Sunnyvale Golf Course

Overview

Located at 605 Macara Avenue near the intersection of Highways 101 and 237 and adjacent to historic Moffett Field, this par-70 layout is prized for being flat, walkable and welcoming to golfers of every skill level. With wider-than-average fairways, mature trees, well-placed bunkers and a handful of water hazards, it delivers a fair but genuine test while remaining one of the most accessible and affordable tracks in the Bay Area.

Course History

Built in 1968 and opening for play in 1969, Sunnyvale Golf Course was developed by the City of Sunnyvale as an affordable public golf amenity for a rapidly growing South Bay community. Nestled between Highways 101 and 237 and next to the famous Moffett Field, the course was carved out of the flat baylands that define much of northern Sunnyvale. For more than half a century it has served as a proving ground for local juniors, a home for competitive leagues and NCGA members, and an easy-walking round for the region's tech workforce. The city also operates the neighboring Sunken Gardens, a short par-3 executive course, making the Macara Avenue property a two-course municipal golf hub.

The Design & Architecture

The layout is credited to architect David W. Kent, with later design contributions attributed to Donald Knott and Gary Linn. The result is a classic municipal parkland design that plays to a par of 70 over roughly 6,248 yards from the Blue tees. The terrain is notably flat and eminently walkable, but the routing keeps players honest through a mix of doglegs, strategically placed bunkers and several water holes. Fairways are wider than average, rewarding confident driving, while mature trees frame many corridors and demand accuracy off the tee to set up scoring approaches. Three separate sets of tee boxes let the course flex from a friendly 5,170-yard test up to its full 6,248-yard length.

Playing the Course

From the Blue tees the course measures 6,248 yards with a Course Rating of 70.1 and a Slope of 117, a fair examination that never feels overwhelming. The White tees play to 5,742 yards (67.9 rating / 110 slope) and the Red tees to 5,170 yards (65.4 rating / 106 slope), giving higher-handicap players and beginners a comfortable option. Because the ground is flat and the fairways generous, Sunnyvale is a great walking course and a popular choice for a quick, affordable round. Water comes into play on a handful of holes, and the doglegs and bunkering reward thoughtful positioning over raw power. A full-service practice facility on site, including a driving range, putting green and chipping area, lets players warm up before heading to the first tee.

Know Before You Go

• Public municipal course operated by the City of Sunnyvale; open to all players and generally budget-friendly.

• Tee times can be booked online, typically up to 7 days in advance.

• On-site driving range has 18 stalls (irons only) plus a grass tee area, target greens, a putting green and a chipping area.

• Flat, walkable terrain makes it well suited to walking rather than requiring a cart.

• The neighboring Sunken Gardens par-3 course shares the facility and is ideal for a quick round or short-game work.

• Call the pro shop at 408-738-3666 to confirm hours, rates and maintenance closures (Thursday mornings are typically reserved for course maintenance).