To be fair, it's entirely possible that my relatively lukewarm feelings about Deep Cliff Golf…read moreCourse has more to do with having the wrong expectations than the experience itself. It's just that, given how this place is in Cupertino, which I've always been quite fond of, I guess I just thought this course would stand out when, in hindsight, it's probably perfectly fine for what it is.
Compared to some of the other courses my friends and I have played around the Bay Area, Deep Cliff is rather unique in its own way. As an executive course, made up entirely of par-3's and par-4's, the full 18 isn't particularly lengthy, which is great for beginners and/or anyone trying to get in a quick round. Yet, while it plays pretty fair for the most part, it still offers some challenges, with the creek/water hazards appearing on several holes, prominent bunkers fronting several holes (especially on the 18th), numerous tree lined fairways that create a narrow feel, and areas that are a bit more wooded, especially along the edge that runs next to an open green space.
Despite how some of Deep Cliff's unique features are largely positive, they can cut the other way, too. For example, while all of those trees create some much appreciated shade when it's warm and sunny, those wooded areas are also home to wildlife that will occasionally wander onto the course. Awesome to see, but it can lead to some (understandable) pauses in play as you wait for the deer and the like to clear out. Thankfully, that didn't happen to us and we were here on a weekday, so our pace of play was still pretty steady. However, between that and how short some of the holes are, I can see the course getting bogged down on weekends when there are that many more folks around.
As for everything else Deep Cliff has to offer, their facilities and amenities are decent enough. Our cart was serviceable and clean, the pro shop was fine, and their onsite restaurant looked like a nice spot to grab a post-round beer. That said, certain aspects could've been better. At a couple of points, it didn't feel intuitive as to where we should go (the worker at the desk gave us some confusing directions for where the first tee box was) and, most notably, the driving "range" was more like a bunch of netting that you hit into (I know they're limited on space, but still).
All in all, even though I'm only giving three stars, I actually think Deep Cliff's three and a half star average is more accurate. It's a solid option for anyone just getting started, as well as more experienced golfers looking to work on their irons or short game, and their rates aren't too shabby. Since it's a bit of a drive from us, though, coming back would be more for a change of pace than as part of our rotation. However, I'm sure we'll be back down the line...and when we do, it'll be with a more appropriate set of expectations that just might lead to an improved review!
Until then, THREE AND A HALF STARS rounded down for now.