report inconsistent course conditions and find the price point high compared to other Bay Area options. The strong winds are a notable challenge for golfers.
"This course has really gone downhill. On the first hole, the fairways are lush and very nice, but as you go through the course, you see that the course has become troubled with the gopher holes, inconsistent bunkers filled with either mud or sand dunes, which are deep and difficult to get out of, and huge patches of bear dirt. The tee boxes are also very inconsistent some of which the grass is very long and very far from smooth. The greens were consistent.
But here's the worst part, Palo Alto, which is a liberal bastion has deemed that anywhere off the fairway is a sensitive environmental area. The starter takes it upon themselves to threaten you before you round. If you go in this sensitive environmental area you're subject to being kicked off the course. The only other interaction I had with course staff was on the back nine at a par five where I pulled the cart off the cart path onto the grass. I was chastised for being too close to the Green. The cart was actually parked 5 yards from the green, and 2 feet from the car path. I do this so others can drive by if they need.
The round cost $120 for 18 holes, a cart, and a small bucket of balls. Really not even close to worth it."
Jack Winfield
"I imagined the wind would be my nemesis. The greens, however, were complex and nuanced. Fairways were generous and stayed true to their namesake. I enjoyed my round despite not scoring well. I'm excited to play Baylands again."
B E
"Honestly there are much better courses for $90 (Bay Area resident rate) in the Bay Area. The fairways had a ton of dead spots. Greens and bunkers for good. The course is challenging, especially in very windy days. 6100 yards from the blue tees plays more like 6500+ because of the wind. Practice areas were nice, but again, for $90 I expected more out of the actual course. The starter was also unfriendly. When asked if I had played there before, I said "first time" and he let out a deep sigh like he was annoyed he had to explain the course and the meaning of the different OB stakes."
Stephen Liao
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Baylands Golf Links is located in Palo Alto, CA. It's easily accessible by car. Parking is available on-site. Many visitors find it convenient to drive directly to the course.
While direct public transport to the course might be limited, you can explore options to reach Palo Alto and then consider a short taxi or rideshare to the golf links. Check local transit schedules for the most up-to-date information.
From San Francisco, driving is the most common method, taking approximately 30-45 minutes depending on traffic. You can also consider Caltrain to Palo Alto station and then a short rideshare.
Yes, Baylands Golf Links is conveniently located near the Palo Alto Airport (PAO), where you can see small planes taking off during your round. Major international airports like San Francisco International Airport (SFO) and San Jose International Airport (SJC) are also within driving distance.
Driving times vary by location. From San Jose, expect around 30 minutes. From San Francisco, it's typically 30-45 minutes. Traffic can significantly impact these times, especially during peak hours.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Green fees can vary, with some reviews mentioning around $120 for 18 holes including a cart and a small bucket of balls. Bay Area resident rates might be available, often around $90.
It's best to check their official website for the most current pricing and tee time rates.
Yes, booking tee times in advance is highly recommended, especially for weekends and popular times. Slots can fill up quickly, so securing your reservation early is key to playing.
The course typically opens early in the morning and closes around dusk. Specific hours for the pro shop, driving range, and restaurant may vary. It's advisable to check their official website for precise opening and closing times.
Keep an eye on the Baylands Golf Links website or inquire directly about potential resident discounts, twilight rates, or package deals. Some online booking platforms might also offer promotions.
Yes, walking the course is an option, and some visitors enjoy a nice walking round. However, be aware of the course's length and potential wind, which can make walking more challenging.
🎫 ⛳ Onsite Experience
Course conditions can be mixed. Some reviews highlight lush fairways and consistent greens, while others mention issues like gopher holes, bare patches, and inconsistent bunker conditions.
The greens are often described as challenging and nuanced.
Yes, Baylands Golf Links is considered challenging, particularly due to the strong bay winds that can significantly increase the perceived difficulty and playability. The greens also add to the challenge.
The course features practice greens and a driving range, which are generally well-regarded. It's a good place to warm up before your round or work on your swing.
A unique aspect is its proximity to the Palo Alto Airport, offering views of small planes taking off during play. The finishing hole also provides beautiful bay views.
Standard golf attire is generally expected. This typically includes collared shirts, golf shorts or slacks, and appropriate golf shoes. It's always a good idea to check the course's specific dress code policy.
🍽️ ☕ Food & Dining
Yes, Baylands Golf Links has a cafe, @cloud9_coffee, which offers a cute, cozy vibe with outdoor seating. They serve drinks like Butterscotch Lattes and Cloudy drinks, as well as croffles.
The cafe offers a selection of beverages, including specialty lattes, and food items like Nutella Banana and Strawberry Whip Croffles.
While specific details about on-course beverage carts aren't widely mentioned, the presence of a cafe suggests options for refreshments. It's always wise to bring your own water and snacks as a backup.
The cafe offers lighter fare like croffles. For more substantial meals, you might need to explore dining options outside the golf course in Palo Alto.
The cafe's hours typically align with golf course operations, opening in the morning and closing in the late afternoon or early evening. It's best to confirm their specific hours on the day of your visit.
📸 📸 Photography
The finishing hole (18th) offers stunning bay views, perfect for scenic shots. The general landscape and the unique sight of planes taking off from the nearby airport also provide interesting photographic opportunities.
Yes, many visitors share photos and videos of their rounds.
The open layout and proximity to the bay can offer beautiful natural light, especially during sunrise and sunset. Golden hour can provide particularly picturesque conditions for photos.
Golf swing videos, and highlight reels of good shots
Drone usage is typically restricted at golf courses due to safety and privacy concerns. It's essential to check Baylands Golf Links' specific policy on drone operation before attempting to fly one.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The open spaces and views of planes from the nearby airport can also be entertaining for younger visitors. Consider booking a tee time during calmer morning hours to make the experience more enjoyable for everyone. Remember to check the course's policy on children accompanying golfers.💰 Budget-Conscious Golfers
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating Baylands Golf Links: Course Strategy & Challenges
Beyond the wind, the greens at Baylands are frequently described as complex and nuanced.
When planning your round, consider the environmental sensitivity rules. Certain areas off the fairway are designated as sensitive, and straying into them can lead to warnings or even being asked to leave the course.
The Baylands Golf Links Experience: Beyond the 18 Holes
This provides a pleasant spot to relax before or after a round, or simply to enjoy the atmosphere.The course's location offers a unique visual element: its proximity to the Palo Alto Airport. Golfers often spot small planes taking off and landing during their game,
For those looking to improve their game, Baylands offers practice facilities, including a driving range and practice greens.
These are generally well-maintained and provide a good opportunity to warm up or hone specific skills. The overall atmosphere, combined with the scenic views and convenient amenities, contributes to a well-rounded visit for golfers and their companions.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit