Sunken Gardens Golf Course

Overview

Owned by the City of Sunnyvale and operated alongside the neighboring 18-hole Sunnyvale Municipal Golf Course, Sunken Gardens plays to a par of 29 over just 1,502 yards, making it one of the most approachable public golf experiences in Silicon Valley.

With seven par-3 holes and two short par-4s, the layout is ideal for beginners, juniors, seniors, and anyone looking to sharpen their short game or squeeze in a quick round after work. Ample practice facilities and easy walkability round out its reputation as a welcoming municipal course.

Course History

Sunken Gardens opened in 1955, during the postwar boom that transformed the Santa Clara Valley from an agricultural hub into the technology corridor now known as Silicon Valley. As Sunnyvale grew, the City invested in public recreation, and the short course became a fixture for local golfers seeking an affordable, low-pressure place to play.

Today the course remains a City of Sunnyvale municipal facility, operated together with the adjacent 18-hole Sunnyvale Municipal Golf Course. Over the decades it has served generations of beginners taking their first swings and seasoned players honing their iron play.

Design & Architecture

The course was designed by Clark Glasson, a Northern California golf architect whose work appears on numerous Bay Area layouts. At Sunken Gardens he crafted a walkable executive routing of seven par-3s and two short par-4s totaling just 1,502 yards.

Mature trees, small ponds, and gently contoured greens define the character of the course. The par-3s range from roughly 100 to 160 yards, while the two par-4s stretch to about 267 yards, giving longer hitters a chance to drive close to the green. The modest course rating of 28.4 and slope of 86 reflect a design that rewards accuracy and touch over raw distance.

Playing the Course

A round at Sunken Gardens is all about precision iron and wedge play. With most holes calling for a short-iron or wedge approach, it is an ideal proving ground for dialing in distances and building confidence around the greens. Beginners appreciate the forgiving lengths, while experienced players use the course as a fast, convenient practice round.

The flat, walkable terrain makes it easy to play in a couple of hours, and the on-site 18-stall driving range lets golfers warm up or work on their swing before heading out. Its central Sunnyvale location, just off Wolfe Road, keeps it popular with Silicon Valley residents and workers alike.

Know Before You Go

• Address: 1010 S. Wolfe Road, Sunnyvale, CA 94086.

• Phone: (408) 739-6588 for tee times and information.

• Format: 9-hole executive course, par 29, walkable and beginner-friendly.

• Practice: On-site 18-stall driving range for warming up or lessons.

• Good for: Juniors, seniors, beginners, and short-game practice; bring irons and wedges.

• Operated by the City of Sunnyvale alongside the adjacent 18-hole Sunnyvale Municipal Golf Course.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Sunken Gardens Golf Course a 9-hole course?

Yes. The City of Sunnyvale’s current fee schedule lists Sunken Gardens as a 9-hole course.

What does a round at Sunken Gardens cost?

For the 2025–26 schedule, the City lists 9-hole rates of $25 for Sunnyvale residents and $28 for non-residents; junior and replay rates are also listed. Check the City’s current fee schedule before planning a visit, as policies and prices can change.

Who is this course best for?

Its short, 9-hole format makes it a practical option when you want a quicker round or focused short-game practice.