Baylands Golf Links

Baylands Golf Links is an 18-hole golf course designed by architect Forrest Richardson, located in Palo Alto with views toward San Francisco Bay. The course is distinguished by five par-3 holes, a rarity in modern design, and features multiple short risk-reward par-4s that emphasize strategy over length. The layout incorporates California's natural landscape, including native oak trees, brush, and Stone Pines.

The course is defined by its integration with wetland habitats and San Francisquito Creek, which serve both environmental and strategic purposes. Notable design elements include a traditional Redan hole at the 4th, reminiscent of North Berwick in Scotland, and the 14th hole which offers players a choice between two distinctly different greens—one a small, unforgiving target along the wetlands and the other a forgiving punchbowl design. The course features significant elevation changes, contoured greens with multiple pin positions that substantially alter difficulty, and strategic use of bunkers. Fairways blend seamlessly between holes, and native rough poses considerable challenges. The 13th hole represents an original hole from the historic Palo Alto course, maintained in its original location.