My friend and I, both mothers who enjoy golfing and introducing our children to outdoor activities, had an extremely disappointing experience at Sunken Gardens Golf Course. We had a 10:30 a.m. tee time and arrived with our 6-month-old sons in strollers. We have played at many golf courses throughout the San Jose area and have never once been turned away because we had our children with us. We understand the risks involved and have always complied with any course requirements. Upon arrival, the woman working at the front desk immediately informed us that children in strollers were not allowed on the course. Her attitude was dismissive from the start and made us feel completely unwelcome. When I asked where this policy was stated in the course rules, she admitted that it was not actually written anywhere. Instead, she explained that it was up to the discretion of the person working at the desk to decide who would be allowed to play. Rather than trying to help us or offer any reasonable solution, she was rude and made irrelevant comments such as, "This isn't baseball." We never suggested it was, and we made it clear that we fully understood the risks associated with bringing our children onto a golf course. Despite this, she refused to assist us in any way. I later spoke with the manager, Hay, regarding the situation. Unfortunately, he supported the employee's decision and attitude. He stated that children are not allowed on the course because of the risk of injury due to the course's "narrow" fairways. I explained that we have played a wide variety of courses, including many with short and narrow fairways, and have never been denied access. At other courses, we simply sign a waiver acknowledging the risks. He informed me that Sunken Gardens does not offer that option. What made this experience especially frustrating was not just the policy itself, but the way it was handled. We were treated as though we were unreasonable for wanting to enjoy a round of golf while introducing our children to the sport and spending time outdoors as a family. The entire interaction felt unwelcoming, dismissive, and unprofessional. As a result of this experience, I will not be booking any future tee times at Sunken Gardens Golf Course. I will also be sharing my experience with friends, family, and fellow golfers so they can make informed decisions before choosing to play here. Customer service and respectful communication matter, and unfortunately, Sunken Gardens failed in both areas. read more

If I could give zero stars I would. The course is a bit expensive for what it is - e.g. Pruneridge is much nicer. That said, the issue is not really the course, it's the customer-facing staff, one of them actually. I've been playing golf on and off for 40 years and Sunken Gardens has been my worst experience by a long way. The reason is the little nerdy guy on the front desk. I don't want to go into the details but let's just say, a little bit of power goes to some folk's heads. The same view is shared by my party as well as other Yelp reviewers. I cannot recommend this place unless they got rid of this guy. Never again. read more

This is a great place to work on your short game/iron play. It's very close to home and is my go-to when I am not going to play a full 18 hole, regulation course. read more

For what it's worth, this was my first time as an adult golfing on an actual Golf Course so perhaps my review may not carry as much depth as folks who have been golfing for a while. I came here with my colleagues for an end of the year work party. I brought my own set of clubs that I borrowed from a friend and overall I had a ton of fun I learned lots of new golfing terminology I learned how to hit and I had fun walking on the golf course and playing with my colleagues. We also ate at the restaurant and bar. We noticed that the drinks were really good and had heavy pores. We got some food which included loaded nachos and loaded tater tots which were so amazing. And also the Thai chili spicy wings were super good. I would definitely come back here as well just to enjoy the vibe here. I also happen to go on a super beautiful day with very little wind and it was mid-70s so I suppose conditions were perfect when I went read more

Sunken Gardens Golf Course - Golfing - Golf Near Me - Sunnyvale, California

A top barbecue place that has WON my heart. reasonably priced and Delicioso. A very, very good place to eat with your brother and the other side of the table, gobble gobble gobble. read more

Played this course for the first time and tried the 9-hole. It's a great layout for beginners--well maintained, easy to follow, and perfect for a casual round. The front desk staff was friendly the entire time, but the check-in process still hurt the overall mood. I mentioned our friends had a toddler just coming along to spectate, and was surprised by a $15 fee. I understand it's likely for insurance, but it's the first time we've ever had to pay for a toddler on a course. We also received repeated reminders about pace of play before we even teed off. While the staff was polite, it felt excessive and unnecessary--especially since we ended up catching up to a twosome that teed off two slots ahead of us. We were excited to try a new course, but the tone at check-in made the experience feel less welcoming. That said, the course itself is solid, and we'd consider giving it another shot. read more

Sunken Gardens Golf Course - Golf Near Me - Sunnyvale, California

If I could give 0 stars I would. Staff here are extremely rude. I've given this place 2 chances and both times were horrible experiences. I see from other reviews that I'm not the only one who has experienced this. Sunken Gardens needs to work on their customer service and be a little kinder. There are plenty of other courses around to go to that are better and I highly suggest avoiding this place. read more

A wonderful 9 hole golf course and some of the best bbq in the South Bay all in one place? Yes please, a welcome respite from the rat race of the South Bay. read more

Course is in wonderful shape, but windy. Staff were courteous and helpful. Pace of play was to be expected for a muni the seems to see a lot of newer players. Miles was great!!! read more

This place is dookie like dog poo. The 1 star is only for the BBQ spot. The range is so inconsistent with their hours, half the time you show up it'll be closed. The course is decent but the guys at the pro shop are so shitty it's enough to say fuh this course. They treat this place like it's a damn country club when it's the worst 9 hole in the South Bay. Pruneridge, BlackBerry, and Santa Teresa are miles better than Sunken. read more

The course is great. Myles is awesome. The price is ridiculous. It's gone up 3 times in the last 2 years and not just by a dollar. It's now $33 to play a round of 9 and that's just too expensive, especially for a round of slow golf with inexperienced golfers and kids playing. Not worth the price. $25 is a reasonable price, $33 is just obscene. 5 star rating is for Myles, the course itself and the bbq. Price is a -5 rating. read more

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Very well maintained nine hole course. Some of the two boxes are pretty beat up, but the fairways and the greens are all really well maintained. Great place to work on your irons and a couple holes that where you can use your driver too. Par 29 and not too many obstacles or challenges. The fairways are pretty big. $29 for a weekend tee time. You can book ahead of time online as well. read more

Sunken Gardens Golf Course - Golf Near Me - Sunnyvale, California

I've been playing here for over a decade and I must say that recently the lady in the shop really ruined my experience. She yelled at my friend (first timer on a course) and said you're taking too long! "Hit the ball once and pick it up to the next hole" she said. We weren't slowing anyone down as the 2 groups ahead of us were still waiting to tee off. Sadly the only thing that has it going for this place is the bar and the bbq. read more

Have been to this 9-hole golf course many times for several years. The crews there, especially Miles and Pete were amazing people. Highly recommend this course especially for beginners and golfers who are interested in short games. read more

Well maintained course with beauty. Check in easy and comfortable. It's a gem of 9 hole course tucked away in Sunnyvale.

This review is only for the driving range. It's crowded and on Sundays there is usually a wait. The price for a bucket of balls is really affordable. You can only use irons no drivers. Several times there were tennagers smoking and swearing. It works but it's not the most peaceful place to blow off steam. read more

Sunken Gardens Golf Course - Driving range winter hours - Golf Near Me - Sunnyvale, California

Quality of the course is terrible. Yeah it's cheap, but might as well be putting out of the rough. Never seen a ball jump so much on the putting green. Guy running the front desk gave me a hard time for being 2 minutes early then chased me out to the green of the first hole demanding $15 for a spectator fee for my girl friend who just wanted to walk. A course of this quality and in this condition should be paying people to play here. read more

This once was a quarry where they dug a huge pit from the earth. They eventually put this golf course right in it. Hence the name 'Sunken Gardens'. Great repurposing. Urban 9 hole with 3 par 4s but the rest short par 3s. Ultimate beginner track. Great intro for a beginner to see if a beginner can hack it. *Pun one hundo intended.* I even started here back in the day. One of the first places I got to experience something where we had to use longer shots. It wasn't a good round then. Revisited after 20 years after taking on the game. Killed it this time around. Can't say it was revenge but more the student out growing the school. Thanks Sunken Gardens for being a part of my development. I recommend this spot for anyone in those beginning stages. Hack away and find out if this is for you. read more

Sunken Gardens Golf Course - Old Greenwood Bbq is the current leasee for the food space here. - Golf Near Me - Sunnyvale, California

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I don't normally write reviews but I also have not ever felt as uncomfortable and unwelcome as I did today at Sunken Gardens Golf Course. Myself and another momma booked our tee time for 10:30 am so excited to get out and do something we love while going through postpartum with our six month olds. This is not the first time we have gone golfing with our little ones. We have been to many golf courses in the area and have been welcomed with open arms with our kids. However that was not the case at this course. We walked into the room to pay for our tee time and the lady who was working looked at me and rudely asked "what do you need" I said I am here to pay for my 10:30 tee time. She looked at me and then looked at my stroller and said "your not going out there with them" we said oh we did not realize that was a rule where does it say strollers and young kids weren't aloud on the course, she said " it doesn't say that, it's up to the person working and your not going out there with them" at this point I felt so uncomfortable and unwelcome , she told me to get out of the shop that she was locking the door to go help another person and would return in a few. We walked out of the shop and she responded with " this isn't baseball" we replied we are well aware that it is not baseball, we then proceeded to ask for a waiver because we know some other courses have had us sign one without any problems and she said they don't have one. We will never be going back to this golf course not only because of a rule that is not even on their website or stated anywhere but also because if this is how you treat people and even mothers going through postpartum looking to enjoy a beautiful day outside doing something that they have done for many years, it is not a place I want to support. I will also not be telling other people with their children who have a love for the game to come to this golf course. read more

GREAT PAR 3, no complaints its well maintained, live music on weekends in the summer is awesome and the guy at the front desk is super friendly read more

We love this place for experienced and new golfers! Begin here like I did or take a break from your big game and relax if your experienced. This place is a beautiful hidden gem! Beautiful grounds, nature, well maintained. Staff is very warm and friendly! Miles is wonderful! The restaurant food is amazing! Really enjoying this place! read more

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Me and wife started golfing again and came here since we were up in the area. It's a small 9 hole course but it is in pretty decent shape. The staff were very friendly and helpful. The play is slow like others have said but for us or any beginner it's nice. You aren't stressing about being the ones slowing everyone down and having to let others play through. Will definitely be back. read more

Great golfing atmosphere here, and during the day the place is pretty full, so make sure you have a tee time. Skilled golfers and athletes are around at this venue that has a good practice facility and golf course. Early morning does seem to be the best here, but follow your preference for practice and playing times. Great! read more

Driving range is dumpy and one of the staff is always angry and power tripping. Also very hesitant to park in their lot after seeing all the pictures of busted windshields read more

Its a good course to practice your iron game but the parking lot is an absolute minefield for golf balls shanked on the 9th hole. I personally got a golfball through my windshield and have witnessed buddies either skying a ball over the mesh or shanked off the tee box right into the parking lot. I just honestly can't give this place my business with these glaring issues. read more

Sunken Gardens Golf Course - Golf Near Me - Sunnyvale, California

My tee time got sold because i was on time instead of 5 minutes early. The guy working was a dick about it like i was dumb for not expecting it to happen. read more

Played here today 3/25/2024 it is a nice course but seriously for the price the greens are not good. Feels like you are playing in a bunker. Overall a fun place to practice your game. Would recommend the driving range. read more

Sunken Gardens Golf Course - Green - Golf Near Me - Sunnyvale, California

Nerdy guy at the front desk denying my kid his YoC rate because he turned 18. YoC is good until your 19th birthday when you can opt to become an alumni. Waste of time and money. read more

A nice place to get a cheap round of golf in for 9 holes. I come here though for $13 - 100 ball driving range. No tracker. Irons only.

I figured i'll break up my review in two parts. One for the range, and one of the course. The range: 3.5/5 - Con: Have very limited hours currently, although to be fair they did say this was temporary while they work on fixing one of their machines. - Con: Few hitting bays. - Con: Only irons allowed. - Pro: Pretty nice views. The course: 5/5 - Pro: Beautifully maintained tee boxes and fairways (one tee box is under repair but can't fault them for that. - Pro: Love the courses undulations makes you feel like you're playing a much larger course. - Pro: The course is tucked in away from the city so there little to no noise pollution affecting the course (makes for peaceful rounds!). - Con: Staff isn't necessarily the friendliest bunch of people. read more

Sunken Gardens Golf Course - Driving Range - Golf Near Me - Sunnyvale, California

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Very simple 9 hole course. Considering the size there's still a nice aesthetic. Great place to work on your irons. Star was super helpful and friendly. Even if you're only playing 9 we always going to be hungry after. And their food is ridiculously good. Smoked meats, fresh cracklins, fresh bbq till your hearts content. Can't wait to go back. read more

May this place last as long as possible. The BBQ served at the restaurant slaps! And the prices for the driving range are definitely the best bang for your buck in the entire area. Staff is cool, very peaceful place when you need to practice a bit. read more

Course is nice, staff is extremely friendly, and the new BBQ is amazing!! Would definitely rate these areas 5 stars. The only thing that I can think of that makes me never want to return again - the "Marshall". He was a rude older guy that spent our entire time patrolling around, watching all the groups like a hawk when they tee'd off, even sitting to watch them while in their line of sight. We watched as he drove right in front of a person in another group tee'ing off as they were beginning their back swing. When playing an 18 hole, I usually run into a Marshall once or twice while on a course, and they're almost always extremely friendly and very courteous of those golfing - Sunken Gardens is a 9 hole and we saw him at least a couple dozen times flying around on his cart in between every hole. I always want to respect golf course rules, and I am sure to look up specific course rules prior to going. This "Marshall" brought up some rules that I had not been aware of, and I did not find in any listed rules. As someone in the group was almost ready to hit, he came flying in his cart to interrupt and angrily tell us to get our golf bags off the tee box (I know this is a rule at Bethpage Black, but didn't see it in the rules here, apologies if that is a rule that we missed). We asked another employee about this rule and they said they had never heard of that rule before. I have played here dozens of times, and (fortunately) I had never saw this older man driving around in a Marshall car. I went yesterday and all I could see was him. This place is usually a great play and very relaxing, great for players of all levels, but never do I want to play a round if he will be on patrol. read more

Sunken Gardens Golf Course - Golf Near Me - Sunnyvale, California

Sunken is one of my go-to's when I want to get a quick nine holes in. Usually can get done in under an hour an 45 minutes. Greens are usually in pretty good shape but tend to run a little slow. Only major gripe I have with the course is the fairways on the two par 4's tend to be either way to muddy or patchy with some pretty hard dirt. Just about broke my wrist trying to hit off dirt one time. Overall it's a good beginners course with a decent restaurant/bar. If you are expecting Augusta, you will be disappointed. Also, I got my first hole in one here! Hole #8. read more

* = Fun abbreviated short 9 course * = Open driving range * = Beautifully kept grounds * = Good variety hole to hole, uses 80% of the clubs in your bag - = Friendly, but slow, service For a short 9-hole course, Sunken Gardens is actually a lot of fun. While the vast majority of holes are going to be small par 3's aimed at improving your approach game, Sunken Garden does feature a couple opportunities to get your driver out of the bag. The course is a beautiful 9-hole wrap-around style experience with interesting hazards and gorgeous looking wildlife. Sunken Gardens also has an open driving range with a fairly reliable ball dispenser machine, giving everybody an opportunity to warm up before their short round. The singular frustrating part of my day at Sunken Gardens came just before my round started. I don't know if the traffic was bad or if I didn't leave myself enough time to get there, but I ended up parking my car about 3 minutes before my tee time. Got out, grabbed my bag out of the trunk, walked quickly to the shop to pay up before my round. There were 2 people ahead of me in line and I had less than 2 minutes before the round started. Long story short: I was 4 minutes late to my tee time because the old lady behind the counter was yapping and fraternizing with both patrons ahead of me, AND she answered the phone before finally getting to me. I did not hide my sense of urgency, but it did little to speed her up, and she slowly walked through the credit card purchasing process, like the sloths at the DMV in Zootopia. Overall, it was a good day on the links, I sank a 25-foot putt on the 9th, and we enjoyed some mighty fine BBQ from the restaurant afterwards. Lesson learned - I'll be sure to get to Sunken 15 minutes early on all future trips. If you're in the mood for a short-but-fun day at the golf course, Sunken Gardens delivers. read more

This was a walk 9 hole, predominately par 3 course. It was around $26 for 9 holes with a rented pull cart. The play of pace is incredibly slow even on a week day. This is an excellent place to learn how to play, and it offers forgiving, short par 3's. There are two par 4's, one of which is pretty short and straight forward, while the second, longer par 4 is much more challenging. Great place for beginners to get out and learn, but if you're not new to the game, I would recommend shying clear. read more

Sunken Gardens Golf Course - Hole 9 - Golf Near Me - Sunnyvale, California

A great little track! Everything about SGGC was good, except for the worn tee boxes and occasional muddy fairways. The smallish driving range did the trick pre-round. Clubhouse staff was pleasant and efficient. A great value in the midst of a metro area. I'll be back to check out the food next round, for sure. read more

Totally get why it's called "Sunken Gardens"... this course is tucked away off the main street (Wolfe Rd) and is literally below ground level! The driving range is short and entirely in the sun. It's a quick and easy little course. Perfect for newbies and kids. No water hazards. Each hole has a red pin for soccer players. Bring a soccer ball, 'tee off', and kick your way to the goal while the golfers in your group work towards the green. read more

Love it!! A few bucks to swing at bunch of golf balls, don't have to bring anything, they got sticks over there. read more

Sunken Gardens Golf Course - My legs are ripped af. - Golf Near Me - Sunnyvale, California

I've played at this course a few times and it's not a bad course at all. It's definitely great for beginners as this course offers a lot more forgiveness if you hit a bad shot. It is a busy course compared to other 9 hole courses and it always gets backed up at the 8th hole. They offer a discount for residents who live in Sunnyvale or Santa Clara, you would need to provide proof of address. The only thing that made me give three stars are the workers at the pro shop, they're not that friendly. The first time I went there, the lady was on her phone the entire time and i was trying to check in but she told me to wait until she was done with whatever she was doing on her cellphone which was annoying. Another time I went, the guy seemed like he wasn't having a good day and made some side remarks. But I get it, we all have bad days but I come to enjoy my round of golf and would prefer if I didn't have to start my round with negativity especially for the staff. Anyways, the course is still a great one to try out and they have good BBQ! read more