I checked off another area course when I played The Bridges on Saturday afternoon. This is another great conditioned course set in the hillside of the East Bay just off Highway 680. I didn’t reall... Continue »

I checked off another area course when I played The Bridges on Saturday afternoon. This is another great conditioned course set in the hillside of the East Bay just off Highway 680. I didn’t really explore the clubhouse/restaurant as there was a wedding going on but it looked sizable and very nice. Pro shop was fairly small and the attendant provided excellent customer service.

The course really winds through the hills and neighborhood, but except for crossing the occasional street during transfers, you don’t really see the houses. They are set back enough to be a non factor for the most part. Very few holes are adjoining and those that do run parallel to each other are separated by barranca, gully or a natural terrain center median that all but prevents you from reaching the opposing fairway.

As with other courses in the area, they have used the hillside to create some unique and challenging holes that are all different from each other and others in the area. Marketing has billed The Bridges as the “toughest course in Northern California”. I’m not sure about that but they definitely have their name in the conversation. I brought my “C” game and lost 5 balls in the first 12 holes. but then once I got my swing on track, made 3 pars and 2 birdies on the back nine alone. It’s definitely target golf. It didn’t help than none of us had ever played the course before so we had no prior course knowledge. There is GPS on the carts which helps with course layout.

Condition wise, the entire course was pretty much in great shape. Greens were very receptive to approach shots and pitch shots and rolled true. The practice green was lightening fast, yet the actual greens on the course were manageable. Most had moderate slope to them. They did get a little spongy in the afternoon. Fairways were excellent. Good solid lush coverage throughout. Tee boxes had amble coverage but most had some moderate unevenness to them. Enough that it was noticeable throughout the day. No issues with the sand traps. I was surprised there was no beverage cart out being that it was a weekend. Maybe because it was in the afternoon. POP was slow as is the the case with all the courses in this area. We finished right at 5 hours which seems to be the norm around here. I’m not used to the long rounds that’s for sure.

The Bridges sits between Callippe and Wente Vinyards in the price range and for the money may just be the best value. I will be back again for sure!

Played 7-24-19 late morning for $44 joining a threesome and finishing in a little under 4 hours.
Tee boxes were in good condition, level and lush. Fairways were very nice, lush cut tight with good li... Continue »

Played 7-24-19 late morning for $44 joining a threesome and finishing in a little under 4 hours.
Tee boxes were in good condition, level and lush. Fairways were very nice, lush cut tight with good lies and good roll out. Rough was about 2 inches and thick and lush, a club grabber. Was in two greenside bunkers both having a good layer of firm sand. Greens were very nice, a little firm rolling medium fast and true. Nice challenging course through the canyon with a lot of elevation changes that was in really nice shape.

This was our second round today, teeing off a little before 10:00. Not too crowded out there on a weekday, so we finished in a little over 3 hours. Price was $49 and worth it. Definitely a step or two... Continue »

This was our second round today, teeing off a little before 10:00. Not too crowded out there on a weekday, so we finished in a little over 3 hours. Price was $49 and worth it. Definitely a step or two above most courses in the East Bay in my experience.

The conditions (especially for winter) were very good. It was lush and green throughout. Some thin spots here and there, but fairways mostly in nice shape. Rough good where it mattered, with some patchiness as you near the canyon hazards. Greens moderately receptive and rolling well at medium speeds. Really good sand in the bunkers, as well.

This is a course I've been wanting to play for the longest time and was glad to finally make it happen. I know this course has kind of a mixed reputation. Some love it and some hate it because of its target design. It is a very modern style canyon course that reminded me of courses like Maderas, Moorpark, Eagle Glen, etc. in Southern California. Definitely demanding and tricky with sloped fairways, big undulated greens and lots of native hazard areas in play, but I never felt like it was overly tricked out in any places. If you've played other Johnny Miller courses, this is in the same vein. He likes to make things dramatic and I typically enjoy his designs a lot. Maybe not for everyone, but I loved it.

played 9/25/17 really rough shape-needs water-greens true but many ball marks not fixed-bunkers and tees OK-crusty all over is about right-quit after 4 hours on 15th tee-looking at way over five hours... Continue »

played 9/25/17 really rough shape-needs water-greens true but many ball marks not fixed-bunkers and tees OK-crusty all over is about right-quit after 4 hours on 15th tee-looking at way over five hours-marshal said he had a group skip a hole but no use-used to love this course-going for years. Maybe next year.

One of the toughest tracks in Nor Cal. Tight fairways outlined by thick grass and shrubs makes accuracy a must on this course. Several tiered greens making putting a dire challenge. Hole 15 is a mus... Continue »

One of the toughest tracks in Nor Cal. Tight fairways outlined by thick grass and shrubs makes accuracy a must on this course. Several tiered greens making putting a dire challenge. Hole 15 is a must do . A split fair way lengthy par 5 with open ravine at the 300 yard mark and before the approach on the green. Course plays longer than the listed yardage. Keep it in the middle and one should do well. Bring extra balls for the weary. Well groomed fairways and nice back drop to a very fine course in the east bay hills.

I live close and play this course often. ITs a great track but really tough day for high handicappers (18+). I'd highly recommend even handicaps 10-15 play from the white Tees. It requires you to b... Continue »

I live close and play this course often. ITs a great track but really tough day for high handicappers (18+). I'd highly recommend even handicaps 10-15 play from the white Tees. It requires you to be really accurate off the tees. The greens are tough for most as they are hard, but true. While its hard, it really is a fun course to play. The finishing holes are likely the toughest in the area: 16 - 420 Par 4 with super long green, then 200yd par 3 and finishing hole Par 5 that requires 3 pretty well played shots.

Greens were being punched right after my round so not going to give a review for the greens. Everything else is in great shape right now. Fairways were great, rough was brutal, and the bunkers were gr... Continue »

Greens were being punched right after my round so not going to give a review for the greens. Everything else is in great shape right now. Fairways were great, rough was brutal, and the bunkers were great. Once the greens recover, I think this will be the best time to play before it starts drying out and they begin rationing water for the summer.

First time here; a challenge, very interesting.
The fairways were in good condition, I don’t remember ever having a “flat” lie. The course is built along the sides of a number of arroyos and everyth... Continue »

First time here; a challenge, very interesting.
The fairways were in good condition, I don’t remember ever having a “flat” lie. The course is built along the sides of a number of arroyos and everything slopes towards the bottoms. Many holes required a lay-up with less than a driver off the tee, and accuracy was critical.
The greens were in fairly good condition, firm and did not hold on this day. Putting was “fun” as the overall slope was apparent but within 15 feet of the hole it wasn't always what I expected (it was foggy and flat light). Bunkers were excellent, I don’t suggest playing at them, but the two I experienced were as good as I've played. The non-hazard natural areas were abundant and while finding the balls that strayed into them was often possible; playing out usually wasn’t. Taking an unplayable drop wasn't always a good solution; I’d suggest playing them as a hazard, to speed up play. We did play in 4 hours which surprised me as we seemed to be looking for balls so often. Well worth playing, and the staff was very friendly and welcoming.

I was very disappointed with the poor condition of the Bridges today. There are many ground under repair, bare spots, and big divots on the fairways. Greens are very fast but there are bare spots an... Continue »

I was very disappointed with the poor condition of the Bridges today. There are many ground under repair, bare spots, and big divots on the fairways. Greens are very fast but there are bare spots and uneven surfaces on the greens. This course is not the same as it used to be. You can't help notice the deferred maintenance throughout on the course. The layout is great and challenging but the condition will affect your performance. Par 3s are easy except #17, which is long and you usually hit against the wind. #2 and #16 are two long par 4s require good layups. #15 will be the toughest hole if you don't hit long. You will not pass the hazards in the middle of the fairway.
This course is still a fun course to play especially you get good deals online. There are two nice practice greens and be sure to go there early to practice.
I will play again next summer after they finish fixing the course.