Los Lagos Golf Course opened in 2002 as a municipal facility owned by the City of San Jose and managed by CourseCo. The course was designed by Brian Costello, ASGCA, of JMP Golf Design Group in Belmont, with some sources also crediting J. Michael Poellot as a co-architect. The 18-hole layout sits at the corner of Capitol Expressway and Tuers Road in central San Jose, minutes from Highway 101, and was routed through land adjacent to Coyote Creek with enhanced setbacks built in to protect the sensitive riparian habitat. The course has been recognized as a Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary for its ongoing environmental management.

On the course

The routing is unusual for a full-length course: par is 68 across 5,393 yards from the back tees, with a course rating of 65.4 and a slope of 112. Rather than the standard ten par 4s, Los Lagos features nine par 3s, four par 4s, and five par 5s. The mix gives shorter hitters multiple scoring opportunities on the par 3s while leaving the five par 5s as the primary tests of length and decision-making. The par-5 6th is widely cited by regulars as one of the course's more demanding holes, difficult to reach in two even for long hitters, and the 18th, a 583-yard par 5, is the longest hole on the property.

Who it suits

Los Lagos suits beginners, juniors, seniors, and players working on iron play, since the heavy par-3 count keeps rounds moving and rewards accuracy over raw distance. Lower-handicap players treat it as a scoring course where the par 5s offer realistic birdie chances. The facility also includes a lighted driving range, making it a practical option for after-work practice in the South Bay.

Architect: Brian Costello · Opened: 2002