I imagined the wind would be my nemesis. The greens, however, were complex and nuanced. Fairways were generous and stayed true to their namesake. I enjoyed my round despite not scoring well. I'm excited to play Baylands again.

This course has really gone downhill. On the first hole, the fairways are lush and very nice, but as you go through the course, you see that the course has become troubled with the gopher holes, inconsistent bunkers filled with either mud or sand dunes, which are deep and difficult to get out of, and huge patches of bear dirt. The tee boxes are also very inconsistent some of which the grass is very long and very far from smooth. The greens were consistent. But here's the worst part, Palo Alto, which is a liberal bastion has deemed that anywhere off the fairway is a sensitive environmental area. The starter takes it upon themselves to threaten you before you round. If you go in this sensitive environmental area you're subject to being kicked off the course. The only other interaction I had with course staff was on the back nine at a par five where I pulled the cart off the cart path onto the grass. I was chastised for being too close to the Green. The cart was actually parked 5 yards from the green, and 2 feet from the car path. I do this so others can drive by if they need. The round cost $120 for 18 holes, a cart, and a small bucket of balls. Really not even close to worth it.

In General Baylands Golf Links offers a genuine links-style experience, with firm turf, constant (light) wind, and strategically placed pot bunkers reminiscent of Scottish coastal courses - only thing missing is the high grass left and right of the fairways. From the back tees it measures approx. 6,800 yards, yet generous fairway widths and running conditions make it play shorter. Pace of play was exemplary—completed in just a bit above four hours with minimal waiting. The greens stand out as the finest element: well-maintained, heavily contoured, multi-tiered, and exceptionally true. Tee boxes and fairways are in excellent condition; bunkers contain soft, high-quality sand when properly raked. In Detail - Condition: Tee boxes are level and lush; fairways provide consistent lies despite frequent uneven stances typical of links golf. Greens are fast, undulating, and reward precise approach play. - Clubhouse & pro shop: The golf shop is well-stocked with attentive, courteous staff. Restroom facilities, however, fall far below expectations for a course of this standard. - Practice facilities: The putting green is spacious and matches course speeds accurately. The short-game area offers only 6–8 holes—adequate but limited. The driving range has roughly 15 mat-only bays; drivers are permitted with personal rubber tees, and the ball machine is inconveniently distant. - Carts: Performance varies; one unit exhibited mechanical issues in reverse. Fleet maintenance requires improvement. Suggestions for Improvement 1. Restrooms – Urgent renovation required to align with the course’s overall quality. 2. Golf carts – Implement daily functionality checks, particularly reverse operation, with brief staff testing at return. 3. Driving range – Increase capacity by a few bays, if somehow feasible, maybe introduce seasonal grass tees, supply rubber tees, and potentially relocate or duplicate the ball dispenser - golfers would spend more balls. 4. Practice Putting Green – Expand to 12–15 targets and add a practice bunker. In summary Baylands Golf Links delivers a somewhat authentic and thoroughly enjoyable Links experience supported by outstanding greens and efficient pacing. Addressing the modest shortcomings in facilities and equipment would be nice to see happening. Highly recommended for players seeking strategic, wind-influenced golf and offer plenty of fun for mid to low handicappers.

I used to hold this course in very high regard—easily one of my favorite courses in the South Bay. Unfortunately, my last few visits have been disappointing due to repeated issues with the course marshal. On multiple occasions, my group was rushed despite keeping pace of play. We were on track for roughly 4 hours and 15 minutes, which aligns with the course’s stated average of 4 hours and 20 minutes, as confirmed by the manager. Even so, the marshal repeatedly pushed our group to speed up when there was no gap in front of us. To make matters worse, we were also restricted to only two carts for a foursome. If the concern is pace of play, limiting carts actually works against that goal. I could understand the restriction if groups weren’t being rushed—but being hurried while also being limited in mobility makes no sense. We paid full price like everyone else and played responsibly. We also play competitively within our group, which means we finish holes properly while still maintaining pace. As long as a group is keeping up with the course pace, there should be no reason to be pressured or rushed. This was a frustrating experience, which is unfortunate because I’ve always enjoyed this course. I do hope management addresses this, as I plan on coming back—but this last round was simply too much.

What a great experience. Antonio was absolutely brilliant! We got stuck in bad traffic and we were 15 minutes late for our tee time. He went out of his way and took us out to the 2nd hole. When we were in the 9th he swung by to check on us and said if we wanted to play #1 to check in with him and he would squeeze us on. Thanks for making our trip out to your great course a positive out come to a bad road trip!