Poplar Creek Golf Course

Open to the public and among the busiest courses in Northern California, it winds around the poplar trees and creek that give it its name, offering a walkable, well-maintained layout that welcomes players of every skill level. With full practice facilities and an accessible, affordable feel, Poplar Creek pairs relaxed municipal golf with scenic Peninsula surroundings.

Course History

Poplar Creek traces its origins to 1933, when it was built as the San Mateo Municipal Golf Course. Constructed during the Great Depression as a project to provide work for unemployed laborers, it became one of the earliest public golf courses on the Peninsula and quickly established itself as a community fixture.

After more than six decades of play, the course closed in April 1999 for a complete renovation and redesign. It reopened in July 2000 with modernized infrastructure and a new identity, taking the name Poplar Creek. Today it hosts more than 75,000 rounds a year and is home to events including the Robert O'Brien Junior Championship and the San Mateo County Championship.

The Design & Architecture

The original 1933 layout is credited to Stephen Halsey. The 1999-2000 renovation, led by Steve Halsey together with Jack Daray Jr., reshaped the greens for better drainage, upgraded the irrigation system, and enhanced the practice facilities to contemporary standards. The result is a par-70 design measuring roughly 5,988 yards, with rye grass greens and fairways that stay firm and playable in the mild Peninsula climate. Mature poplar trees and the namesake creek weave through the course, framing holes and adding both character and strategic interest.

Playing the Course

At about 5,988 yards to a par of 70, Poplar Creek plays to a course rating of 69.7 and a slope of 115, making it approachable for recreational golfers while still offering plenty of variety. The relatively flat, walkable terrain, tree-lined corridors, and the creek that comes into play on several holes reward accurate positioning over raw distance. Its combination of fair challenge, quick pace, and strong conditioning makes it a dependable choice for a casual round or steady practice.

Know Before You Go

• Public municipal course open to all players; tee times can be booked online in advance.

• Located at 1700 Coyote Point Drive, San Mateo, CA 94401, near Coyote Point on the San Francisco Peninsula.

• One of the busiest courses in Northern California, hosting more than 75,000 rounds annually, so plan ahead during peak times.

• Practice facilities including a putting green are on site; call the pro shop at (650) 522-4653 for details on availability.