Diablo Hills Golf Course

Compact yet character-rich, the course pairs well-maintained fairways with scenic views toward Mount Diablo and a routing that rewards accuracy over raw distance. Widely regarded as one of Northern California's better short courses, it offers an accessible, welcoming round for players of every skill level, from beginners polishing their game to seasoned golfers looking for a relaxed nine.

Course History

Diablo Hills Golf Course opened in 1968 as part of Walnut Creek's expanding recreational golf scene during a period of rapid growth in the East Bay. Designed by noted West Coast golf architect Robert Muir Graves, the course was conceived as an approachable nine-hole layout that could serve the surrounding community without demanding the acreage of a full championship track.

The course was later reworked by architect Algie Pulley in 1978, refining its routing and shaping while preserving the intimate, community-focused character that has defined Diablo Hills for decades. It remains a public facility and a fixture of everyday golf in the Walnut Creek area.

The Design & Architecture

Robert Muir Graves routed Diablo Hills to make the most of a modest footprint, and Algie Pulley's later revisions sharpened the challenge. The nine holes play to a par of 34 across roughly 2,302 yards, blending three par threes, five par fours, and a single uphill par five. Greens are maintained in bentgrass while the fairways are planted in bluegrass, giving the course firm, well-conditioned playing surfaces. Rolling terrain and framing views of Mount Diablo lend the layout more visual interest and shot variety than its compact yardage might suggest.

Playing the Course

With a course rating of 62.8 and a slope of 100, Diablo Hills favors precision and course management over sheer power, making it a comfortable test for higher handicappers and an efficient tune-up for stronger players. The short-to-mid-length par fours reward accurate positioning off the tee, while the lone par five offers a genuine scoring chance. A quick nine can be completed in well under two hours, making it ideal for an after-work round, a first outing for newer golfers, or a focused practice session.

Know Before You Go

• This is a 9-hole public course, open to all players with no membership required.

• Tee times can be booked online in advance; walking the compact layout is easy and popular.

• The course is located at 1551 Marchbanks Dr, Walnut Creek, CA 94598; call (925) 939-7372 for details.

• Its short, accessible design makes it a strong choice for beginners, quick rounds, and practice-focused visits.