Shoreline Golf Links

Shoreline Golf Links is a public, links-style municipal course set within the 750-acre Shoreline at Mountain View park on the edge of San Francisco Bay. Designed by Robert Trent Jones, Jr. and opened in 1983, it plays to a par of 72 over roughly 6,996 yards, with wide fairways, dogleg holes, water hazards and firm, contoured greens that reward thoughtful shot-making. Open Bay winds and sweeping views give the course an authentic seaside-links character.

Quick Facts

Course History

Shoreline Golf Links occupies land with an unusual past. The City of Mountain View acquired the bayfront site in 1967, and through the 1970s and 1980s the low-lying, below-sea-level ground was raised using landfill, much of it municipal refuse hauled in from San Francisco. That reclamation ultimately created the 750-acre Shoreline at Mountain View recreation area, which opened in 1983 and includes the golf course, a driving range, a 50-acre lake and miles of trails.

The golf course opened alongside the park in 1983 and was later refined in the mid-1980s to strengthen its links character. Today it remains a popular, accessible municipal facility serving golfers across Silicon Valley and the greater Bay Area.

The Design & Architecture

Robert Trent Jones, Jr., ASGCA, laid out Shoreline as a genuine links-style course, taking advantage of the open, treeless bayfront setting. The design features broad, rolling fairways, dogleg holes, mounding and contoured, often two-tiered greens, along with roughly 16 acres of water hazards. A 50-acre sailing lake sits adjacent to the 10th hole, and the exposed terrain leaves the course at the mercy of the wind blowing in off San Francisco Bay.

Playing the Course

Playing to a par of 72 and stretching to nearly 6,996 yards from the tips (73.5 rating, 129 slope), Shoreline offers a stern but fair test. The wide fairways invite aggressive driving, but water, wind and cleverly contoured greens demand strategic approach play and a sharp short game. On calm days the course plays generously; when the Bay breeze picks up, club selection and shot control become the difference between a good round and a frustrating one.

Know Before You Go

• Public, city-owned municipal course open to all golfers, with tee times available to the public.

• Located at 2940 N Shoreline Blvd, Mountain View, CA 94043; call (650) 903-4653 for tee times and information.

• Exposed bayfront layout means wind is a major factor, so bring layers and plan for breezy conditions.

• On-site amenities include a driving range and pro shop, set within the larger Shoreline at Mountain View park.