It starts with a spectacular view of San Francisco Bay, followed by a quick left turn onto a woodchip-covered fairway. From there, your eyes are drawn to the dramatic cliffside, where thousands of trees frame the entire golf course. Then you spot a sign with the words ‘Welcome to Cypress Point Golf Club‘ painted in bold red letters. A twinge of excitement rushes through you as you make your way to the first tee to begin your golfing adventure.
The first thing you’ll notice as you approach the sign posted on the road leading to the 18th hole is the green space that used to be filled with oak trees. These days, the area is home to towering pines, which dotting the tree line like sentinels. The green is an oasis in the middle of one of the busiest cities in the world, but it still feels distinctly rural. In other words, it’s picture-perfect.
The second thing you’ll notice is how quiet it is. The only sounds to be heard are the wind rustling through the leaves and the birds chirping in the trees. While the din of city life continues to echo in the background, the tranquility of the setting demands your complete attention. This is golfing at its best.
Now, let’s take a closer look at the course itself. First, it’s important to note that this is most definitely a ‘hands-on’ course. There’s no automated golf cart rental service at Cypress Point. You’ll have to rent one yourself if you want to play. The good news is there are plenty of golf cart operators waiting to help you out. All you have to do is ask. In fact, throughout the entire course, you’ll see plenty of golfers hitting balls with their hands as a way of playing. It’s an old tradition that still continues today.
What’s the biggest challenge for first-time golfers at Cypress Point? As the first hole approaches, you can already feel yourself gripping the golf club tight. The question is: are you prepared to fight the wind to get the ball in the hole?
Hitting a ball straight into the air is the easiest way to hit a golf ball. In most cases, the hardest part is keeping the ball in the air for as long as possible. In an effort to make your journey more enjoyable, the designers of Cypress Point have made the flight of the golf ball part of their trademark. It seems like every hole is a dog leg or an elevated tee box, which makes judging distance very difficult. If you’re looking for an easy course, look elsewhere. If you’re after a classic round of golf full of excitement and surprises, then this is the place to be.
Table of Contents
The Course As It Was
Before we begin our walkthrough, it’s important to point out that the golf course hasn’t changed much since it was first built. In 1935, the original Cypress Point course was designed by the illustrious Arnold Palmer. It was originally a nine-hole course, but was expanded to its 18-hole form in 1941. Since then, it’s remained pretty much the same. There are no real water features on the course. The only green that you’ll see is a smallish one in the shape of a heart at the 10th hole.
The course isn’t a tough one. There are no truly difficult holes. Most of the course is open and rolling. It’s a scenic course that follows the shape of the terrain. There’s not a lot of elevation change. The biggest challenge is likely to come from the wind. It’s strong at Cypress Point, blowing all the time. On really chilly days, the players can’t really challenge themselves – the ball will drop straight down.
The first hole is an exception. It’s a downhill shot from the white tees, with the green located at the bottom. It’s an open shot, but the slope of the hill will make you work hard to make sure you keep the ball in the fairway. On the left side of the fairway, there’s a lake that can be accessed from the second tee. It’s not completely dry, as there are always puddles of water on the ground. This is due to the fact that rain water tends to pool in the hollows of the lake bed. So, if you get a drop in elevation near the lake, you’ll find some water to contend with. You can also go for a swim in the lake if you like. It’s not dangerous, as there are no dangerous creatures in the lake aside from some turtles and alligators. Just beware of the many snakes that inhabit the nearby hills.
The First Hole
Let’s begin with the first hole. As you make your way along the back nine, the grand entrance will be waiting for you. It’s a magnificent, 360-degree view of the entire bay, dotted with sailboats and fishing craft. You can actually see Alcatraz Island from here. It’s a spectacular vista – the kind that makes you feel like you’re looking at a postcard.
It’s funny how golf and nature go together. Here’s a connection that you’ll feel deeply as you play. After all, nature is the great overseer of all the courses we play. On a cold day, the snow will have made the ground crusty. This will give the ball extra ‘bite’ as you make your way to the cup. On a scorching hot day, the rough will make your shots all the more dramatic. The course is famous for its thickets of vegetation that can easily hide a golf ball. This is why it’s referred to as a ‘greensward course’.
Now, the hole is a funny one. It doesn’t really serve much of a purpose. There’s no real hazard here except for the occasional snake or raccoon that wanders onto the course. The green is a large open space, bordered by a lake and a creek. It’s a good size for a family or group of friends to play on. In fact, it’s the sort of green that encourages ‘creative’ types of shots. You can’t go wrong with this hole. It has a unique, serene beauty that draws you in.
The Second Hole
Moving onto the second hole, we’re back to the bustling streets of San Francisco. This time, you can hear the rumble of traffic and people far below as you look down on the long, thin lake. The view is unrivaled and, once again, makes you feel like you’ve escaped to a different world. You’re back to city living with its pressures and distractions, but you’re also experiencing a slice of serenity.
The second hole is another downhill shot. You have to keep the ball in the fairway, otherwise, it will be a long walk back to the clubhouse. There are a few smallish lakes that you’ll pass on your way to the green. Just remember: when it comes to golf, you can’t have any distractions. This is a time to clear your head and focus on the shot in front of you.
The Third Hole
The third hole is another downhill shot. Unlike the first two, this one is followed by a rather steep uphill return to the clubhouse. This is because it is situated at the highest point of the course. From this tee box, you’ll have an amazing panorama of the entire Bay Area. It’s an incredible view that you’ll cherish for the rest of your life. You may feel a little intimidated by the sheer grandeur of the scene, but this is what makes the shot so special. There’s another funny thing about this hole. In the wintertime, the entire lake freezes over. This means you’ll have to play through cold weather to reach the green. But that’s the fun of it. On a cold day, it feels like you are playing in a snow globe. Just remember: it doesn’t snow in the Bay Area that much, so you’ll probably have to make do with puddles of water or moist soil. This presents a great possibility for golfers who enjoy a challenge. In the summertime, the opposite is true – it’s extremely hot, so you’ll have to work hard to keep your ball on the green. This is why the third hole is also called the ‘Dragon Hole’.