Golf Course Review by: Bill Satterfield (2009)
Rankings:
The Takeaway: Plenty of entertainment exists at TPC Stonebrae with hilly terrain, forced carries, creative bunkering, and undulated greens. While it can't compete with the classic courses in the Bay Area, it is a quality modern offering. Grade B-
Quick Facts
Designer: David McLay Kidd in 2007
Cost: Private
Phone Number: (510) 728-7878
Course Website: Official Website - Visit TPC Stonebrae's official website by clicking on the link provided.
Directions: Get here! - 28760 Fairview Ave., Hayward, California 94542 – UNITED STATES
Photos: See additional photos of TPC Stonebrae
What to Expect: Located southeast of Oakland/San Francisco in Hayward, TPC Stonebrae is a David McLay Kidd design that features significant elevations throughout the layout combined with creative yet penal bunkering. The course features no trees on the interior part of the course and very few on the perimeter which opens up the vistas across the Bay Area. The routing takes players from the top of hillsides, along a housing development, and into a protected ravine area as the course flows along the undulated terrain. Conditioning is excellent and the greens are fast at Stonebrae which is a stop on the Web.com Tour. In the end, Stonebrae is an excellent golf course that is highlighted by rolling terrain and impressive views that is sure to keep your interest from start to finish.
By the Numbers
| Tees | Par | Yardage | Rating | Slope |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Black | 72 | 7140 | 75.0 | 135 |
| Silver | 72 | 6505 | 71.4 | 129 |
| Orange | 72 | 6027 | 69.3 | 122 |
| Gold (Women) | 72 | 5485 | 71.3 | 125 |
| Green (Women) | 72 | 4774 | 67.1 | 115 |
Individual Hole Analysis
Signature Hole: 12th Hole – 593 Yard Par 5 – Nearly 100 feet of drop in elevation is experienced from the 12th tee down to the green on this dramatic par five. This sweeping hole has a forced carry off the tee to the undulated fairway that features bunkers on each side the whole way home. The landing area is mostly blind and a barranca cuts across the fairway about 150 yards from the green and creates a decision for the golfer on whether to carry it on their second shot or layup short of it. The green is Stonebrae's most undulated so even reaching this putting surface under regulation doesn't mean it is an automatic birdie.
Best Par 3: 11th Hole – 240 Yards – The 11th features the most interesting bunker on the course; a 120 foot long pit that never widens more than 20 feet and runs right up to the front center of the green. When the pin is in the center it is a bear to get a tee shot close to given the bunker in front and ridge running through the putting surface. The bunker highly protects the left side of the green while a portion of fairway wishbones off the green and along the right side of the bunker and creates a high side to chip from. Pars here are well earned.
Best Par 4: 10th Hole – 437 Yards – The first of a great three hole stretch to start the back nine, the 10th features a view of San Francisco Bay and over 100 feet of drop from tee to green. The fairway opens up beyond the bunker on the left side and stands as a perfect line to hit with your tee shot, but it is your approach shot that will make or break you. The second shot plays to a green that is flanked by a large bunker on the left and falloffs on the back and right, so hitting this relatively narrow green in regulation is critical to keep a bit number of your scorecard. The exhilarating tee shot, uphill approach, and impressive background combine to create a fantastic way to start the back nine.
Best Par 5: 18th Hole – 598 Yards – The closer at Stonebrae is a tough hole and an excellent test at the end of the round. The bunker on the left side is 300 yards away and if avoided will create a decision on whether to clear barranca on the second shot or whether to layup short of it. Staying short will leave over 200 yards to the center of the putting surface while players going for it will need a draw if they want to split the bunkers protecting the front while sitting 20 yards short of it.
Birdie Time: 5th Hole – 316 Yard Par 4 – A draw off the tee that hugs the tree on the left can reward players with a look at eagle if the two greenside bunkers can be avoided. David McLay Kidd counters the short distance with an undulated green that will take some crafty flatstick work to conquer, but even with a long iron off the tee you should be able to take a wedge and go flag hunting.
Bogey Beware: 8th Hole – 466 Yard Par 4 – A tough tee shot awaits on the 8th since three bunkers come into play; one of which is in the middle of the fairway. The bunkerless green has two shelves to contend with, so getting on the correct tier is key for success. With a hillside on the right and junk to the left, this long approach needs to stay on line, if not favoring the right side, to sniff a par.
