Review Highlights   

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"I simply love the driving range here." (in 6 reviews)
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"Great course though." (in 4 reviews)
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"The back nine winds through the mountains and canyons and..." (in 4 reviews)
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24 reviews in English

  • Review from Jules S.

    Haleiwa, HI

    5.0 star rating
    10/25/2011 6 photos 2 Check-ins Here

    Just finished a round here on Sunday alongside some buddies and numerous Q-School qualifiers, in front of and behind us, that showed my buds and I that we've got a long ways to go to even be as good as those guys.  The distance to Luke Donald, Rory, Tiger, etc. most be even further and probably never attainable for us regular golfers.  Love the game though, and I love this course.  It's one of my favorites.  I can understand why Q-School is being held at SJO this week.  If you get a chance you should check out some upcoming prospects.  The course is playing well and looking good as always.  Always worth the two hour drive from my home.

  • Review from Esther Y.

    Emeryville, CA

    4.0 star rating
    1/3/2012 1 Check-in Here

    Came to the cafe for a business meeting...mmmm delicious Gilroy burger with garlic mushrooms!!

  • Review from Patrick C.

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    • 3 reviews

    Salinas, CA

    5.0 star rating
    12/26/2011

    San Juan Oaks is a real gem. The course is always in fantastic shape, and Manny and the boys are the nicest folks you will meet. Everyone that works there is great and the range facilities are the best around. Treat yourself some time and get out of the fog. I live 45 minutes away, but this is my home course because of the weather, people, and the course. 2 thumbs up, if I had 3 thumbs..... They would get that!

  • Review from Matt Z.

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    • 31 reviews

    San Carlos, CA

    5.0 star rating
    7/19/2011

    Can't wait to go back. I've been twice so far and loved both trips.

    Well worth the hour and twenty from the peninsula. Truly away from the noise. Beautiful course. Great condition. True greens.

    Must stop for anyone within reasonable driving distance.

  • Review from May O.

    San Jose, CA

    4.0 star rating
    1/17/2011 2 photos 2 Check-ins Here

    Left foggy San Jose to meet a friend coming from Fresno.   I have played here many times and I must say that playing during the winter is much more nicer than summer (way too windy).   Today was perfect.   We had to peel our layers of clothing because the weather was so awesome.  It must have been in the 70's.   The course was in magnificent shape, the fairways mowed, the rough short enough and the greens very consistent.  And all this for $49!!!  

    The guys in the pro shop were super friendly (unlike a course in Almaden starting with Cinn and ending in bar).   He even helped me pick out some clothes on sale 40% off for my BF.

    Although we played behind a 3some that were super slow (they must have been playing for thousand of dollars, uh huh), it was a perfect round.

    Stop at the bar after for cocktails/beer/wine and their fried artichoke hearts, delicious!!!

    Listed in: Golf

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  • Review from Robert M.

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    • 122 reviews

    Redwood City, CA

    5.0 star rating
    11/10/2010

    Finally got out here...glad I did.  Well maintained course, excellent conditions, nice driving range, decent food...all around good experience.

    I was playing with my monster driving buddies which meant we were playing from the tips.  FYI, unless you hit 290+, don't even think about walking back to the tips.  (I only hit 4 GIR thanks to my lack of driving distance.)  This is the home of the Q School Round 1 qualifier and some of the back tees are 50 yards further than the blues.  Most holes are set up well for scratch golfers to hackers.  Couples really thought out ways to make the interesting for everyone, but not horribly difficult for newbies and less adept players.  

    Prices were very reasonable.  There was no one watching the desk in the pro shop and we had to wait for him.  

    Definitely not the most memorable course but the back nine is a lot of fun with quite a bit of elevation change and some forced carries that make everything interesting.  I wish it wasn't such a long drive from Redwood City, but I certainly plan on coming back some time in the near future.

  • Review from Marcela R.

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    • 80 reviews

    Belmont, CA

    5.0 star rating
    8/31/2010

    **Review based on lunch**

    Location is beautiful! Very well kept and groomed setting. Summer at this location is to die for and the crowd is always so nice and polite.

    We came here for a lunch meeting and not only was it a great location and spot to get away to but it's also a very private location where a lot of county officials and professionals in the area meet to discuss business. We had a party of 7 and the service was great! Our waitress was the sweetest older lady but was very quick and helpful with all of our requests.

    I will be coming back but probably to do a round of golf at this beautiful location!

  • Review from Denise N.

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    • 50 reviews

    San Carlos, CA

    5.0 star rating
    11/20/2010

    Wedding Reception Review:

    A hidden gem!  I attended a wedding here and they did a great job!  Staff was great and food was tasty!  Although a bit far from the rest of the world.....(lol), it was a nice venue.

    I don't know much about the main restaurant or golf course, but the banquet room and reception area were very nice!  I believe the bride used a decorator (on the vendor list) who did a lovely job!

    Some of the guests got a little lost heading towards the venue on the road that leads up to it, but they managed.... (due to total darkness).  

    I'd come out and have lunch here if I was in the area!

  • Review from Pat M.

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    • 38 reviews

    Burlingame, CA

    4.0 star rating
    3/31/2009

    This is a very good course but far.  Here are my reasons for the four stars:
    1. Outstanding greens - the greens are fast, even and superbly manicured.  A quick tip - learn to trust your read on these more than ever.  Playing on crappy greens made me doubt myself: result was 41 putts!

    2.  The staff and the practice facility:  You hit off the grass, and deals on http://golfnow.com include a small bucket of balls.  The staff is super nice and not at all pretentious (a la Presidio and Summitpointe) and even gave me a coupon for my next round.

    3.  Most holes are fair, hard and very interesting.  The back nine is more eventful (higher scores :-)) than the front.  

    My reasons for taking away a star:

    1. The course can be very windy in the afternoon - which is the time we began playing the more treacherous back nine.  So pick an early time, even though it might be a bit more expensive.
    2.  Some of the holes on the back nine are too gimmicky (or maybe I just really suck).  You will see what I mean when you play #13, 14 and 15.
    3.  Just really far - I live on the Peninsula and it took me an hour to drive up and 90 minutes getting back on a Saturday!

    I plan to go back very soon, despite the drive and the crazy couple of holes.  And yes, the greens are in great shape - the ball goes exactly where you hit it, so you got no one to blame but yourself if you miss a putt.

  • Review from Kristen J.

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    • 14 reviews

    Hollister, CA

    5.0 star rating
    3/15/2011

    Since I have never golfed, I cannot vouch for the green.  All I can say is...I have the best time at the fundraisers and parties.  The staff is very professional and nice, and can help make your night wonderful.

  • Review from F. F.

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    • 6 friends
    • 225 reviews

    Gilroy, CA

    4.0 star rating
    12/23/2009

    This review is for the fabulous dining experience!

    First of all, the place is fabulous! It was pretty quiet, maybe because everyone was gone for the holidays, and empty except for a few tables. The christmas decorations were fantastic and the view of the golf course in the dining area was pretty!

    Second, DEEP FRIED ARTICHOKES and calamari steak = GREAT APPETIZERS! Their portions were pretty large and I felt full just from it! We were also served with these great sourdough (I think) buns that were crispy on the outside but soft and buttery on the inside.

    Third, chicken galicia (what I ordered) with a side of the soup of the day (cream of mushroom, DELICIOUS!) was so mouth-wateringly delicious! The saffron sauce definitely gave the grilled chicken flavor and the zucchinis and other vegetables were so succulent! The chicken was not dry at all and was perfectly grilled. The rice (forgot what kind) that came with the chicken was tasty.

    All in all, great experience, fast service, and delicious food!

  • Review from John G.

    Los Gatos, CA

    4.0 star rating
    12/28/2006

    Great course designed by Fred Couples in the Hollister foothills.  This course is very well maintained and a pleasure to play.  It is quite a contrast to by playing here in the summer when the fairways and green are lush green in color, and you play through the oak strewn CA countryside of beige grass.  Really pretty.

    Course is challenging. Front nice is basically flat with lots of water, back nice goes through some canyons.  

    Place has it all to include a nice restaurant, snack bar, putting green, driving range. Clubhouse is modeled on Spanish architecture and is quite nice.  Staff is friendly and courteous.

    Love this course, and try to play it as often as I can.

  • Review from DAVID N.

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    • 126 friends
    • 145 reviews

    Brisbane, CA

    4.0 star rating
    7/13/2009

    It pays to drive well off the tee here and it was very satisfying to be able to crush the ball on several occasions, ~320 yards or so. But this was done with penalty. Take Hole 18 which happens to be a dogleg right. I crushed the ball to the right of the elbow. Normally, this is a good thing as it shorten my second shot onto the green. But low and behold when I arrived at the elbow only to find out there is a large tree between my ball and the green, 20 yards ahead. Damn, damn, damn!!! I took a 3-iron to try and punch shot the ball as close to the green as I could. With the green only 130 yards away, it was a good plan. Too greedy with my aim and instead ricocheted my ball off the right side of the tree. Sign!!! Would have and should have...(Local knowledge would pay dividends here as I should have placed the ball on the left of the fairway, off the tee.)

    Those that read my golf course reviews know how much I love Wente' Vineyards and the look and feel of San Juan Oaks come very close. The course layout is long and meandering among the rolling hills especially the back 9.

    I love the pace of play where we felt like we were the only group on the course.

    I prefer San Juan Oaks over Ridgemark.

    =)

  • Review from Joel V.

    San Jose, CA

    4.0 star rating
    7/26/2009

    I will call their super twilight tee time a friggin steal!! $35?? Where do I sign up? Fred Couples designed this course, and it truly is a pleasure to play.

    The front nine is relatively flat with dangerous bunkers and water hazards. It reminds me a little of Callippe Preserve in Pleasanton. The back nine winds through the mountains and canyons and is more difficult in my opinion. It has a Cinnabar Hills feel to it.

    It is out in the boonies, but well worth it!  It also has a beautiful "Mission Style" clubhouse and did a GREAT job at our friends wedding.

  • Review from Stephanie A.

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    • 13 reviews

    Hollister, CA

    5.0 star rating
    11/16/2008 1 photo

    This review is for Driving Range only.

    San Juan Oaks is really top notch. I simply love the driving range here.

    What makes me love it:

    *  you hit off the grass
    *  it's a full length driving range with target greens
    * 10,000 sq.ft putting green
    * chipping and putting green with sand trap!
    ** I sank TWO straight into the hole while pitching from deep rough!!  And
       lo and behold, I even have a witness to it who was just as amazed as
       myself!

    Prices here are $5 for a bucket of 35 balls, $8 for 70 balls and $10 for 105.  I've not played the course (yet) but it's a Fred Couples course and I hear it is fabulous.  There is a restaurant and bar, and in the past when I've eaten here, it's always been good.  The scenery surrounding this Golf Course is just pure beauty.  The wind wasn't around yesterday or today while I was out there, but San Juan Bautista is known to have some kick ass winds, and that would have to be the only downside.  Definitely worth checking out.

  • Review from Josh K.

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    • 5 reviews

    San Carlos, CA

    5.0 star rating
    Updated - 1/2/2009

    I played here again yesterday and continue to love this course.  $55 with cart to play on a course that is in fantastic shape in the middle of the winter.  The layout continues to be my favorite, the staff are fantastic, and the facilities are superb.

    BY FAR the best golf value in the Bay Area.  Worth the drive.

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    1 Previous Review: Show all »

    • 5.0 star rating
      8/13/2007

      In my opinion this is one of the best values for golf in the Bay Area (well, it's near the Bay Area,… Read more »

  • Review from Trent C.

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    • 6 friends
    • 189 reviews

    Chicago, IL

    4.0 star rating
    8/19/2010

    Fred Couples designed this gem in Hollister.  Probably my favourite golf course to play between San Jose and Monterrey.  Their prices are fantastic.

    I prefer the back nine to the front nine because you wind through the hills.  Play can get slow on some holes but other than that you can usually get a round done between 4:15 and 4:45.  I've probably played this course a dozen times over the years and will continue to come back and play whenever I'm in the area.  Well worth the drive down from SJ or up from Monterrey.

    The clubhouse is very nice as well.  Decent bar and restaurant.  Halfway house is well stocked and the service is quick.  Always well maintained, even during the heat of the summer.

  • Review from Bernardo R.

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    • 166 friends
    • 60 reviews

    Newark, CA

    5.0 star rating
    2/27/2007

    Great golf course.  Unfortunately we were there when there was a lot of wind and rain.  With the conditions it was still a good time.  Very curtious staff.  Driving range balls were included.  This course is a challenge and lost a few balls.  The pin placements were put on slopes and had a hard time reading the greens.  Well thought out golf course.  There are several places where you have to decide between risk vs reward.   Unfortunately for me this day there was not very much reward.  Great course though.  Get your tee time through Golf Now!

  • Review from Yesenia V.

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    • 24 reviews

    Gilroy, CA

    5.0 star rating
    8/10/2010

    Brunch! Unlimited mimosa brunch! Unlimited mimosa brunch in a sunny, calm, beautiful outdoor setting! Love, love, love! The staff is always friendly and accomodating and the food is delicious. I usually have an omelette with potatoes or their fabulous french toast, and of course enough mimosas to really enjoy myself! It's my favorite Sunday brunch location and where I love to be for a special occasion.

  • Review from Hylary L.

    Morgan Hill, CA

    5.0 star rating
    4/30/2009 1 photo

    This review is the first of it's kind on yelp, and it's for San Juan Oaks as a wedding reception venue. I cannot say enough good things about this place. I had a Christmas themed wedding reception here at the end of last November, and I was absolutely thrilled with every aspect of the event. We booked all the rooms available for a reception over a year earlier, and in the year leading up the event the staff was ridiculously helpful. Javier and David were especially awesome, and were open to any and all suggestions and requests we had for our reception. I was very specific about wanting to make sure the Christmas trees and decorations they put up every year were up in time for our reception (we had it on Thanksgiving Saturday), and they were all up in time, and looked beautiful! The staff went out of their way to make sure everything looked exactly as we had envisioned. They were also very careful with following our instructions for our favors, lanterns for our outdoor seating, and items for our children's activity table. We also requested to have a special hot chocolate and egg nog bar, which was top notch and loved by all of our guests. They followed every instruction to the letter, and went above and beyond to make sure everything was perfect.

    As far as space goes, we have a fairly large reception (250+ people), and everyone was able to be seated comfortably. For large receptions, they use a combination of round and square tables which worked out perfectly for our seating. The dance floor was the perfect size for our guests, and the room was comfortably cozy, but not cramped at all.

    Now about the food!!! Absolutely outstanding food! We started with about 4 different passed appetizers which the guests really loved and appreciated (they were hungry after our full mass ceremony!) For dinner, we had a buffet with chicken, seafood, and prime rib. It was delicious, and SO BEAUTIFUL! They even went so far as to arrange the initials of our two family's in the fruit display. It was amazing. Our guests loved the food, and were very impressed with the display. We had our tasting several months prior to the event, and the staff was wonderful at letting us try every little thing. Apart from having a reception here, my family now loves to attend their holiday brunches just to experience their delicious food! 100% outstanding again!

    The bar situation worked out perfectly for our event. We didn't have a hosted bar, but our guests found the prices very reasonable for the cocktails they did want to have, and didn't mind paying for their alcoholic drinks. The bartenders were very nice and professional. Another wonderful aspect of this venue.

    One last good thing about this venue is the price. As it is a bit of a drive from San Jose (about 45 minutes), the price is much more reasonable than other venues. Check their website for specifics, but we were able to do things here that we would never have been able to afford at venues in or near San Jose.

    I just can't say enough about this venue. If you are considering having your wedding reception or event here, I HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY recommend it. I looked at all kinds of venues before deciding on San Juan Oaks from San Jose to Monterey and none compared to this location. They are truly excellent and well worth the drive if you're based in or around San Jose. The location is very scenic once you get there. I highly recommend that you at least visit this place once if you're getting married in the area. Trust me, you will be glad you did!

  • Review from Adrian D.

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    • 14 friends
    • 6 reviews

    Hollister, CA

    5.0 star rating
    4/7/2010 2 Check-ins Here

    This is the 12th time playing there and I continue to be amazed with the Fred Couples Course. It can be a pretty penny but worth every penny.

  • Review from Mike S.

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    • 2 friends
    • 29 reviews

    San Jose, CA

    5.0 star rating
    1/3/2009

    Great course.  Excellent layout, good distance, challenging greens, elevation changes.  What's not to love?

    You can usually get a discount here through some online sites for ~$65 and this place is a bargain at that price.  

    Fairways are well taken care of, clubhouse is very nice, course is scenic.  The driving range hits off of grass and they have an enormous putting green for practice.

    Two minor issues that don't warranty the removal of a star.

    1) Not enough ball washers (i think i saw two)
    2) the sand traps are filled with coarse sand which can get a little packed down in the winter.

  • Review from P G.

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    • 1 friend
    • 555 reviews

    Palo Alto, CA

    5.0 star rating
    10/12/2008

    Beautiful course, superb layout, gracious and accomodating personnnel, phenomenal food.....man, is this place too good to be true or what?!  Yeah, it is.....one big concern is the weather.  Little windy almost all the time and then certain times of the year that little wind becomes bigger and bigger as the day goes on so check your weather forecast before you go so you know what you're in for!

  • Review from Perry W.

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    • 228 reviews

    Los Gatos, CA

    4.0 star rating
    4/11/2009

    I have an opportunity to play at this course about once or twice per year.  Every time I play there I ask myself why I don't play there more often.  The facilities are first rate.  The course in early spring is absolutely gorgeous, with the green surrounding hills.  Plus, the wind is not a big factor like it is during the summer.  The course offers just the right amount of challenge for my game (16 handicap).  There is a great practice facility with real grass driving range, a chipping area, a bunker area, and practice greens.  The clubhouse  and proshop are both first class.  The only downside of this course is the lack of yardage markers out on the course.  The carts do not come equipped with GPS, so you're left wondering what your actual yardages are.  If I placed more I would consider getting a handheld gps unit, but a course of this caliber should have more markers or cart gps.  I noticed that San Juan Oaks is offering some good golf specials, so that might be enough to get me there more often.

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