- Restaurants |
- Nightlife |
- Shopping |
- Movies |
- All
Spring Valley Golf Course
Rating Details »
3441 Calaveras Rd
Milpitas, CA 95035
(408) 262-1722
Milpitas, CA 95035
(408) 262-1722
- Good for Kids:
- No
26 reviews for Spring Valley Golf Course
went for another 18hole game.
green is still lumpy/lob-sided. why?! i dunno....
H20 btl is an essential!! there aren't many water
refilling spots.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
-
1/21/2009
================== 18 hole ==================
who would've thought that there was a course hidden up… Read more »
I've only played it once, but didn't really like it. Everyone told me, "it's great," or "It's better than Summitpointe." No way!! And I crushed Summit on Yelp too - so this place really is extra weak.
Strange layout, two #2 holes, slow greens... It's also a short course, only a par 70. The dudes in the pro shop were annoyed and aloof. The pace that day was so bad that my boy left me on the 16th because he couldn't take it anymore - and the two regulars we were with were laughing because the pace was pretty good that day. To top that off, the rates are comparable to many much better courses. This place isn't worth the $50-60 they stick you for.
In summary: should be much cheaper, because this is pretty much a beginners course. I think $35 to walk it would be appropriate. If it were more affordable, I'd move it to a 3 star.
I play here often but always wonder why I keep returning. The course itself is not that bad. The grass isn't maintained as well as other courses but the layout makes it a simple course for beginners and a fun course for those who have been playing for awhile. The customer service is not that great though. One time I called to set up a tee time and was spoken to rudely and he hung up on me without giving me a confirmation that the tee time was set. I called back to verify and again he was rude but confirmed the tee time then just hung up. Just today my friend and I were paired with a father and his son. His son just started so he was very slow. We didn't care because everyone sucked that much when they first started... They sent a marshal out to hurry us up which was fine, but we could hear them talking through the two-way radios. The marshal was a friendly older gentleman but the guys inside the pro shop were unprofessional and rude. I believe it was the same guy named "Dave". They didn't expect us to hear what they said but since the radio was turned up so loud, we couldn't help but listen to their rudeness.
The golf course itself is decent though. 2-stars for a decent golf course but the course is not nice enough to disregard it's pathetic pro shop workers and customer service.
This is a good course. Good beginners course. Wide fairways lots of nice par 5s and some great looking holes like 9 and 18 shooting over the lake. Had a 9 am tee time and didn't get backed up except the 2 and 10 and even then it was a couple minutes. The one knock on this course is the putting greens. They are really bumpy. Always plays slow. The pro shop was good the Marshall was nice even when my buddy almost hit a girl on 9 teeing off. Anyone that bashes this one too hard is probably a snob use to playing at almaden country club or somewhere where you need a 50k membership. Grow up snobs it's a public course!
Spring Valley is a great course at the base of the Milpitas Foothills. Similar to Santa Clara or Santa Teresa in playability (ie. for the most part , fairly straight forward, flat holes with some dog legs here or there, and three or four really fun or picturesque novelty holes) The greens here drive me nuts! But that didn't factor into my rating - I'm just a poor putter. Plus since its in Milpitas is all about deals! (See my Round Table Pizza - Milpitas Review). PLAY THE SUPER TWILIGHT HERE DURING THE SUMMER! get there right when it starts, get a cart and you can usually get 9 holes in before the sun goes down for less than $25. Another REALLY COOL thing about this course is there are usually flocks of WILD TURKEYS running around the course.
Some detractions are the pace of play on weekends. They usually let too many people go "early AM" so the back 9 on a Sat or Sun can take forever! The range closes earlier than the course which is odd to me and NO VERIZON CELL PHONE SERVICE so taking clients on a work day here is a no-no as you can't keep abreast of emergencies at the office! Solid 3 stars (3.5 if it were available.
Some of my golfing buddies enjoy playing here because they offer a discount if you have a Passport Card. Unfortunately, my friends can only play on the weekends, and this course is known for slow play.
On my most recent round, our tee time was for 12:20pm and we ended up teeing off around 12:45pm. That's fine, I can always practice a bit more at the range or work on my putting. After teeing off and making a bogey on the first hole, our group is greeted by a back-up on hole #2 of two foursomes. Our wait there, even with the group ahead of us waving us up on this par 3 was about 10 minutes. Hole number 3 is a par 4, so by the time we arrive at the tee box we're able to hit. The next hole is another par 3, another 10 minute wait. This was pretty much the pace for the entire day. I was never able to get into a rhythm on the course. Subsequently, my score and my opinion of the course is low. It seems this course tries to squeeze more golfers in by making the tee times closer together...it just adds to the frustration.
Normally, starting off at a time where you have 5.5 hours of light, you can finish a round of golf. The sun began to set as we neared the 17th hole. As the sun starts to retreat, everyone's pace of play speeds up, trying to either get through, or get in a couple more holes. It is also, when there are many golfers retreating and thinking they can finish the hole number 18 on the way back to the clubhouse. People will try to tag on to your foursome, or even cut in front. Your pretty much have to protect your position on the course and not let anyone cut in. I did not find this enjoyable at all.
I have played here during the week and my opinion has been completely different. But the weekends here, this no way to spend a sunny day and would rather be working.
The course does have a driving range where you hit off rubber mats. There is a good short-game practice area, including a practice bunker, chipping area and practice green. The parking lot near the clubhouse fills up, but there is additional parking down below near the 18th hole.
I really like this course because it's challenging in parts, fairly forgiving as well as being quiet and aesthetically appealing. The rounds tend to be slow on weekend afternoons, but since I'm not usually in a hurry I don't mind it all that much. The Men's Club offers some great discounts.
The staff is only all right. Some of them are very friendly, but one or two are a little grumpy. Oh and the hot dogs are great!
Ok, ok... Shi shi it ain't... but then again, neither am I, so it's a perfect fit. I wish that the more challenging downhill version of #2 was open occasionally, but other than that, you get what you pay for.
Located in the Eastern Foothills of lovely (ehem) Milpitas, this course makes the most of the topography. The architect used elevation undulations and dog legs to make you think on a few holes. On a few others you have the pleasure of massive trees. Then there are still 3 more where you have to hack it over water. Lot of risk reward shots.
The fairways are hard (thank goodness), but they are always decent. You'll find grass under the ball 90% of the time. The prevailing wind is out of the west so you can bomb it back toward the snack shack from the #8 tee and feel like a big dog.
Make sure to stop after you sink your birdie for one of the best Bloody Mary's in the Greater Bay Area. Spicy... nicey.
The pace can be a bit annoying as there is always a backup on the par 3's (2, 4 & 7 especially), but what course isn't crowded on the weekends? Pace of play is a huge pet-peeve of mine. I'd prefer a 2.5 hour round as opposed to the typical 2.5 hour 9!
Other than that, the staff is great (especially F&B), the greens are good and it's a nice walk (imperative!). You'll see plenty of wildlife, hang gliders and rif raf. I can definitely say "Yay! I'm a fan!"
Hit 'em pure!
Spring Valley is a pretty straightforward muni course with a few kinky greens here and there. Local knowledge is also very helpful, especially on some of the invisible green breaks that can have you scratching your head at the next tee. If you go early enough on the weekdays (and I can't speak for the weekends, but I hear its a little pricey), you can get an early bird rate of around $24, but after 7 or so the price shoots up to $37 for 18 holes. I actually had a very pleasant round, but this rate is definitely pushing it given the layout, conditions and pace. From the tips, it plays very short and pretty easy -- I think barely 6000 yards and a 112 slope, so don't worry about keeping the driver in the bag more often than not. The greens run pretty consistent and not too fast, but the fairways were a little sketchy in patches. There were a couple interesting tee boxes (9 is elevated over a pond) and elevation changes (I think on 15 you can let it rip downhill onto the green), but otherwise nothing extremely memorable. Most forgettable was the 12th hole, which had low power lines directly above the tee box and fairway -- this is a HUGE pet peeve.
The pace for a Friday 8:15 tee time was actually quite fast through 9 (a little less than 2 hours), but started to pile up significantly around 15/16. I would definitely be wary of some of the seniors and locals who tend to slow up towards the end of their round. In terms of the practice facilities, SV has very cheap buckets but a dumpy range... the mats are a wacky pentagon shape, where your stance doesn't completely fit if you have a wider stance, and you are hitting into a severe up-slope -- so much for figuring out your distances that day.
Spring Valley could be a very good choice for a stress-free round before a day of work, but i really don't see myself playing here on a regular basis -- especially not during prime times.
I have played Spring Valley a few times in the last month or so. Its a very forgiving course and not too long. It has good driving range and putting facility. The fairways are decent and the greens are pretty deceiving. A lot of times you would think downhill and the ball would hardly roll. You got to play here a few times to get a feel for the direction and distance of the putts. Keep an eye on the overall elevation as that affects your putting.
Overall a decent course in decent shape. I have to agree with the reviews about ridiculous green fees during the weekend and the cart fees.
Ya know, for the price, you really can't beat this place. The course is certainly quirky. There are two #2 holes. (You only play one unless another hole is closed for maintenance.) #6 is an incredibly awkward blind uphill drive. Luckily, we had locals with us to point us in the right direction. (Unfortunately, that doesn't mean my ball cooperated.) The greens on the Front 9 are small but flat while the greens on the Back 9 get crazy at times. The course designer did a fantastic job using mounding to create an optical illusion on #16. I'm still trying to figure out how the green breaks uphill. The slope rating is questionable. I think it was a 114 if I remember correctly. I think the course plays a LITTLE bit harder than some similar courses, but certainly not too hard.
Really, really nice clubhouse for a dirt cheap muni course. Great food and beer.
We played out here super early on a Friday morning and the course was filled with regulars. I must say, everyone was really, really nice out here. The only downside was a foursome who was holding up the entire course. The marshalls did absolutely nothing about it. By the time we walked off the 15th green, we could see that they were 2 1/2 holes behind the group in front of them. Front 9 = 1 hour 50 minutes Back 9 = 3 hours That really was a huge killjoy on an otherwise neat little course.
Nice, clean course tucked into the hills of Milpitas. Plays shorter than most courses (it's only a par 70 course) but the slopes from the hills makes the strokes around the green challenging and sometimes even downright tricky. Also the greens and tee boxes are way too close together so you are always hearing the groups next to you as you are trying to putt or tee one off.
Played here twice in the past month and I historically play this course about thrice a year. On our first outing, my friend and I ended up joining an elder/retired gentleman who seemed like a regular at this course. He was quiet at first, and b/c of his age was not a powerful hitter. But he knew his game, knew his clubs and what exactly they could do for him. He was straight and efficient and more times than not, got his ball in the hole in less strokes than we did. He gave us pointers on some local knowledge which greatly aided us in our shot decisions. He even had beers with us as we played. He was like the Spring Valley Yoda, trying to get us to use the force. "Play the hole short, you must do. Make the ball roll, the hill will do." Is pretty much how I heard his advice. We felt lucky to have played with the Spring Valley Yoda.
On our other outing without our Yoda, our scores were not as good. We did see him in the middle of the course with another group and I couldn't help wishing that he were in our group. Spring Valley: without Yoda, 3 stars. With Yoda, 4 stars. If you're lucky enough to get a chance to play with him, say what's up for me. I'm the guy with the fade and can't putt to save his life. He'll know.
Finally had a chance to try out this course. My golf buddy met me here to squeeze in a twilight round, which btw is a pretty sweet deal -- $15 green fee for about 9 holes. The course and facilities are very classic, which is not a big surprise, considering the look of their website is very 'old school'. Difficulty-wise, I would recommend the course to beginners and intermediate level players. Surprisingly, the course was fairly flat except for a few holes -- the par 3, 2nd hole, for example. Long hitters will love this course as the fairways are relatively wide and the layout is fairly straightforward, except for a few doglegs. My only complaint is that despite the secluded location (tucked away in the Milpitas / Calaveras hills), the course seemed very popular. The driving range was packed and my group got backed up a couple of times (looks like the group in front of was were some hackers). Aside from that, I'll definitely be coming back here to finish the entire course.
I like to go to the driving range after work to release some stress.. it's nice because it's usually not crowded and you can catch a really nice sunset in the evening.
http://www.springvalle...
This course is a hidden gem in Milpitas hills! A great balance of beauty and playability. First of all, even though its located in the hills, its walkable with a push-cart or bag on your shoulders. There is no housing development surrounding the course which adds to its beauty. The fairways are well maintained and not over-watered to keep them lush green, which is how it should be. because it conserves water and gives the course a natural look and feel. The greens are similarly well maintained and have a lot of tricky breaks that will deceive the first-timer.
I consider this classic golf as this is a course you can walk, rewards good putting skills is located in beautiful surroundings and has a very reasonable twilight rate. If this appeals to you, this course will become one of your favorites.
Nice looking golf course in the Milpitas foothills, not too hilly like neighboring Summitpointe. The prices are pretty high, though, but I still enjoy playing here. I'm also holding my wedding ceremony/reception here next year. =)
Nice little course tucked away back in the Milpitas foothills. Great views of the back valleys. Course is rather non-descript, but a few challenging holes. Numbers 9 and 18 both require a pretty hefty drive over the water to clear. Nice to walk in the warm sun and cool breeze.
Nothing super fancy, just a nice course to play on at a reasonable cost.
Driving range and putting green available. Decent pro shop. Attentive and helpful staff. Nice snack bar/restaurant with a lot of nice hot and cold plates.
Make it one of your rounds, I am sure you will be glad you did.
Sunny day + golf + ice cold beer = bliss
Nice course, fair price, what's not to like?
TWILIGHT MID WEEK PLAY
played on 5/2/08 called the pro shop, 2:30 on a Fri, Terry the starter said is wide open... got there before 3 and this course got a huge face lift 7yrs ago... and the layout is basically the same, but has better rough now and greens. there's a great practice area and driving range there, with 2 huge putting areas. the club house is huge with banquets up to 200+. The course was in awsome condition and the greens were fast and still a touch firm as they were sanded 3wks ago. as I played the course, I just couldn't help remembering what it use to look like and how its change for the better. the pace of play was really fast, just over 3hrs, and while the valley was windy as hell, this course had but a breeze. the twilight rate was really great too, like 26.00 and only 23.00 after 5pm up there. the weekend price is up higher and theres other courses that might be allot better than here, so I like this place for Twilight rates and afternoon play best....here's another thing that was just awsome, its in a little valley up there, and there's a park on 2 sides and horse ranch on the other side, ITS QUITE.... no city noise, just wild turkeys gobbling.... the course is fairly wide open and had a good challenge for your game, as it not only lets you rip it, but pays to have good course mgmt too. overall I give this course 4 out of 5 stars. its not pebble, but its a great place to play golf and enjoy the hills, peace and quite...
so the downside if there was one.....
markers on the fairway need new paint to show distance.
split cart fees if no one is riding with you.. 13.00 not 26.00
add sand to the carts for the fairways...
my rating is 4 **** for twilight play
and only ......3 *** for weekends....
Do not patronize this course on weekends! We played this last Monday and this has got to be the most overpriced golf course in the world. The course itself is ok but $54/walking??? Plus they don't have a half cart fee so a round of golf can cost you $84! Get real. You can play a good course like Half Moon Bay for that much on weekends! They do have a good rate Monday - Wednesday 11 - 2 where the fee is $37 with cart. Stay away from this place on weekends unless you have plenty of money to throw away.
Excellent course & good value for money.
Played here several times now. One or two occassions a young-wild 4-some with too much to drink (mainly Friday afternoon).
*BEEP BEEP BEEP* goes my alarm at 5:30 am saturday. i bolt up, scared that i was hearing the snooze alarm for the 50th time (much like my work days). oh, phew, i'm not late for my 6:20 am tee time! that's right folks, that's the one thing that i will get up that freakin early in the morning for! waking up that early wouldn't be so bad but i was tossing and turning until about 3 am anxious about how i would play because i haven't touched my clubs in probably 2 yrs and haven't had time to go practice at the range. needless to say, i shot a 94 which typically wouldn't be so bad but at this easy course i wasn't up to par (pardon the pun)! highlights of the day was making two 35 foot puts for par!!!
note to self: i'm not a young 22 year old anymore, and need to get myself the ajuma push cart to lug my clubs.
3 stars because the course was on the easier side and no apparent signs of what number hole you were on.
This course is in my monthly rotation because I love it so much. It's a short course but can kick your ass if you don't respect it. There are soo many opportunities to bomb your drive and just be a chip shot away from a tap in birdie ie. #3, #5, #12. Greens are true and slightly fast. Range isnt pretty but the mats are new and your hitting up a hill. Behind you is a large putting area, and small chip/bunker area. Hotdogs here are ok, but great like SJ Muni hotdogs. It's a tad bit more expensive than SJ Muni but you don't get so many hackers and pace of play flows here.
I love this course. Never played it until a friend took me there. He got a hole in one on the first par 3. Course was in great shape and and a nice escape for the day. Loved the views and the location in the hills. keep going back because it's worth the drive from Oakland.
i was really feeling the driving range and practice area here...but when i played the course today i was a bit underwhelmed. i prefer a more lush course but i suppose the dry foothills prevent that from happening here. it wasn't horrendous, but it wasn't fantabulous either. i prefer los lagos (san jose) because it's more aesthetically pleasing to the eye...and when you suck at golf as much as i do, it's nice to at least have something pretty to look at. :P
http://www.springvalle.../
I think it's safe to say that I've played this course to death. I started playing golf on this course when I was about 15 and I still play once in awhile. My golf team in high school used this course as a home course...well actually we shared that with Summitpointe, but I digress. Spring Valley has definitely gone through its fair share of changes since I started playing. The clubhouse is a great place to grab a drink after your round. The course itself is quite easy since the hills are few and far between. Holes 9 and 18 are identical as they parallel each other, but the greens are super nice compared to the rest of the course. Where's the consistency??? Anyways, it's a good place to hone in your skills without totally emberrasing yourself. The range is quite good too with a large putting green and a separate green for chipping and pitching. Oh and I got my first and only hole in one here on the seventh!
