Eagle Ridge Golf Club

Overview

Known locally as "Gilroy's Hidden Gem," the par-72 layout winds through rolling foothill terrain, weaving around three lakes, seven creeks and roughly 92 bunkers on its way to a demanding 7,005-yard test from the back tees. Since opening in 2000 it has earned a four-star rating from Golf Digest and become one of the South Bay's most respected public venues.

Course History

Eagle Ridge opened for play in 2000 as the centerpiece of a residential community in the foothills southwest of downtown Gilroy. The course quickly drew attention for its dramatic routing through native oak woodlands and its championship-length layout, and it was awarded a four-star rating by Golf Digest. Anchored by a 22,000-square-foot clubhouse, the facility has grown into a full-service daily-fee operation offering public tee times, memberships, leagues, tournaments and instruction.

The Design & Architecture

The course was designed by the renowned firm Golfplan — architects Ron Fream and David Dale — whose original routing plans and hole renderings are still featured in the club's hole-by-hole course tour. PGA Tour major champion and course designer Johnny Miller is also credited among the design team. The architects worked with the natural movement of the land rather than against it, routing holes across ridges and canyons and framing them with existing water features and mature oaks. The result is a strategic layout defined by elevation changes, multi-tiered greens and bold bunkering that rewards thoughtful shot placement over raw power.

Playing the Course

From the back tees Eagle Ridge stretches to roughly 7,005 yards with a 74.3 rating and a 140 slope, making it a stern challenge for low-handicap players; six sets of tees bring it down to about 5,100 yards for those who prefer a friendlier round. Water comes into play across the property via three lakes and seven creeks, and the roughly 92 bunkers and multi-tiered greens place a premium on distance control and course management. Elevated tees deliver sweeping views of the Santa Clara Valley, and the layout's variety of holes keeps every round interesting.

Know Before You Go

• Public, daily-fee course open to everyone, with online tee-time booking available through the official site.

• Address: 2951 Club Drive, Gilroy, CA 95020; pro shop (408) 846-4531.

• Bring every club: at up to 7,005 yards with a 140 slope, the back tees are a full championship test, so choose the tees that fit your game.

• Expect water and sand: three lakes, seven creeks and roughly 92 bunkers demand accurate, well-planned shots.

• Amenities include a 22,000-square-foot clubhouse with dining, plus memberships, leagues, tournaments and instruction.

• Course rating, slope and yardage vary slightly by source; confirm current scorecard details with the pro shop before your round.