Fun, Unpretentious Golf near Santa Cruz

I play about once or twice a year at Seascape and I think this is a nice alternative for South Bay and Peninsula golfers. The things that keep me coming back are the interesting course layout and the relaxed, friendly atmosphere. This par 71 course isn’t long (5,800 from the middle tees), but has enough natural challenges and hole variations to keep you interested. I like the back nine, which has three par 5s, a little better than the front --especially holes 10, 13, 15 and 17.

OTHER THINGS TO LIKE:
+ a good variety in the layout of holes—each hole feels new and different from the one before
+ many elevation changes and lots of large pine, eucalyptus and redwood trees make it attractive and interesting
+ a bit hilly, but still quite walkable for more athletic golfers
+ at 430-510 yards, the par 5s can be reached in two by long ball hitters
+ reasonable green fees—check golfnow.com or sign up for the email discounts
+ fairly good conditions for a public course
+ small but friendly proshop and bar

SOME THINGS YOU MIGHT NOT LIKE:
- about an hour from Peninsula and South Bay cities on a white-knuckle drive over windy and crowded Highways 17 and 1
- near the coast, but no views of the ocean and the weather can stay foggy throughout the day
- only water hazard is a small pond near the 13th green
- a couple holes are closely lined by private homes (one person I played with here skulled a wedge shot that ricocheted off a eucalyptus branch and crashed through a bedroom window)
- practice facilities are minimal—a practice putting green and a small, unmarked driving range with mats

Overall, this is a nice local course and an enjoyable place to play. If you don’t mind the drive from the South Bay, it’s worth the occasional trip, especially during the hot summer months.

I played here last week on my way to So-Cal and was impressed. The course has few trees, but makes great use of the hills, arroyos, ponds and creek to create an interesting, and very enjoyable golf experience. This feels a lot like Cinnabar Hills in San Jose, another excellent design by John Harbottle. It is not long (blue 6158 yards, gold 6548) but it does provide a reasonable challenge (blue slope 123, gold 127).

I was pleasantly surprised with the condition of the course, too. For a low priced ($34), local course, it was in great condition. The fairways were reasonably plush, the greens were fairly large and green (few brown patches or problem areas) and rolled true. The practice facilities (putting green, chipping green, range) were also in good condition.

Dairy Creek has got to be one of the best golfing values in California. I'm looking forward to the next time I can play here.

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.

Cinnabar Hills--a “must play” golf course in the Bay Area.

I’ve played this course about a dozen times and love coming out to this scenic, beautifully designed and maintained course. This is one of the most enjoyable course to play in the Bay Area.


THINGS TO LIKE

+ Imaginative, original course design with lots of elevation changes and excellent use of the natural surroundings. Truly beautiful to look at.

+ Well maintained course—greens are usually in excellent condition and the fairways are usually very good, too.

+ Course drains very well—can be played after several days’ rain with little problem.

+ Lots of wild life—heron, coyote, wild turkey and more—and only surrounding nature lining holes (no homes or anything else).

+ Beautiful, spacious, upscale clubhouse and pro shop.

+ Full practice facility with a large, grass tee driving range, 3 different putting greens and a good chipping and sand practice green.

+ Newer carts with lots on amenities including useful, accurate GPS and helpful hole tips.


THINGS YOU MIGHT NOT LIKE

- High handicappers will probably find the holes too challenging and unforgiving. Also, if you are wild off the tee, bring lots of balls. The greens are large, hard, undulating and very fast.

- A bit on the expensive side ($80/$100 weekends), but Mondays and Tuesday are $59 and Super Twilight is $40 M-Th.

- Like many popular courses, play can be slow at peak times—allow five hours when it is busy.

- Not a walker’s course—everyone rides in a cart.