Baylands Golf Links, an upscale muni in Palo Alto, California, has become a big hit with Bay Area golfers. This completely redesigned, Troon-managed, links-style course opened for play in 2018 on the grounds of the former Palo Alto Municipal Golf Club. GolfWeek magazine has repeatedly rated it among the Best Public Courses You Can Play in California. Forrest Richardson, who served as president of the American Society of Golf Course Architects not long after finishing his work at Baylands, transformed the site. He redefined William F. Bell s 1950s-era original layout to provide a more memorable and enjoyable golf experience. The once flat golf grounds sport dune-like landforms and undulating fairways and greens. Richardson reintroduced some indigenous trees and expanded the acreage encompassed by wetlands and native areas.?The environmentally conscious playing field is now in harmony with the surrounding Baylands Preserve. Scenic views of the Baylands abound. Baylands Golf Links is a par-71 layout that consists of five par 3s, eight par 4s, and five par 5s. With four sets of tees, it can be played from as short as 4,821 yards and as long as 6,680 yards. Wide fairways and large greens keep the game manageable for players of diverse skill levels and add to the fun. Baylands Golf Links' greens are especially intriguing. You ll encounter a double green shared by two holes and a hole with two greens the one in use depends on the day. Richardson's bold green contours make putting an adventure and a challenge. To further enhance the playing experience for everyone, Baylands Golf Links adheres to a pace-of-play policy that establishes a time par of 4:20 per round, except during the first hour of the day when only groups that can finish in under four fours are allowed on the course. Practice facilities at Baylands Golf Links include a driving range, chipping area, and putting green. To grow the game and strengthen ties to the community, Baylands participates in the Youth on Course program. The clubhouse features a pro shop and a cafe that is open from 8 am until 6 pm. Baylands Golf Links is an example of what modern golf courses can be. A tee time is not to be missed if you are in the Bay Area.