Fall Golf in the Bay Area - let Oldham Group guide the way!
As the crisp autumn air settles in and the leaves begin to change, there's no better time to hit the links in the beautiful Bay Area. At Oldham Group, we're not just passionate about real estate - we also love helping our clients discover the best lifestyle amenities our region has to offer. Today, we're excited to share some of the top public golf courses across the Bay Area that offer stunning fall scenery, great playability, and relatively easy booking for tee times.Whether you're a seasoned golfer or just looking to enjoy a relaxing day on the greens, these courses provide the perfect backdrop for your autumn golfing adventures. From the rolling hills of Santa Clara County to the coastal vistas of Monterey, we've got you covered with options spanning the entire Bay Area.
Santa Clara County Gems
Cinnabar Hills Golf Club, San Jose
Nestled in the foothills of San Jose, Cinnabar Hills offers 27 holes of championship golf with breathtaking views of the Santa Cruz Mountains. The course features three distinct 9-hole layouts - the Canyon, Lake, and Mountain courses - allowing for varied play experiences. Fall brings vibrant colors to the surrounding landscape, making it a visual treat. Tee times are generally available, especially on weekdays.
Santa Teresa Golf Club, San Jose
This municipal course in South San Jose provides a challenging yet accessible experience for golfers of all skill levels. The back nine offers particularly scenic views of the Santa Teresa Hills. With reasonable green fees and good availability, it's an excellent option for a spontaneous round.
San Mateo County Fairways
Half Moon Bay Golf Links, Half Moon Bay
While this course can be busy, planning ahead can secure you a tee time at one of the most picturesque courses in the Bay Area. The Ocean Course, with its stunning coastal views, is particularly breathtaking in the fall when the marine layer creates a mystical atmosphere. The Old Course offers a more traditional parkland style of play.
Crystal Springs Golf Course, Burlingame
Overlooking the Crystal Springs Reservoir, this course offers panoramic views of the San Francisco watershed. The layout takes advantage of the natural terrain, providing a challenging and scenic round. Fall brings a special charm to the course, with fog often rolling over the hills in the early morning.
Monterey County Classics
Pacific Grove Golf Links, Pacific Grove
Often called the "Poor Man's Pebble Beach," this municipal course offers incredible ocean views at a fraction of the cost of its famous neighbor. The back nine, designed by Jack Neville (co-designer of Pebble Beach), runs along the coastline and is particularly stunning in the fall when migrating monarch butterflies can sometimes be spotted.
Bayonet and Black Horse, Seaside
These two courses, originally part of the former Fort Ord military base, offer challenging play with sweeping views of Monterey Bay. Fall brings cooler temperatures, making for ideal golfing conditions. While popular, tee times are generally available with some advance planning.
Santa Cruz County Fairways
Pasatiempo Golf Club, Santa Cruz
While semi-private, Pasatiempo does offer public tee times and is well worth the effort to book. Designed by the legendary Alister MacKenzie, this course offers a world-class golfing experience. The fall season brings out the best in the course's natural beauty, with the Santa Cruz Mountains providing a stunning backdrop.
DeLaveaga Golf Course, Santa Cruz
This municipal course offers a challenging layout with elevation changes and tight fairways. Known for its beautiful views of Monterey Bay, DeLaveaga is particularly charming in the fall when the surrounding forests begin to change color. Tee times are generally available, especially on weekdays.
San Francisco County Urban Oasis
TPC Harding Park, San Francisco
Home to the 2020 PGA Championship, TPC Harding Park offers a championship-level experience that's open to the public. The course winds through towering cypress trees with views of Lake Merced. Fall brings a special atmosphere to the course, with fog often creating a mystical setting in the early mornings.
Presidio Golf Course, San Francisco
Set within a national park, the Presidio Golf Course offers a unique urban golfing experience. The course features stunning views of the Golden Gate Bridge and the San Francisco skyline. Fall is an excellent time to play here, with typically mild temperatures and occasional fog adding to the ambiance.
Alameda County Links
Corica Park South Course, Alameda
Recently renovated, the South Course at Corica Park offers a links-style experience reminiscent of Australian sand belt courses. The course features firm and fast conditions, making for an enjoyable round in the cooler fall weather. Tee times are generally available, especially on weekdays.
Poppy Ridge Golf Course, Livermore
Set against the backdrop of the Livermore wine country, Poppy Ridge offers 27 holes of championship golf. The course features rolling hills and vineyards, which are particularly beautiful in the fall as the grape leaves change color. While popular, tee times are usually available with some advance planning.
Beyond: San Benito County Hidden Gem
San Juan Oaks Golf Club, Hollister
A bit off the beaten path, San Juan Oaks offers a serene golfing experience away from the bustle of the Bay Area. Designed by Fred Couples, the course features oak-lined fairways and stunning views of the Gabilan Mountains. Fall brings cooler temperatures and beautiful colors to the surrounding landscape.
As real estate professionals serving the entire Bay Area, from Campbell and Cupertino to Hollister and San Juan Bautista, we at Oldham Group understand the importance of lifestyle amenities like great golf courses. Whether you're looking for a home near the fairways or just seeking a great day out on the links, these courses offer something for everyone.Remember, while we've highlighted courses with generally good availability, it's always best to book in advance, especially for weekend tee times. Many courses offer online booking, making it easy to plan your fall golfing adventure.At Oldham Group, we're not just here to help you find your dream home - we're here to help you discover and enjoy all that the Bay Area has to offer. From the tech hubs of Silicon Valley to the coastal communities of Santa Cruz and Monterey, our team has the local knowledge and expertise to guide you through every aspect of Bay Area living.So grab your clubs, enjoy the crisp fall air, and experience some of the best golf the Bay Area has to offer. And when you're ready to make your move in the real estate market, remember that Oldham Group is here to help you navigate every step of the journey. Happy golfing!
