After finishing Skywest so early, I raced out (pun intended) to Pleasanton GC to squeeze 9 in before the GK outing at Corica Park. This was one of many East Bay short courses I wanted to check off my ... Continue »

After finishing Skywest so early, I raced out (pun intended) to Pleasanton GC to squeeze 9 in before the GK outing at Corica Park. This was one of many East Bay short courses I wanted to check off my list this trip. Getting here was a little confusing as my GPS first took me to the driving range, which is on the opposite side of the fairgrounds. I ultimately found my way over to the course, which is located inside the horse racing track infield. You do want to drive through the tunnel (that doesn't look like a car will fit) and park inside the track. It was a bit busier than I expected with several players waiting to tee off. With my time crunch, the pro shop guy was nice enough to let me jump out to hole 3 ahead of the groups. I finished 3-9 quickly and then played 1-2 with a single to wrap up my nine. $18 to walk seems very steep for this course. Conditions were solid. The tees, fairways and rough were in good shape. Bunkers OK and the greens were actually very nice. Somewhat firm and rolling faster than expected for a course of this caliber. Pretty small and sometimes domey greens, so can be hard to hold. Like Fairgrounds GC up in Santa Rosa, playing inside the race track is perhaps the only memorable thing here. I doubt they allow play during races and during certain fair events, but not sure. Otherwise, a very basic and simple layout in an open field. They could use some more yardage markings on the few par-4s because I found myself guessing without a GPS or scope. Decent beginner's course and home to local First Tee programs I believe.