Improved and a Good Value* to Boot


Crystal Springs has an interesting layout with some spectacular scenery just off the 280 freeway in Burlingame. I played this course about seven times in t... Continue »

Improved and a Good Value* to Boot


Crystal Springs has an interesting layout with some spectacular scenery just off the 280 freeway in Burlingame. I played this course about seven times in the last month and with the recent course changes, I believe it's the best bargain on the Peninsula, provided you play at the right times.


This fairly hilly track is set in a wildlife sanctuary above the Crystal Springs reservoir. You're likely to see plenty of deer that seem oblivious to the golfers playing through their grazing area. You'll see some beautiful views, too. The steep downhill, dog-leg- left, number 6 hole is especially dramatic. Aim just left of the fairway bunker on this hole and you'll do just fine. Although this course has are some hills, a more energetic golfer can enjoyably walk here, as I did.


Longer hitters can have some fun here and can easily reach some par fives in two. Holes 4 and 16 are relatively flat par fives and measure in at 480 and 449 respectively. Also, the 298 yard par four 15th hole has a narrow, tree-lined fairway but long ball hitters will find the downhill green quite reachable from the tee.


Overall, this track runs about 6200 from the white tees with a slope rating of 121 (6500 and 124 from the blues). The course set up makes good use of the topography and there is no repetitive feel to the holes. Water doesn't really come into play here and there aren't a lot of bunkers. But several of the fairways, especially on the backside, are tightly lined by redwood trees. The greens are generally small and are softer than most. I found the course's overall condition better than average.


In the past half year or so, new cart paths have been added, some new tee boxes have been installed, and fairway drainage has been improved. Perhaps the nicest improvement is the addition of Winter Rates, which run until the end of March. Walk Monday through Thursday for $36, $26 from 1:00, and $16 from 2:30. Friday/Weekend rates run $51, $36, $26 for the same times.


Other things to like are a very good driving range and two putting greens, easy access from the freeway, and, at least when I was there, a friendly and helpful staff.


Still, there are some caveats to keep in mind here. Although drainage has improved, it is still poor and the course can be quite muddy after a significant rainfall. Allow the course at least a week to dry out after a several days’ rain. Also, this isn't a plush country club. The pro shop and bar are adequate but plain and showing their age. The asterisk in the title refers to riding in a cart, especially on a weekend or Friday at primetime. This adds $15 and puts the price at $66 ($80 during the summer season) and clearly is not a good value compared to some of the other courses in the area.


Walk and play at the right times here, if you can. You'll enjoy a good round on a beautiful course, and a good value, too.

Pace of play a little slow course in good shape they have made improvents over the last month

Pace of play a little slow course in good shape they have made improvents over the last month

fun to play. lots of deer on the course. plenty of good scenery and sidehill and uphill and downhill lies.

fun to play. lots of deer on the course. plenty of good scenery and sidehill and uphill and downhill lies.

fairways are too muddy,greens okey.bumpy cartpaths.i probably will stay away until indian summer.

fairways are too muddy,greens okey.bumpy cartpaths.i probably will stay away until indian summer.

Played at 10:00 Sat morning 4/2/05. Course played just OK. Still many areas with standing water. Lots of mud. Tee boxes are OK. Rough is fairly high still. Greens are still more sand than grass. All i... Continue »

Played at 10:00 Sat morning 4/2/05. Course played just OK. Still many areas with standing water. Lots of mud. Tee boxes are OK. Rough is fairly high still. Greens are still more sand than grass. All in all, considering the amount of rain we have had, fun was had by all.

I had a great time playing this course. Due to all the recent rain, the fairways and greens were lush, albeit somewhat sloppy. I played with a friend on a Monday morning and the course was practical... Continue »

I had a great time playing this course. Due to all the recent rain, the fairways and greens were lush, albeit somewhat sloppy. I played with a friend on a Monday morning and the course was practically empty - we finished in just over 3 hours, and neither of us are very good players. When it's clear, the views of the reservoir are spectacular (there is a gazebo for hosting weddings just off the 4th or 5th hole). I would definitely play here again.