TPC Stonebrae

This is one of the TPC group's private clubs, in this case a course playing through the hills of the East Bay. The Scottish feel comes in part from the architect, David McLay Kidd, who designed the Castle Course at Saint Andrews and the original Bandon Dunes course in Oregon.

  hp - 1/22/13
Stonebrae has some pretty holes, but I don't like the many hidden dangers and blind landing areas from the tee box and fairway. The framing and sight lines from many of the tee boxes are extremely poor. This is definitely a course you have to play a few times to know the hidden landing areas. Many of the approaches to the greens, however, are pretty and well framed. And on a clear day, you get expansive views of the bay. A definite upside.

This is definitely a cart course, more than any other in the Bay Area. I hate taking carts, but I hate being rushed even more, so if you walk, be prepared to be herded. The distances between the holes are very long and hilly.

Hitting it straight off the tee box is a necessity here, or bring a lot of golf balls. If its really windy, then bring even more.

  Swingem - 8/9/11
This is definately a course that requires a few rounds to figure out the lines. It also has some of the most interesting greens I've played with breaks that are not obvious. Though I've walked it many times, it is a tough trek with two hills on the back that are brutal. What I like here is that it plays like a links course and a good ground game is a plus. The views are some of the best anywhere.