When asking yourself about something to do near me in Sunnyvale with a group of friends or family, consider
Sunken Gardens Golf Course
Why Sunken Gardens Golf Course is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Sunken Gardens Golf Course is a charming and accessible 9-hole municipal golf course located in Sunnyvale, California. Established in 1955 and designed by Clark Glasson, this par 29 executive course offers a welcoming environment ideal for beginners and those looking for a relaxed round of golf. With a total length of approximately 1,500 yards, the course features shorter holes that make it easier for newcomers to the sport to enjoy playing without the intimidation of longer championship layouts. The course is open year-round, allowing for play in all seasons under generally mild California weather. Beyond the course itself, Sunken Gardens boasts a variety of practice facilities, including an 18-stall driving range with mats, a pitching and chipping area, and a putting green. These amenities provide excellent opportunities for golfers to hone their skills, whether they are just starting out or looking to improve specific aspects of their game. Rentals are readily available, including golf carts and clubs, enhancing accessibility for visitors who may not have their own equipment. Practicing here is further supported by available instruction from teaching professionals, making it a comprehensive facility for learning and enjoyment. Parking and walkability are also convenient, and the course's policy encourages walking play. Located on S Wolfe Road, it offers easy access for locals and visitors alike, serving as a great meeting place for friends and families looking to share a casual, fun, and affordable golfing experience.
Here's what people think of Sunken Gardens Golf Course
As of recent, Sunken Gardens Golf Course holds a 4.3-star rating based on 479 reviews.
Reviews of Sunken Gardens Golf Course reflect its reputation as a friendly, welcoming spot popular among beginner and recreational golfers. Many users appreciate the course's accessibility and the supportive atmosphere it offers, highlighting it as an excellent venue for casual rounds and skill development. Positive reviews frequently mention the helpful staff, well-maintained practice facilities, and the course's suitability for varying skill levels, especially novices. The reasonable pricing for carts and rentals also earns praise, making it a budget-friendly option for golf enthusiasts in the Sunnyvale area. On the other hand, some negative feedback points to the course's shorter length and simpler layout, which may not satisfy more advanced or competitive golfers seeking a challenging experience. Others note that scheduling can sometimes be tight due to the course's popularity, especially on weekends. A few reviewers have mentioned that certain facility aspects, such as maintenance or amenities, could benefit from updates or improvements. Overall, the reviews convey that Sunken Gardens is well-loved as a convenient, enjoyable, and affordable place to play golf, particularly for beginners and those looking to practice or enjoy a quick game. It stands out as a community-friendly course that balances value with a pleasant golfing environment, despite some minor criticisms primarily related to its modest scale and pace of play.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Bill Lin
Checked Sunken online and found out they are the extended course of Sunnyvale, you know it's really not bad, a nice and easy 9-hole course, very walkable, full of different types of trees, 🌴 you name it. Like Hole 6 particularly, it's a Par 4, you actually see the green of Hole 2 from tee box, while the green of Hole 6 itself is hidden on the left hand side to it; a little ditch in front of green, make your 2nd shot a bit challenging to approach the green. One thing worth mentioning is that there's a Old Greenwood BBQ restaurant located right by clubhouse, you'll get to smell them when you play Hole 7 😆
Thia Le
We came to this Sunken Garden Golf Course for the first time for a birthday celebration and have actually had a blast! From the peaceful spacious field, BBQ Backyard Patio, and the wide range selection beers cocktails ad full bar of drinks, Sunken Garden is definitely a great destination for any occasions for all of your gatherings. Friendly Staffs and Good Food are the main reasons why I truly enjoyed this place. Absolutely an awesome experience here!
Rohit Ray
Reasonably well maintained 9 hole course with friendly staff. Clubs available for rent at a reasonable price. Green fees also reasonable.
Paul Tacci
Very mellow course. No long drives as all the holes are relatively close to the starting tee compared to other courses. Has a putting area, driving range (only about 275 yards deep) and a BBQ spot with tasty food. Bar is always a good spot to enjoy a drink. Backyard bar section is very peaceful. It actually is sunken in sense that the course is in an old reservoir.
Michelle Vo (msongvo)
Encountered rude, power tripping staff. Course itself is fine I guess, but if you don’t show up knowing all the rules, prepare to get a scolding.. and they might threaten to call the cops on you too 😬 Maybe they’re friendlier to more experienced folks… beginners beware?
How to reach Sunken Gardens Golf Course
None
Website: None
Why Sunken Gardens Golf Course may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Sunken Gardens Golf Course with your friends?
Sunken Gardens Golf Course offers an inviting setting for friends and family to gather, enjoy time outdoors, and engage in friendly competition. Located conveniently near San Jose and Palo Alto, this 9-hole executive golf course is perfectly sized for social groups looking for a casual, fun day on the greens without the intimidation of a full championship course. The shorter holes and well-maintained grounds make it accessible for beginners and enjoyable for more experienced players alike. Beyond golf, the presence of ample practice facilities and the nearby Old Greenwood BBQ with live music on Saturday evenings adds a festive atmosphere, combining sport, leisure, and community spirit. This welcoming environment encourages camaraderie and stress-free fun, making it an excellent choice for group meetups where the focus is on connection and enjoyment, whether you’re bonding over golf shots or sharing a meal after play. With a 4.3-star rating from nearly 500 reviews, visitors consistently praise its friendly ambiance and accommodating services, assuring you and your friends that it is a great place to spend quality time together.
What activities can you do at Sunken Gardens Golf Course?
Sunken Gardens Golf Course offers a variety of engaging activities that cater to groups with diverse interests and skill levels. First and foremost, the highlight is the 9-hole, 1,502-yard executive golf course that emphasizes shorter holes ideal for beginners or players wanting a quicker round. The course’s design allows players to focus on improving their skills while enjoying a relaxed pace suitable for social play. Additionally, the driving range at Sunken Gardens features 18 stalls dedicated to iron shots only, which are open 364 days per year and well-lit for evening practice. Golf clubs are even available free of charge, which is ideal for newcomers or those who want to try golf without investing in equipment. For groups wanting to add some friendly competition, the course offers organized leagues and clubs, including a Men’s Club and Ladies Club, which host regular tee times, tournaments, and events, fostering a fun, community-oriented atmosphere.
Besides golf and practice, Sunken Gardens supports group bonding through social events held nearby. For instance, Old Greenwood BBQ, adjacent to the course, hosts free live music on Saturday evenings where groups can unwind with craft beer, delicious food specials, and live entertainment. This addition transforms a simple meetup into a full-day experience combining sport, dining, and culture. Moreover, the golf facility is regularly available for tournament bookings, corporate meetups, charity events, and private parties, with staff dedicated to ensuring smooth event coordination. This versatility makes Sunken Gardens an excellent venue for hosting varied group activities—from casual golfing afternoons to themed social celebrations.
Why is Sunken Gardens Golf Course perfect for a group meetup?
Sunken Gardens Golf Course is ideal for group meetups for several compelling reasons. Its size—a 9-hole executive course—makes it less daunting than typical 18-hole courses, encouraging participation from players of all skill levels, from first-timers to seasoned golfers. This inclusivity means everyone in the group can comfortably enjoy the experience without feeling pressured by difficult or lengthy holes. The friendly community atmosphere is fostered by active clubs, social leagues, and events designed specifically to build rapport among players. This means your group has opportunities to engage in friendly rivalry or cooperative formats like net best ball team games that encourage group interaction and enjoyment.
Beyond the golf experience, the course boasts excellent practice facilities like the driving range, accessible every day of the year, including evening hours under lights—this allows more flexibility in scheduling group meetups. The availability of golf clubs and affordable pricing, including senior discounts and residency rates, make participation easy and economical for a broad audience. Also, the staff’s commitment to hospitality and smooth event execution means group organizers can rely on professional support for creating memorable experiences, including food and social gatherings at Old Greenwood BBQ with its welcoming vibe and weekend live music.
Finally, location is a significant advantage: Sunken Gardens sits within the vibrant Bay Area, easily reachable for friends and family living in or around Sunnyvale, San Jose, and Palo Alto. This accessibility combined with its comprehensive amenities, community focus, and welcoming ambiance makes Sunken Gardens Golf Course an unbeatable choice for hosting group meetups that combine sport, socializing, and relaxation.
How accessible and convenient is Sunken Gardens Golf Course for groups?
Sunken Gardens Golf Course prioritizes accessibility and convenience, making it exceptionally suitable for group meetups. The course is open nearly every day of the year from early morning to evening hours, with slightly varied times to accommodate all schedules. This flexibility allows groups to plan outings at convenient times, including after-work hours thanks to the well-lit driving range for evening practice. The availability of equipment rental at no extra charge removes barriers for guests who don’t own golf clubs, encouraging more spontaneous or novice participation.
Located at 1010 S. Wolfe Road in Sunnyvale, the facility is positioned near major Bay Area hubs like San Jose, Palo Alto, and Mountain View, reducing travel hassle for friends or families spread across these areas. The address is easy to access by car, and parking facilities are adequate to support multiple visitors. For larger groups or special events, the course offers dedicated event booking services, handling everything from tee time coordination to food and beverage services, ensuring a smooth and stress-free experience for event planners and attendees alike.
Additionally, the presence of supportive golf leagues and clubs helps create a community where newcomers can feel welcome and quickly find partners or groups to play with, which is a big plus for casual meetups that might otherwise struggle to organize teams. The pricing structure also offers discounts such as senior rates and special twilight fees to keep the experience affordable for diverse group budgets. All these factors add up to a highly accessible, convenient, and user-friendly environment for group gatherings at Sunken Gardens Golf Course.
What social and event opportunities are available for groups at Sunken Gardens Golf Course?
Sunken Gardens Golf Course excels at offering social and event opportunities that can enhance any group meetup. Besides its core golf offerings, the course hosts active clubs like the Sunken Gardens Men’s and Ladies’ Clubs that regularly schedule play days and special events catering to different skill levels, allowing groups to connect over shared interests in a fun, relaxed competitive environment. The clubs also provide a perfect platform for new friendships, team-building, and socializing beyond casual rounds of golf.
For larger or more formal gatherings, Sunken Gardens facilitates tournaments and private events. Whether you are arranging a corporate team-building day, charity fundraiser, or a casual meetup for a group of 12 or more, the staff offers personalized coordination support to tailor the experience to your needs. These events combine competitive golf with social elements, such as award ceremonies and post-play dining options. The nearby Old Greenwood BBQ is an ideal partner venue where groups can enjoy food and drink specials along with live music from local bands on Saturday evenings, creating a festive atmosphere to round out the day.
Furthermore, the course supports Spark Golf Leagues, which provide a structured yet relaxed league format featuring individual and team competitions, points systems, and friendly challenges. This format encourages recurring participation and social interaction throughout a season, which is perfect for groups looking for ongoing shared activities. Overall, from casual weekend roundups to organized social events and tournaments, Sunken Gardens offers diverse opportunities to foster group engagement and create memorable shared experiences.
How does Sunken Gardens Golf Course cater to players of different skill levels in group settings?
Sunken Gardens Golf Course is thoughtfully designed to accommodate golfers of all skill levels, making it an inviting place for diverse groups. Its 9-hole executive layout offers shorter yardage and less intimidating holes compared to standard courses, easing anxiety for beginners and providing a quick, enjoyable round that doesn’t demand extended focus or stamina. This is especially important when groups consist of a mix of novices and experienced players, ensuring everyone can keep the pace and have fun.
For those newer to golf or wanting to improve, the ample practice facilities such as the 18-stall driving range dedicated to iron practice provide a professional environment to develop technique. The option to rent golf clubs without extra fees also reduces barriers to entry, helping beginners settle in easily. Meanwhile, more seasoned golfers can take advantage of leagues and clubs that incorporate handicaps to even the competition, allowing all players to compete fairly and enjoy the camaraderie regardless of differences in ability.
Social leagues run through platforms like Spark Golf offer relaxed rules and formats such as net best ball and individual games, ideal for fun, low-pressure group play. Handicaps are used to balance competition, and the emphasis is on enjoyment and socializing rather than strict competition. Additionally, the welcoming and supportive community culture encourages encouragement and learning, helping groups bond and celebrate progress together. This blend of thoughtful course design, practice opportunities, and adaptable play formats ensures Sunken Gardens meets the needs of all players in a group setting.
What dining and entertainment options enhance your meetup experience at Sunken Gardens Golf Course?
The social experience at Sunken Gardens Golf Course extends beyond golf with appealing dining and entertainment options designed to enrich group meetups. One standout feature is the proximity of Old Greenwood BBQ, a popular eatery located adjacent to the course. This venue offers not only a menu of delicious barbecue food paired with craft beers but also a lively social environment, perfect for groups to relax and celebrate after a day on the greens. Their Saturday evening free live music events provide a vibrant backdrop, featuring local bands that create a festive atmosphere ideal for mingling and unwinding.
This combination of golf and onsite dining means your group doesn’t have to travel far for a complete outing. Instead, you can seamlessly transition from competition to social time while enjoying great food and drinks. The availability of food specials during music nights adds good value and enhances the experience further. Moreover, the patio setting overlooking parts of the golf course provides scenic views, allowing groups to enjoy the natural beauty of Sunnyvale while eating and socializing.
These entertainment and dining choices make Sunken Gardens more than just a golf course; it becomes a destination for socialization and community connection. Whether celebrating a special event or simply gathering for fun, these options create memorable moments that complement the golf activities and encourage longer, more engaging group visits.
With its approachable golf layout, comprehensive practice facilities, inclusive leagues, flexible scheduling, and engaging social atmosphere enhanced by nearby dining and live entertainment, Sunken Gardens Golf Course stands out as a premier venue for group meetups. Whether you’re rallying friends for a friendly round, organizing a competitive tournament, or simply looking for a welcoming place to enjoy good company, Sunken Gardens provides the ideal setting for connection, recreation, and fun.