Sunnyvale Golf Course is an 18-hole municipal layout that opened in 1968, designed by David W. Kent with later input from Donald Knott and Gary Linn. The course sits in the heart of Silicon Valley near the intersection of Highways 101 and 237, adjacent to Moffett Field, and is operated by the City of Sunnyvale alongside its sister course, the 9-hole Sunken Gardens.

On the course

The routing is a par 70 that stretches from roughly 5,170 yards up to 6,248 yards across three sets of tees, with a course rating of 70.1 and slope of 117. The terrain is notably flat and very walkable, with wide fairways framed by mature trees and a mix of straight and dogleg holes. Bentgrass covers the tees, fairways, and greens. Bunkers and several water features come into play, though some on-course ponds have gone dry in recent years. Summer afternoons typically bring wind off the South Bay, which is the course's main defense given the modest yardage.

Who it suits

Greens are medium-sized, smooth, and relatively flat, so putts tend to read straighter than at hillier Bay Area munis. Amenities are intentionally minimal: there is a small putting green but no driving range or full short-game area, and no on-site restaurant, so players generally bring their own food. Walking is permitted, and electric carts and pull carts are available to rent.

The course suits beginners working toward their first full-length round, seniors and walkers who want a flat track, and locals looking for an affordable weekday loop close to San Jose and Palo Alto. Better players use it as a scoring course where wide fairways and benign greens reward steady ball-striking rather than length off the tee.

Architect: David W. Kent · Opened: 1968