Metropolitan Golf Links
Oakland, California – 10051 Doolittle Dr, Oakland, CA 94603
About Metropolitan Golf Links
Metropolitan Golf Links sits on one of the Bay Area's stranger golf sites, beside Oakland International Airport on land that opened in 1966 as the municipal Lew F. Galbraith Golf Course atop a former landfill. Unstable ground warped that layout, and in the late 1990s the Port of Oakland deposited roughly 1.2 million cubic yards of dredged material on the property. Johnny Miller and architect Fred Bliss rebuilt it, capping the site with two feet of sand and new turf, and the course reopened in 2003 as a links-inspired design now managed by CourseCo.
On the course
From the back tees it plays 6,959 yards at par 72, rated 73.4 with a slope of 130, and the defense is wind rather than trees. Fairways are wide and firm, framed by native grasses and clusters of heather, with four wetland areas, restrained bunkering and large receptive greens. The two returning nines mix straight holes, doglegs and double doglegs, and the breeze off San Francisco Bay hits each differently, rewarding flighted shots and a working ground game. Long views stretch to the Oakland hills and San Francisco skyline, with jets from the adjacent runways as the soundtrack.
Who it suits
The land is open and level, easy to walk, and the two feet of sand under the turf help it drain quickly in wet months. Reviewers regularly call the greens the strongest part of the property, quick and true outside aeration windows, though fairways can show hardpan patches and value at peak rates depends on that week's conditioning. Pace is generally reasonable, especially in the morning, and the staff draws steady praise. It suits golfers who prefer an honest wind test to target golf.
Practice facilities include a driving range and a short-game area, with lessons and junior camps through the on-site ELEVATE Golf Academy plus a pro shop and event space. The operation's environmental work earned the 2019 GCSAA President's Award for Environmental Stewardship. Choose Metropolitan if you want the Bay Area's closest approximation of links golf at a public-course price, minutes from the Oakland airport.
Architect: Johnny Miller and Fred Bliss · Opened: 2003
Course Details
- 18 Holes
- Par 72
- 6,959 Yards
- Course Rating 73.4
- Slope 130
- Practice Facilities: Driving range · Practice green · Pro shop
- Tee Time Prices: $42 – $96
- Phone: (510) 569-5555
- Address: 10051 Doolittle Dr, Oakland, CA 94603
Notable Facts About Metropolitan Golf Links
- Opened in 2003 and designed by Fred Bliss and Johnny Miller.
- Built on the site of the former Lew F. Galbraith Golf Course (opened 1966); used for dredged-material dumping c.1999 before being revamped and renamed in 2003.
- Miller and Bliss improved drainage by covering the original landscape with two feet of sand before growing modern turf hybrids, giving it a true links feel next to Oakland International Airport.
Ratings
Rated 7.6/10 based on 856 reviews.
Book Tee Times at Metropolitan Golf Links
Metropolitan Golf Links is an 18-hole par-72 public golf course in Oakland, California. Tee times currently range from $42 to $96. Compare live rates and book online through Golf The Bay.
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