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Golf course Bar & grill Golf club Golf driving range Golf instructor Golf shop Public golf course RestaurantAbout the Club
Pajaro (pΓ‘-ha-ro) means "bird" in Spanish and is aptly named, since the golf course adjoins the Elkhorn Slough, a bird sanctuary. Many species of birds and wildlife may be seen while enjoying the quiet and gentle rolling course suited for all players. Clean air and cool breezes from the Monterey Bay and Pacific Coast ensure a perfect golf experience.
A wonderful place to play, conveniently located in Royal Oaks, off Highway 1, on Salinas Road. Take a scenic drive down the coast from San Francisco, a short escape from Silicon Valley over the beautiful Santa Cruz mountains, or a short drive up the coast from Carmel or Monterey.
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Reviews
Nolan Hale
β 1
Very beautiful greens coming back excellent staff
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Sven
β 5
Fun course, accessible and friendly staff!
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Ralph Avalon
β 5
Great layout, amenities, and pace.
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Paul Nguyen (Dukie Travels)
β 4
UPDATE: 9/2025 It's been about 4 years since I've played here. Paid $49 w/ cart to play at 9am on a weekend. Compared to other GC in the bay area this is a killer deal. Course conditions were better than a remember but the greens could use a little more work, otherwise our group had a great time.
The course is fun and challenging, but was quite disappointing with the condition of the fairways, they were dry, hard, and poor conditions. At full price of $77 w/cart I don't think it's worth it.
Score card doesn't have a map of the course either.
Staff service was great & friendly.
Driving range is on grass which is always nice.
Source: Google
David Velasco
β 1
Poor conditions, drunk men in tank tops hitting my ball, don't buy the overpriced IPA in the pro shop. Crazy. Has potential but not worth $20 currently.
Source: Google
Cris Renteria
β 2
This used to be a good course, sadly it's being neglected and course is detororating. Most of the greens were really bad and not very playable. Hopefully they will it restore it one day.
Source: Google
Eben Salgado
β 1
Played on Saturday August 30th and this place was awful. Have played here before in years past and itβs gone way downhill. The greens were so patchy, it was putt and pray you didnβt hit one. Not one green I could say with confidence was in decent shape. The price of $100 for this course is a total rip-off. You can putt better on greens that have been aerated. Canβt believe they feel comfortable charging what they charge here.
Only positive was the food at Carmonaβs. If youβre there to eat great experience, if you are there to golf go elsewhere.
Source: Google
Christian Humphreys
β 2
Played here last week and was probably the worst experience golfing I have ever had fairways felt like I was hitting rocks and greens were dead uneven and basically unplayable. But the one saving grace is the staff and the restaurant are both awesome. It doesnβt save it from the terrible course conditions
Source: Google
Drop Top
β 5
Nice staff and Good course for 40$
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Nate B
β 2
Fun track, but the course conditions really missed the mark. Played on 8/16, and unfortunately the greens were in rough shapeβbouncy, patchy, and far from true. Not once did I see a consistent roll, which made putting more guesswork than skill. Itβs disappointing, because I genuinely enjoy the layout and atmosphere. That said, the $100 price tag feels wildly out of touch with the current state of the greens. At best, itβs a $40 round until conditions improve. Hope they get things back on track because I wonβt be returning at that price point.
Source: Google
M Pak
β 3
This week, we had a car show, so we gave up going to Monterey and found a very spacious and peaceful golf course while looking for it. It's a very beautiful and plainsy course that I would recommend to Beginner. However, it was a pity that the green condition was so bad. There were even flowers on the green. It's a really fun golf course. If you don't hit it very hard with a putter, the ball gets caught in an obstacle and bounces off and stops. Thanks to you, I lost a lot of points.
I hope you can maintain it a little more so that the good location and beautiful scenery are not a waste with super freindly sraffs.
I think I can strongly recommend it after renovation.
Source: Google
Derek
β 2
Played recently and was very disappointed with the course conditions. The greens were in terrible shape. Brown patches everywhere, inconsistent speed, and a horrible roll. Itβs obvious they havenβt been aerated in years. Fairways were also rough and patchy, with many bare spots. With proper maintenance this course could be much better, but as it stands, I canβt recommend it for their prices listed on the weekend.
Source: Google
Ben Eitzel
β 2
Good food, nice staff but the course condition is not great and cost over $100 on Sat. The greens have major yellow patches all over and they make it bumpy. (Almost every hole) Some greens are downright terrible. Course has potential though.
Source: Google
Robert McQuillin
β 1
Brought 10 people here for a birthday round, we each paid 100 bucks to play. This is how 80% of the greens looked.
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Dhruva Noel
β 1
Crazy that theyβre charging over $20 to play here right now. The greens are so messed up that you canβt putt. The fairways are so horrible that theyβre mostly dirt. The cart path is completely destroyed.
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Tony Kerns
β 2
The food was super good. But the greens were lumpy and brown. And the course was under watered
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Martin Mason
β 3
Played the course using a Golf Moose coupon (2 players and cart for $109). Based on the discounted price I give the course 3 stars. Fairways were dry and rough and many of the greens were in poor shape with brown patches on most all of them. The course has great potential but needs some TLC to get it back into shape.
Pace of play was good and finished in <4 hrs.
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Spotifydude
β 3
Played there for golf team for free, nice practice area. Nice big fairways and nature. However some areas have lots of mud and others have dry grass.
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Dan Morton
β 5
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Tomorrow's Dream
β 5
Good vibes out there and a good golf course for all levels.
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sam
β 4
Brian, Reilly, Jack and restaurant staff have really impressed with wonderful attitudes and service. Previous ownership was probably tired.
Course is a wonderful value and fun challenging layout w same weather as much more expensive Monterrey courses near by.
Grass range!! Good food!!
Really like what is going here and word is more too come?!
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David Early
β 4
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Earl Hale
β 3
Course in fair condition. Friendly staff. 3.5 stars.
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carlos pitarch
β 5
I played yesterday and I really enjoyed this course. Design is great and open spaces with wide fairways make golf a little more pleasant. The views and animal life in the course are also fantastic, and the course is priced very reasonable.
I'm writing this because I read a couple of negative reviews regarding maintenance, and I do not agree. Fairways where not perfect, but more than ok, and bunkers and greens where fantastic. Being involved in the golf industry myself, back in Spain, I understand that summers are hard in Mediterranean climates if you follow an environmentally friendly management, with low irrigation and less chemicals.
And the best thing of our day was Chad, the guy responsible at the front desk. Great guy! We will be back!
Besides, I got to win the match against my kid, which doesn't happen often, so maybe it's just the moment, but I truly believe that this is a great course and worth visiting.
(and great thing also that you have "youth on course" in Northern California. Makes golf a family thing, so I get to spend quality time with my children).
Carlos P. (member of the board of the Spanish Golf Association)
Source: Google
Derek Allen
β 5
I had the pleasure of visiting the course recently, and I must say, it was an exceptional experience from start to finish. The course itself was beautifully maintained, with lush fairways and immaculate greens that provided a challenging yet enjoyable round of golf. What truly set this experience apart was the outstanding service shown around by Chad. From the moment we arrived, Chad greeted us and made us feel like valued guests. His attention to detail and genuine passion for ensuring every aspect of our visit was perfect. Overall cannot speak highly enough of this course and the wonderful company by Chad. Look forward to returning soon for another day on the greens!
Source: Google
Gavin Allen
β 5
Awesome course and an awesome staff. Super nice and my favorite place to play. Shoutout Chadπ―π€
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Teesh Yalamanchili
β 3
The course is in relatively decent enough shape, HOWEVER, there are white daisies all over the fairways. If you play here, bring brightly colored balls or you'll spend a LOT of time just looking for a ball that should be right down the middle.
It's a pretty forgiving course overall but if you're in the rough, the grass is pretty high so you'll likely lose your ball there too.
Source: Google
Tatia Mgow
β 3
I love the layout of this course. I think the length of the holes (except for the 15th and the 17th) are really reasonable. Sometimes, the fairways get overgrown with white flowers and that makes it super tough to find your ball -- but that is typically due to weather and them not being able to mow because it is so saturated. Sometimes in summer/fall, the fairways are bald and dry. Overall, I do think the price is way too high because it is often more like a cow pasture. I think $65 with a cart should be the maximum amount charged here for morning tee times and then go down in price from there. But I have to say that despite all the icky parts of PVGC, this is still one of my favorites because of the layout and nature/views (and I've played Pebble Beach!).
Source: Google
Patrick Brogan
β 5
Great convenient course for anyone living in the Santa Cruz area. Pace of play is always solid. Greens are always running true when Iβve played here.
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SΓlvia G. G.
β 5
The place is very good and the restaurant, the staff are very friendly!
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Theo Wazerman
β 1
Thought I'd give this place another shot but boy was that a mistake course was in shambles for $90. Talked to the teacher pro at the course and even he had to admit the course was in very rough shape. Greens had daiseys growing in them and were diseased. Tee boxes uneven and bare in alot of areas. Fairways had big weeds and daiseys growing in them and were so wet. My pants were caked in mud after the round. Staff was rude to put it nicely now I know why all the members left and went else where. Dont spend money on this course the new ownership group has ruined this once gem of a course. From what a former member told me the new ownership and GM ran everyone out and were super rude to all of them there paying customers. Just a shame this place has much potential. Other course are way better and shape much cheaper in the Santa Cruz and Monterey are go to them because this isnt worth it all!!! Pictures speak for themselves
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KPOP Unicorn
β 4
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Johnnie Ball
β 5
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Boris Montenegro
β 5
Nice, fun course!
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Garrett
β 5
Course was great! The staff was friendly and accommodating for my odd numbered group with a couple non players. The food was great after the round too!
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brian βEl footeayβ foote
β 5
Cool place everyone was so nice.β₯οΈβ
Track is alot of fun.
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Addy
β 2
Greens are not in bad condition. Fairways have very thin grass with lots of very hard spots. It is a condition that can be considered that there is no grass.
If you use a iron shot that creates a divot, it can be quite impactful.
That's why the green fee is nice, but I wish the Fareway was a little better.
Source: Google
Josiah Evert
β 1
great course but don't be a slow golfer or bring any spectators the marshals get angry and aggressive. overpriced too for the condition
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Allen Thompson
β 4
Love golfing here.
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Peti
β 5
It's an amazing golf course. Perfect cut grass, the green is a pool table, and a really enjoyable golf course.
The shop has an incredible vibe that customer service is amazing, very kind helpful staff.
Source: Google
Exetersun1
β 4
Loved it. Scenic, fair. Only problem was they were still catching up with the record rain/grass growth especially in the roughs that were overgrown. Once they get caught up, it Will be great. Will play there again when I get the opportunity.
Source: Google
Chester Nakatani
β 4
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Jordan Kisling
β 5
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Noel Stanford
β 4
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charles condon
β 4
The course is in a beautiful location overlooking Elkhorn Slough. It is rarely crowded, has excellent greens and a wonderful staff.
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Bridget Smith
β 5
Great food, the employees are amazing! Great place for a party!
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Jake McKenzie
β 5
Very nice hidden gem of a GC... Tee Boxes, Fairways, & Greens were in Great condition... Loved playing here, & looking forward to coming back again...
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Lucas Le Clair
β 5
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Dan Dockendorf
β 5
What a well run place. Course was in great shape with excellent greens. I hadn't played here since I was in high school (15 years ago) and its even better than I remembered. Tough par 3's and some forgiving par 5's lead to a very fair test.
I also forgot how many great views of the ocean and Moss Landing from some of the Vistas around the course. It's a good value too with a cozy grill and bar. Highly recommend.
Source: Google
Craig Jones
β 5
Great casual wide open course with lovely views of the Elkhorn Slough!
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Nora
β 4
Super delightful place to stop for lunch if you're biking between Santa Cruz & Monterey. Very welcoming ambiance, good food with appropriate portions and prices, and our server (John) was so interesting and friendly.
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Ryan Johnston
β 4
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Justin Lopez
β 5
Location getting better and better. Beautiful looks, fast firm greens. Great!!
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Aaron Vaughan
β 4
Fun course, though fairways were pretty dry, Monterey pines is a much better value compared to here
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Scott Lin
β 5
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Danny DeBruine
β 3
Was told by the girl at check in that the course was walkable, however it was quite the workout and I probably wouldnβt do it again. Nice enough layout, but fairways need some work. Greens were mostly good. Too much buck for the bang compared to other corses in the area IMO.
Source: Google
Shawn Ahearn
β 4
This is a fun challenging course. Beautiful views. A kept secret. Worth a round of golf.
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mitch wada
β 3
Only course in Santa Cruz county with open tee times on weekend afternoons
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Warren Sano
β 3
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Susan J
β 4
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Susan H
β 5
Green condition is good.
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KC2SC
β 4
Pajaro is a forgiving course with wide fairways. The course has some long holes mixed with elevation changes. Greens play nice...looked well maintained.
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Ardy Chen
β 5
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miguel guerrero
β 5
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John Serrine
β 5
Great Golf outing. Fun course.
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Alex Craig
β 5
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joel wilson
β 5
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Rick A
β 4
This is a hidden jem. Although it needs some work in so M e fairways it us a pleasure to play there. I use to go to PG. I love the setting and variety of hole layout.
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Peter Hyung Choi
β 4
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Chuck Starwar
β 5
Friendly people, wonderful green, natural range, tasty grill, great learning place, just love it
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Steven Flores
β 5
Course is looking great. The greens are in tip top shape.
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Stephen Gerard
β 5
Always a good challenge
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Mark Goldberg
β 4
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Russell Manning
β 4
It was great course in great shape very well manicured
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Jackson Calder
β 5
Beautiful course. Challenging holes flow throughout but some GREAT views can be found within the course. Come play pajaro, you won't regret it at all.
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Mark Schultz
β 5
Fun times today
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ascencion sanchez
β 5
Nice greens .Long holes
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kyle homa
β 1
Was surprised but happy to learn it was under new management. After 2 trying to talk to the new GM who was rude and short tempered I will not be coming back would much rather give my money to other courses than be treated poorly by that jerk
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Jeff Kreer
β 5
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Max Lasich
β 4
Not much grass in the fairways where there's heavy traffic, but the greens were great, the scenery was cool. There's some really fun tee shots. I know it's conventional wisdom, but you never want to go long here. Most of the greens slope pretty severely from back to front. The short par 4s will eat your lunch if you're out of position. It was very fun to play and I'll be playing there again.
Source: Google
Brandon Menard
β 5
Great course not to easy not to hard, really good condition
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Scott Robbeloth
β 5
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Chuck Mullan
β 3
Not a bad public course, nice design but needs some love
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Suckyoung Hong
β 5
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Carol Marting
β 5
Always a great day!
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Gerry Wong
β 5
The golf course was in good condition. Customer service was good. The bar doesn't open until 8am.
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Dennis Griffin
β 5
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Anthony Guerrero
β 5
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B Chase
β 5
Fun course!
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Janet Fischer
β 5
Challenging greens, but a really nice course.
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Derek Rupp
β 4
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Craig Rumney
β 2
Too pricey for what you get. Snooty people
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Pete Boggini
β 4
Nice course. Not great but very good with a fun layout. Overall decent shape and reasonable price.
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Alexander White
β 5
Cheap (affordable) golfing and driving range. Great way to get out of the house from quarantine and they do practice covid 19 protocols. Thumbs up in my opinion.
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Donna Lind
β 4
Enjoy Pajarro Valley Golf, friendly staff, course well maintained.
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Hannah Duerson
β 4
During COVID they don't allow any spectators but I had an overall great experience.
Source: Google
Gen Eric
β 1
Lots of overall potential. Over priced.
Lacks leadership and vision.
Makes up policies that are non-existent and is hungry for money.
Antiquated mind-set which is why they are at where they are.
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Chris Grieves
β 5
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Hedut FE
β 5
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Andrew Swartz
β 5
Nice greens all around fun course just wanna keep it outta the rough.
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Marcie McKearn
β 4
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David Rosner
β 5
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Rafael Gomez
β 4
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Jim Aspden
β 2
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Jim
β 3
So so
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jon lambert
β 5
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mike watkins
β 4
Good place to practice and quick bite to eat
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Chris Sterbenc
β 4
The course has a couple of goofy holes, but the greens are usually quite good.
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Not a yt channel any more but watch my newest vid
β 5
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Roger Kelly
β 4
Liked the course, old school, small fast sloppy greens...good pleasant staff
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Matt Silvers
β 3
Its a really fun track with some interesting holes. If it were in better shape on the fairways it would be a top dollar gem. The putting was awesome though!
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Michael Ray
β 4
Rob is great
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Angel Sepulveda
β 4
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Roger Garcia
β 5
Lots of fun and food service folks rock!
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sbiggy 68
β 5
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Nicholas Marcellini
β 4
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Jorge Garcia
β 5
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Alvaro Zamora
β 3
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Bill Solma
β 4
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Kelly Graff
β 5
Once played alot of golf there. Still a course to play
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gene vanhootegem
β 1
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Brett Roseberry
β 4
Great little course off the beaten path. Great views, not crowded, nice clubhouse and bar/restaurant.
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Jesse Troili
β 5
Fun course cool people
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Tamara Turner
β 4
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Genaro Escobar
β 5
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Matt Sadell
β 4
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Michael B. Ancira
β 4
Great place, relaxing. stress free, comfortable feel great service and slightly expensive but definitely worth the price big windows so you can enjoy the view plenty of space in between tables
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Ken Yao
β 4
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Juan David
β 5
Great place
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John Steck
β 5
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Joel Tapia
β 5
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Jeff van Andel
β 4
Couple of rough spots need tending too, haha
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Moko 9
β 5
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Patrick Williams
β 4
Nice course
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Becerro Big 6
β 3
Esta bien Pero l Q paso N soy d ese Deporte Hehehehe
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Bernardino Perez Calva
β 5
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Annastaciea Chaney
β 5
I loved it!!,wide open space with lots,of room for errors
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Kris Puga
β 4
Ok . great views
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Mariano Rodriguez
β 5
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Doug Hartman
β 3
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Scott Wang
β 3
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Laura vangelder
β 5
Beautiful place
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Bob Connolly
β 5
Not a bad track. A few tricky greens, some tight fairways and some great hills. Good stuff!
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jeff pedersen
β 5
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Shannon Seigle
β 4
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Erick Daniel Abrego
β 5
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Whitney Farrer
β 4
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David Candelario
β 4
Decent food...decent track...good value and rarely crowded.
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M P
β 2
This is an average course with above average green fees. $63 is way too much for what the course offers. I've stopped playing Pajaro. You can find better courses and value at course to the north.
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chris anderson
β 5
Well kept course and outstanding proshop!
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Adrian Adrain
β 5
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Caleb Hunt
β 5
Early Sunday morning round, loved the morning fog hanging on the course, and hardly anyone out.
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Chris Christensen
β 3
Fun course if you can avoid the afternoon winds. Not as well manicured as other local tracks. Greens donβt check up and tee boxes need work.
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Charles Grandelli
β 4
Nice club house with good golf course type menu. I always visiting the course.
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Wes Leith
β 5
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Sappy Pappy
β 3
Nice putting green, though a little on the small side. There were five on the green. Felt crowded.
Driving range is cool. Makes you feel like you can do space launches.
The Cafe is almost "date" worthy. Great views of the fairway from its window tables. Morning sun may pose a problem.
Golfers may have their cars detailed while on the links. Way convenient.
Parking can be a bit iffy.
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Jerry Rossetto
β 4
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Marcus Maduro
β 4
Good golf course for higher handicapped players, nice wide fairways.
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Nobody
β 3
Some of the tee boxes are a little messed up. Greens are good
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Maria Garcia
β 4
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Jeffro Watson
β 3
Decent, course. Price can be too much for condition of course. No Marshalls at all.
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David Dokko
β 4
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Catarino Carrasco
β 4
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Connie Rochin
β 3
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Martin. Pinales
β 5
Es un muy buen lugar para comprar lo que uno necesita demandado
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Alberto De La Cruz
β 3
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Thomas Castillo
β 4
One of my favorite local coures. Great greens and open fairways. A little pricey for what it is, but still great.
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Kimberly Nied-Moore
β 5
Great food
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Kevin Long
β 4
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tom herd
β 5
Longest drives I've ever had
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Carolyn Iwata
β 4
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Jony Pizano
β 1
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Martin Peaden
β 4
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Charles Schreiber
β 4
The course was of course beautiful being in this area but I'd rate the grooming and overall maintenance as a B. A little high on the pricing but my wife and I enjoyed the day.
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Bryan Rees
β 4
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Jay Muns
β 4
Our golf club played a tournament here a couple of weeks ago; it was my first time at the course. Interesting track. Definitely walkable so I enjoyed that. However, they were experiencing the aftermath of the winter rains and massive vegetation growth. Their primary landscaping equipment had broken and they hadn't quite caught up with the grooming of the course but even with all the clumps of mown grass (minus one star), it was a fun experience. The staff were all very pleasant and helpful. Big shoutout to Mark Darby who came by after our round and chatted with us about the history and maintenance of the course. I'm looking forward to playing again after they've caught up on the landscaping.
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Rafyc2000
β 4
one of my favorite local golf courses, unfortunately recently the last two times i have gone in the last month, they have let the rough get really long, like cow pasture long, i mean this is the kind of rough that the ball goes down and it disappears, last time i checked this was not going to be the site for the 2017 U.S. Open, not sure if its just sloppy mowing or the greenskeeper has fallen asleep at the wheel, this obviously does not promote fast play as you are constantly searching for your ball, greens are in fine shape.
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D
β 2
Solid course, challenging. Course is not maintained at all
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Jon Jamieson
β 3
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Mig Vasq
β 4
The greens are better than ever, and in spite of drought in CA the fairways are good. The price is right (makes you come back since you spend less per day). Driving range allows you to hit from the grass, which is not common these days. Putting green is good. Additionally they have a Grill area that provides great bkfst items and traditional lunch. Beers and hard stuff available.
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Sean OBrien
β 2
It's not that I dislike this place but too many people hopping from hole to hole... course is nice but it shouldn't take forever to play a round... group in front of me had a big dog with them and there was no playing through with them
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γγγγ΅γγγ§
β 4
Fun and forgiving course. Great back nine, holes 13 and 14 are my personal favorites.
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Ernesto Larios
β 5
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Julie Schnell
β 5
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Johann Naylor
β 4
Great course, a few beautiful shots, with the effort.
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paul goss
β 2
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