27 available holes with a solid, challenging layout in a nature park-like setting. The only interference on the playing environment is a high-tension powerline, but otherwise, all you hear are the calling of birds and the screaming of frustrated golfers. Prices are a bit higher than average, but the quality of the course and the facilities justifies the extra cost. It's not easy--there are lots of forced carries off the tees and if you spray it off the tee, it'll be a long day with plenty of reloads required. The landing areas are plenty fair, but with all the vertical elevation change in the holes, you'll need to add or subtract clubs to the "normal" distance for your approaches. The greens tended to be firm and very fast. See Tips Golf Tips for full description and playing strategies. The only real down side was a couple oddities in design where the holes cross off the tees, placing golfers at risk if you're hitting from the back tees (Mountain #7/9) and Lake #4 is over the top in terms of difficulty for the average golfer. NIce clubhouse with a golf history memorabilia museum and the restaurant/bar area is roomy with free wifi as a nice touch, since phone reception up in the hills isn't fantastic. I'd highly recommend this superb public complex and would return.
The greens are true and provide a challenge to read correctly even for experienced golfers! Worth playing and revisiting as a well maintained public course.
I played this course in a tournament so the first time it wasn't as good as this time.My client & I played this course in under 3hrs & we were both impressed.A lot of tough holes & course was in descent shape (a bit dry, but ok).People were friendly & we played through with no issues.Very hilly! I'd play it again.
Thank you so much for visiting Cinnabar Hills. We are glad that you enjoyed yourself and hope you come back again next time you are in town.Ron Zraick, General Manager (408) 323-7803
Played Half Moon Bay the day before. I'd play This one twice had I known how terrific a course it is at an incredible value.
My husband can't stop bragging about his gift of golf to this golf course, he absolutely loved everything about his time at Cinnabar Golf Club.
This is my home course - not sure why I never thought to review.Staff is super friendly - my brother summed it up when he visited - "This would be an expensive country club back in Boston." They will go above and beyond to help you out if they can.This is a tough course to play - you need to have some game. There is adequate fairway's but not very tolerant to the errant shots. The advice I usually give to newbies is "where to miss" because some holes you need to play defensive golf. The greens are *very fast* and as another reviewer said - a 3 put is never off the table here.The drought is tough - they let the range dry out totally - which is sad because they redid it in 2013.They are selectively letting area's dry out, places that you shouldn't be if you hit good shots. I play here all the time. It is a great course but do bring extra balls - you will donate a few to the course. You will need some touch in your chipping as the greens are so fast.Bunkers - give them a 75% good as they redid them last couple years - but you will still find some that are pretty thin, but you find that most places.Great place to come out as a single. You will almost always find someone friendly to play with.
GPS carts, panaromic 3 9 hole courses, bent grass fast and impossible greens (3 putt for sure). Really challenging and interesting shot making needed.
Hi gang, We played here June 2014 on a Groupon special @ $54.50 p/p. We were assigned to play the Lake 9 and the Canyon 9. Sadly I was playing with an injured hand and I couldn't acquire a serious grip on the club, so my shotmaking was somewhat compromised. I enjoyed the challenge but being a first-timer on the course made it more difficult to play. I enjoyed the design of the two nines, reminds me of Mare Island or Roddy Ranch further up north. Accuracy is key to scoring well, I frequently got off the tee in great shape but without having a good grip (injury) I failed to compliment a good drive. I would recommend this facility to anyone who THINKS they've got game. It's tough on the first time visitor but the GPS onboard offers playing tips to score well. When my hand heals, the moon and stars align and those little blue pills kick in, I'd love to challenge the course again. Position shots are a strong point for me and I think that type of conservative play will pay off. The greens are slicker than my recently paroled CPA !! I think 3-putting is always on the menu. Give it a go !!!Rich
First, let me state that this is not your average public golf course. It has all the characteristics of a private club. Excellent service, lush fairways, beautiful scenery. And...most important...fast, tough greens. While getting to the green will take strategy and good ball striking, you will really be tested by the speed and undulations of these greens. Most important -- they are true. If your putt is off-line, or doesn't have the right distance, your next putt will often be difficult. There are no gimmes here. There are three 9's, so you get a lot of variety. And no 2 holes are the same. The Lakes course is the toughest, and the Mountain course the easiest. The Canyon course has a lot of vertical up and down. I can't imagine walking this course as it is very hilly/mountainous (but I've seen a few people do it). The par 5 9th on the Canyon course is has about a 150 foot drop from tee to fairway, with stunning views of all the courses and surrounding area. I've never said this about a golf hole, but personally I find the par 5 7th hole on Canyon to be unfair; the fairway is at most 15 yards wide in the landing area for your second shot, and has severe side-hill tilt. The par 3s are simply gorgeous.One very important thing -- there is substantial separation in the tee boxes. On some holes the distance between adjacent tees can be as much as 70 yards (I played today, and on Canyon 9 I think there was 100+ yards between the Hawk and Cinnabar tees). To me this is a big plus for Cinnabar Hills. My experience is that if you pick the appropriate set of tees for your ability you will have a great experience and score. But drop back just one set of tees and your score can skyrocket, as may your level of frustration.Some find this place a little far away from main Silicon Valley towns. Others find it pricey. But this course delivers if you want beauty and challenge.