Skylinks at Buchanan Fields

Overview

Historically known as Buchanan Fields Golf Course, the facility reopened under new ownership and now operates as Skylinks at Buchanan Fields. Playing to a par of 31 over roughly 1,982 yards, it is a compact, walkable layout designed for quick rounds that typically wrap up in about two hours.

The course blends short par 4s with a run of par 3s, making it a favorite for beginners, juniors, seniors, and skilled players looking to sharpen their short game. Paired with a large lighted driving range and a short-game practice area, Skylinks positions itself as an accessible community golf hub. Its playful motto sums up the vibe: bad golf is tolerated, bad attitudes are not.

Course History

The course first opened in 1955 as Buchanan Fields Golf Course, taking its name from the adjacent Buchanan Field, Contra Costa County's general-aviation airport. For decades it served as a neighborhood short course where local golfers could learn the game and squeeze in a fast nine. Over the years it has also been referenced simply as Buchanan Fields Golf Club, a name still used by the senior golf group that plays there.

More recently the facility rebranded as Skylinks at Buchanan Fields under new ownership, which invested in course improvements including fresh tee-box sod, upgraded bunkers, and an expanded practice range. Regular players have noted the course looking better than it has in years, and the operation now markets itself as a family-friendly community golf destination.

Design & Architecture

Skylinks at Buchanan Fields was designed by Robert Muir Graves, ASGCA, one of the most prolific golf course architects in the western United States. Graves, who designed and remodeled hundreds of courses across California and beyond, laid out a flat, walkable executive course suited to the site's location on the valley floor near the airport.

The layout mixes short par 4s with a heavy dose of par 3s to reach its par of 31, keeping the emphasis on accuracy, wedge play, and putting rather than raw distance. Bluegrass fairways and greens frame the holes, and three sets of tees let the course flex for everyone from first-timers to competitive players tuning up their short game.

Playing the Course

At just under 2,000 yards for nine holes, Skylinks plays quick and pressure-free, with most rounds finished in roughly two hours. It is an ideal spot to walk, to introduce new players to the game, or to grind on scoring clubs, and the on-site short-game zone with putting and chipping greens plus bunkers reinforces that practice-oriented purpose.

The lighted driving range is a major draw in its own right, offering evening practice, and the relaxed, welcoming atmosphere makes the facility popular with families, juniors, and seniors alike. Whether you are learning the game or dialing in your wedges, the course rewards a smart, controlled approach over aggressive driving.

Know Before You Go

• This is a 9-hole executive course (par 31), well suited to beginners, juniors, seniors, and short-game practice.

• Also known historically as Buchanan Fields Golf Course / Golf Club; it currently operates as Skylinks at Buchanan Fields.

• A lighted driving range and short-game practice area are on site; the range is a popular evening option.

• Rounds are quick, typically about two hours, and the course is easily walkable.

• Book tee times and confirm current rates and hours through the official site at skylinksgolf.com or by calling (925) 682-1846.