Cinnabar Hills Golf Club
San Jose, California
A 27-hole John Harbottle III design in the rolling hills of south San Jose, Cinnabar Hills consistently ranks among the best public courses in the Bay Area. The three distinct nines wind through oak-studded hillsides with panoramic Silicon Valley views and excellent conditioning for a daily-fee facility.
History & Heritage
Cinnabar Hills Golf Club opened in August 1998 as San Jose's first new public course in 30 years. Designed by John Harbottle III, the 27-hole facility was built on rolling hillside terrain in southern San Jose with panoramic Silicon Valley views.
Three distinct nines -- Lake, Mountain, and Canyon -- provide six different 18-hole combinations. Each nine has its own character through oak-studded hillsides with dramatic elevation changes.
The clubhouse houses the Lee Brandenburg Historical Golf Museum, the only such museum at a public golf facility, with an extensive collection of golf memorabilia dating back centuries.
Signature Holes
A scenic Lake nine par 4 playing downhill with water guarding the approach and panoramic Silicon Valley views from the tee.
A dramatic Canyon nine par 3 dropping from an elevated tee to a green nestled in a natural canyon amphitheater.
A risk-reward Mountain nine par 5 winding through oaks with significant elevation change.
The Lake nine finisher with a demanding approach over water to an amphitheater green.
What to Expect
Cinnabar Hills offers 27 holes through rolling hillside terrain with six 18-hole combinations available. The facility includes a practice range, dining, and the Brandenburg Historical Golf Museum.
Conditioning is strong for a daily-fee facility with green fees from $55 to $100.
Playing Tips
Elevation changes significantly affect club selection on all three nines. Downhill holes play shorter and uphill approaches need extra club. Rolling terrain creates uneven lies demanding solid ball-striking.
The greens have more slope than they appear, especially on the Mountain nine where contours follow the natural hillside.
Highlights
- ✓ 27 holes consistently ranked best public in Bay Area
- ✓ Panoramic Silicon Valley views
- ✓ John Harbottle III hillside design
Frequently Asked Questions
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