For public golf in the Bay area for the price, I just do not think you can beat Callippe Preserve at this time:
Course Design A-: Hilly, interesting, challenging and from the tips particularly difficult. Some forced carries, some water, plenty of sand (I found much of it) both fairway and green-side, holes of differing types, some long, some short and strategic, some long and strategic. Front 9 design good but nothing special, #9 perhaps the best of the bunch. Back 9 is special, almost every hole unique and of interest, and the flow, which initially seems to run back-and-forth parallel up a steep hillside, actually uses dramatic changes in the elevation to spice up the flow as well as many holes' individual design. Greens were varied, relatively large, many levels, plenty of break. Uphill into the wind, you almost should use a driver instead of a putter. And some great views, particularly from the back 9.
Conditions B+: A little dried out at the edges but the rough was deep in many areas, was able to play the ball down all but twice (a few areas had been recently aerated), tees is very good shape - from tee to green probably as good as many private courses. Greens were consistent, but maybe the one weak spot, not really true, and it seemed of a type of grass that would hold up against the constant hot sun, wind and public course overuse, but not private course or good resort course quality. I bet if they wanted though, they could turn them into excellent condition if they cut back play, added some water, and rolled assiduously for a few days. Sand a little firm/muddy in some traps, fluffy in others, somewhat inconsistent, but there was sand at least!
Service B+: Generally helpful, friendly, a balance of local feel and professional feel, and there was plenty of help available.
Food/Beverage B: Big inside area (with AC) for food/drink, with a smallish but decent bar, and also a screened in huge outside area. We only tried a little of the food and it was sort of pub style. Window for quick service was very effective, big hot dogs, fast, friendly service, perfect for that quick bite before the 10th hole or even before you tee off. There was a food/drink cart that came around with good frequency, decent service, choice and price. This was WAY better than practically any public course, just lacked a little of that extra plushness you get at some resorts and private courses. Will try a serious lunch next time, maybe this rating could go up to B+.
Practice areas TBD but at least a B: Didn't have time to use driving range, so do not know if it is mats or grass or both, but there was one, and also a good sized putting green that actually putted just like the greens on the course! Big kudos for this, how many times have you practiced putting on the practice green and then found the actual green utterly different?
Value A: Yes, it is out in the edges of the east bay unless you happen to live in Pleasanton. But it was, from what I can tell, built for the local residents (there is a discount). For under $60 including cart for mid-week, early afternoon there is no better value that I have seen. If you are an eclub member at Half Moon Bay you can get out with cart on the Ocean Course after 2pm for around $60, maybe that beats Callippe. But this was the normal Callippe price, no special deal, and standard rate at HMB is $150 (!). read more