Gilroy Golf Course

Gilroy Golf Course is an 18-hole par 70 layout in the Uvas Valley of Gilroy, California, earned a reputation as the "Best 11 hole golf course in the U.S." — a nod to its distinctive design rather than a drawback. Built in 1923 by local farmers and businessmen, the course has seen very few changes from its original layout. Wide, tree-lined fairways and small undulating greens define the character throughout. The front nine can be played as a standalone quick round, while the back nine revisits seven of the same holes from different lengths and angles, adding two entirely new holes to complete the 18. Standout holes include the uphill par-5 seventh with its double-tier green, and the 245-yard, downhill par-3 eighth, perched above the course with a 180-degree view of southern Santa Clara County and the Gabilan Mountain range. Holes 16 and 17 on the back nine take you around the hill as a pair of par 4s. Playing distances range from 5,200 to just over 6,000 yards, and the serene valley setting makes it feel far removed from city life.