GOLFWEEK NAMES BAYLANDS GOLF LINKS TO CALIFORNIA BEST PUBLIC COURSE LIST
Redesigned Forrest Richardson links-style layout proves to be a favorite among players and raters
Baylands Golf Links has been named to Golfweek Magazine’s Best Courses You Can Play list for the state of California, debuting at No. 13 in the annual collection of the best public golf courses in every state. The honor caps a successful first year of operations for the former Palo Alto Municipal Golf Course, which was redesigned by architect Forrest Richardson and re-opened for play in late May 2018.
“What better way to celebrate our first year as Baylands Golf Links, than to be recognized as one of the best in the Golden State,” said General Manager Ed Winiecki. “It’s a testament to the first-class staff that has work hard to create an unforgettable experience for our players, as well as the players themselves who have given us such amazing feedback.”
“We couldn’t be more proud to make Golfweek’s best of California list after our first full year of operations,” said Matt Molloy, Senior Vice President of Operations at OB Sports. “The City of Palo Alto had a great vision of what Baylands could become after the redesign, and this is just the first positive step of many toward giving Bay Area golfers a premier golf and dining experience.”
“The City of Palo Alto is honored to join the ranks of the prestigious courses recognized by Golfweek,” said Kristen O’Kane, Director Community Services Department. “The newly redesigned Baylands Golf Links is an exciting and beautiful course for all to enjoy.”
In comparison to the former Palo Alto Municipal Golf Course, the redesigned Baylands Golf Links features 55 acres of native Baylands vegetation and wetlands areas, a 40% reduction of managed turf areas, a 35% reduction of potable water use, an additional 10.5 acres added to the Baylands Athletic Center for future recreational use, and 7.4 acres of land converted into in-stream marshland terrace habitat within an expanded San Francisquito Creek for increased flood protection.
Construction began in mid-July of 2016, with removal of most of the non-native trees throughout the golf course. Tree removal was mitigated through the planting of 300 new native trees on the reconfigured course, along with the planting of two acres of native bay ecosystem habitat in Byxbee Park, as well as the protection and monitoring of 500 naturally-occurring oak saplings in the Pearson Arastradero Preserve.
The site was recontoured using soil from the large on-site stockpile, which created an undulating landscape and elevated scenic views of the Baylands and San Francisco Bay that enhance the golf experience. The golf holes are separated by large natural areas planted with wetlands plant species that improve habitat for birds and wildlife, and integrate the golf course into its Baylands setting.
To experience Baylands Golf Links, book your next starting time by visiting baylandsgolflinks.com, or call (650) 856-0881.