I didn't really think about it, but this course is over 100 years old! This was my first time playing here, but won't be my last. Super cool layout, lots of elevation changes, and extremely small greens (remember it's 100+ years old). The course and greens were in great shape. The driving range served its purpose and a small bucket was only $5. I don't normally hit a ton of balls before I play so the 30 or so balls in the small was more than enough. The practice green was in great shape and was representative of the speed on the course. Nothing worse than when they don't match. They have a snack bar by the twelfth hole. Super cool, order what you want, group hits their tee shot, and grab your order as you head out. I started at 820 and it still was 5+ hours, I can't imagine the pace of play as the day grows. That was the one downside. And, right now the clubhouse/pro-shop is a temporary trailer. No frills, but definitely does its job. All-in-all I really dug this place. Unique layout through the hills, really cool views of the Bay Area on the back nine, and a cool par 6, that's right, par 6, to finish the round on 18. All for $71 with a cart. I will be back! read more

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As other Yelpers have mentioned these are hidden gem sleeper courses. Both the 18 & 9 hole courses are great to play and very resonable. Great views of Lake Chabot, East & SF Bay views. Both courses are hilly, so practice your uneven lie shots. Downhill fairways not a lot of roll. However the Greens are always fast and firm! Yes the rounds can be long on the weekends both 18 & 9 hole courses, but what great views on clear days. Very peaceful other than boisterous golfers. read more

One of the best golf deals in the Bay. Huge dramatic hills and a Par 6, what more can you ask for. The driving range is solid as well. Definitely do not walk this course - I do not think it's even an option. Some of the holes are really fun since you're hitting into the valley. You can get pretty good deals on Golf Moose when they're available! read more

The course was in pretty good shape. We found the greens to be pretty fast and of course you've got the craziest par three that drops down about 400 feet and then the finishing hole that's over 600 yards! All in all a grand Day out and pro shop is pretty friendly as well. read more

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The price has allowed us to come almost everyday as newbies! Staff are friendly, the place is nice and clean. Love the scenic views read more

Lake Chabot Golf Course - Golf Near Me - Oakland, California

Interesting golf course layout for sure.. the road in the middle of like 5 holes is vile especially if there's cars driving through... the back 9 was more fun in my opinion, more secluded and not just back-and-forth holes. Conditions were pretty good for beginning of summer! Lots of goats & turkeys to see! Some cool views of the bay, all in all, not a bad course for the twilight round $ we paid! read more

Lake Chabot Golf Course - Hole 18 (par 6) - Golf Near Me - Oakland, California

The course was okay to play. It was pretty challenging with all the hilly slopes, but it did have some great views. The biggest problem was the slow play, which was really frustrating. On top of that, the staff member working near the carts was extremely rude. I was only about one minute late, but he acted so angry about it. For beginners or just regular players, a little respect and basic manners would go a long way. That bad attitude really ruined the experience for me. read more

Ugh...I'm so conflicted. On the one hand, I can't say that my experience playing here left me overwhelmingly impressed. Yet, on the other, how could I not have an affinity for the course where I carded my longest birdie ever? I mean, given how bad my game has regressed over the years (not that it was all that advanced to begin with...), you'd think that alone would count for five stars! As far as muni courses go, Lake Chabot isn't exactly "nice", but it's far from awful. While there are certainly areas and aspects of the course that could use some work/maintenance (hard to blame them for brown/dry patches given the drought), it's well designed to take advantage of its home in the Oakland Hills. Most notably, several holes throughout the course offer some terrific views of the East Bay (and just nature, in general). What's more, the changes in elevation are prevalent in some fashion in pretty much every hole. Without getting too deep into all of the nitty gritty, Lake Chabot is an interesting course. All of the different changes in elevation present a natural challenge, as you're going to have to swing uphill, downhill, and off a variety of lies, and quite a few feel fairly tight and narrow. What's more, a few holes have some rather unique features - a tee box that's perched high above the green and another that sits on the other side of a semi-ravine from the fairway, for example. However, the signature hole of the course, if there is one, is probably the 18th - a rare par-6 that's mostly downhill and about 638 yards to the cup. Kind of fun to just unload your driver and see how far you can carry your tee shot! Despite having said all of that, though, elements to Lake Chabot also feel oddly repetitive. Granted, the same thing could be said for a lot of courses out there, but there are a number of holes that are essentially the same as each other - you tee off from one side of a "valley", over the road that leads to the clubhouse, and back up the other side. Nothing all that special, except how incredibly treacherous it is to potentially hit a car that's trying to frogger its way across the middle of all of those holes (and for the drivers to avoid both golf balls flying all of the place, as well as golfers crossing cross the road). In all, while Lake Chabot is more appealing than the likes of Metropolitan or Monarch Bay on this side of the bay and offers a nice change of pace from our regular courses that we frequent, the few knocks I have still weigh pretty heavily for me. Still, I'm sure I'll be back at some point. If nothing else, I'd love to try to improve on that birdie; if only I didn't leave that putt short for eagle... THREE AND A HALF STARS rounded down. read more

Golf course has definitely seen better days. maybe 50% of holes decent and the rest really need work. Very nice players having fun though . Terrible facilities. Trailers for office and snack bar. Absolutely filthy toilets and sometimes out houses. That is the worst part . I wouldn't order anything from a snack bar at a facility with filthy toilets. Has such potential . Really too bad. read more

This is one of my easy bay go to courses. The club house burned down about a year ago so they don't have many amenities. The range is alright, a giant sloped practice green and a smaller one next to the tee box #1. Overall, the course is in good condition, tee boxes and fairways are average for a public course. The greens are decently nice. They roll true. The course can be hard because you almost never have a flat lie. The 18th is really fun as a par 6. Don't walk this course, you'll be gassed with all the hills and elevation. Overall, it's really a 3 because of the lack of a restaurant and club house. The shack at the turn is nice, if you're lucky to get a Carlotta burger, the last 3 times unfortunately, not so lucky. Worth at least a play if you've never played here. read more

This place got on my radar screen many years ago because of an article in the San Francisco Chronicle. (That's a Newspaper) I read about how a man got an impossible shot that ended up being a Hole-in-2 on a Par-6. Weird. On so many levels. There is actually an 18th hole that looks like a Ski Trail or something. Par-6. Over 600 yards. I would say that it is a good value (we got it on GolfNow for under $60 with cart mid-week). Big elevation changes. This is not a walking course. You should see some of the views. There is a great Par-3 with a huge drop, which of course dropped within six feet and made the birdie putt center cup. I love a good vista. Here is their write up from the Site: "Situated in the Oakland Hills with stunning panoramic views of downtown, Bay Bridge and Lake Chabot area, Lake Chabot Golf Course offers an unbeatable combination: 27 pristine holes of golf for players of all skill levels, at affordable rates that make the game accessible to everyone. A favorite of local golf enthusiasts since 1923, the course recently completed extensive course and property improvements that have taken the course to the next level. Comprehensive re-seeding, fertilization and improved irrigation have significantly improved course conditioning and playability, while a complete remodeling of the property's historic Spanish-style clubhouse - including an upgrade to the Chabot Café and enhanced banquet and catering capabilities - make it the ideal location for special events ranging from business meetings and golf tournaments to wedding receptions and fundraisers" read more

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This is my first time on this course and there are some good and bad things about this Muni. Firstly it is a very challenging course with a good deal of elevation changes and tight fairways. The 119 slope rating from the back/blue tees may be a little too low. There is a hole where one probably has to clear a 150 yard ravine to get to the fairway. Secondly the greens are in good shape but the fairways leave a lot to be desired. Grass seemed a little thin in many places as well as overly watered areas which made for muddy lies. Definitely play preferred lies. Thirdly the views are amazing from certain parts of the golf course. Take lots of pictures. Fourthly, pace of play is pretty good for a 8:20 am tee time. We were done in about 4 hours. Fifthly, one has to play the par 6 18th hole. Honestly it's not overly long (played 595 par 5 hole flat fairway and made par) but the downhill/uphill lies can be challenging. Sixthly, the road into the clubhouse literally runs through the course. It is more than possible to hit a car while making your shot. So please be aware and look out for carts crossing and parked on the road. Bottom line I did enjoy myself and would play there again should the opportunity arise. read more

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Everything is over grown. Lots of ball lost just off the fairway. HORRIBLE pace of play, booked a 9:20am time on Saturday, we walked off 18 at 3:10, 5 hours and 50 minutes. Occasionally there were 3 groups on the tee box at one time. read more

Loved this course! First time here and now I Can't wait to do it again! The par6 by far was breath taking read more

Lake Chabot Golf Course - Golf Near Me - Oakland, California

The driving range is pretty cool where you get to hit over to the pond. There were bunch of geese right behind the net when I was there. I wish there's a way to prevent them from going into the range since it's very dangerous for them. I came here for the first time on a Friday afternoon. The place was pretty quiet. Recommend avoiding coming when it's sunny and hot since there's no shade at the driving range. read more

The views from some of the tee boxes were amazing due to the elevation changes. Holes were generally well designed (except for a few where you are hitting blindly - will touch on that more later) and allowed for some pretty cool shots, but conditions were not amazing. Part of that was due to some rain the day before we came but I could tell it was not in amazing condition. Completely understandable once you take into account the somewhat low pricing. The biggest issue here is the spacing. They are really packing the tee times in close, resulting in long waits if groups have even slightly different pace of play. We had to wait for the group ahead, and I get it that happens on more popular courses, but because of the backup ahead we took our time a bit more while still having to wait for the group ahead. This resulted in the assholes behind us hitting into us on the fairways and the greens...and yelling at us to "hit the damn ball already" when we weren't even the ones holding up play. This is all a result of poor spacing by the starter (if they even have one) and lack of supervision. After the 4th or 5th drive landing within 10 yards of me I was tempted to hit their ball back to them. So yes the course is beautiful and fun, but major issues with the spacing and etiquette. The par 6 18th hole was pretty cool, was able to birdie it despite a soaked green since half of the yardage was downhill, resulting in a 7 iron going 250 yards after roll. read more

Horrible course conditions. Absolutely zero fairway. Invest in a better grounds crew or a least a new lawn mower. What an absolute waste of money and time. read more

This golf course is great and has some great twilight deals! It has some long holes but they aren't too complicated. It's great if you have started golf recently and can get some drives or big rips out there. Easy fair ways to hit and lots of downhills to help you even if you wiff on the drive. Sometimes the uphill holes are hard af but it's a little bit of challenge added. Overall awesome! The 9th hole is also amazing with the big drop read more

Lake Chabot Golf Course - Par 5 4th hole - Golf Near Me - Oakland, California

Like others have said, the drive to the course is a lot nicer than the course itself. The driving range is good enough to get some practice swings in. Around noon on Saturday there weren't too many people. As the day went on it got crowded at 2:30 pm. The 9 hole was $12 but the course isn't maintained well. A lot of dirt and brown grass with green mats. I would say it's good if you're learning golf and don't want to be rushed. I'd be back to go to the driving range but go to another course to play. read more

* = Absolutely beautiful course in the Oakland hills * = Huge fairways that offer forgiveness and let you use the whole bag * = Unbelievably competitive pricing (I thought they mischarged us) * = Excellent quesadilla in café - = Starter gave us attitude because we were only 5 minutes early FYI: this is only a partial review. Against impossible odds, I left the golf course with an impact injury after hole 9. No fault of Lake Chabot whatsoever, so I wouldn't dream of dinging them for it... but just so everybody knows, this 4-star review is based on a half day on the golf course. We arrived at Lake Chabot around 11:30 AM for a 12:30 tee time. Immediately upon arrival, my brother noted that you have to drive through the actual course to get to the clubhouse. Not a big deal, lots of courses have you take the campus tour on your way in... but the difference with Lake Chabot, I found out, is that players are actually hitting across the road that you have to traverse. So fair warning to anyone heading out there for a first trip to Chabot: look both ways and move confidently when you drive in, or you may end up with a stray Titleist in the windshield. Once we parked, the driving range was steps away. We grabbed a couple bays and hit a small bucket of balls. Another thing to note was: a gentleman was providing club lessons on the three rightmost bays... but had nothing marked or roped off. We were made aware when we tried planting our bags there and the guy told us they'd been reserved. Which was weird, because the three leftmost bays were also reserved... but they were actually marked as reserved. So, another fair warning: when we came to play on Saturday, 6 of the 20 bays were being used for private lessons (even though 5 of the bays were totally empty, they remained on 'reserve'). After we hit a bucket of balls and got locked in, we decided to grab an early lunch before our tee time. It was 12:05... seemingly, plenty of time before our 12:30 tee off. But this is where we discovered: everything they cook in the cafe is made-to-order. I got their chicken fajita quesadilla, which was EXCELLENT... some of the best golf course food I've had in the Bay Area... but the issue was, it took them almost 20 minutes to finish making it. So now, it's 12:20 and we only have 10 minutes before our tee time. We hit a side table, near the first green, to finish our food before heading to the hole. Not 2 minutes in and some stout, wide-bodied employee with a face full of scowl came lumbering by, glaring at us. He walked by a second time, continuing to mug us. Finally, one of our friends asked him if he needed anything. "Party of 4, 12:30," he barked. We confirmed that was us. "I been calling you all for 10 minutes," he griped. We apologized, grabbed our food, and hurried to the hole. We were still 5 minutes early when he rushed us to tee off, hitting into the party ahead of us. One of our friends walked over to apologize again to the starter. I found it a little irritating that this guy, seemingly, didn't accept the apology. We said sorry multiple times and tried to be cool about it, but he just rolled his eyes, looked away, and then ran through the course rules with us. By the second hole, not only were we backed up on the party ahead of us... but the party behind us was on our heels, too. So I don't know if they overbooked this Saturday or if the starter simply isn't good at spacing out golf parties, but the guys' histrionics seemed silly 10 minutes later, when we were crammed in the middle of a golf party sandwich. Once we started playing the course, the mood improved dramatically. Lake Chabot is an absolutely beautiful place to play golf. The wide, undulous fairways offer good forgiveness to players who may not be totally online with their tee shot. The hazards are fairly easy to avoid, the rough and OB sections are very well maintained, so it was easy to find balls that would ordinarily be lost at other courses. The variety of different challenges, hole to hole, was excellent. If this course was located in San Jose, instead of the Oakland Hills, I would play it every single weekend. Despite a fantastic start, where I led all players through 9, my cartner and I had a mishap where I took a bad exit out of the cart on hole 10, resulting in a badly sprained ankle. I tried, but was unable to put weight on my foot, so I was only able to play the first half of the course, as we made our way back to the car prematurely. It was a real bummer, as Lake Chabot was the coolest new course I'd played in a long time. I can't wait to heal up and get back out there, so I can experience the back 9 at Chabot. But despite my early exit, the strange semi-pro in the driving bay, and the starter with the wet diaper, I had an absolutely terrific time and can't wait to return to Lake Chabot. If you're a midrange handicap golfer, like me, you will absolutely love Lake Chabot. Give them a try! read more

The course was in decent condition and have no complaints there but should definitely change the cart policy Four of us had a teetime at 1 PM. We checked in around 1230 but was told that the guy behind the counter cannot give us the keys to the cart until 12:50. So at 12:50 we went to get the keys. I guess the regular clubhouse was renovating and they had a little trailer and only one person working behind the counter. But there was a long line front of us. Fortunately, there was a Marshall on the first tee and saw us waiting for the keys in line. He went behind the counter and got the keys at about 12:55 PM. We had to hurry up and put the bags on the cart and get things situated. And hurried to tee off. We would have the missed 1 PM teetime if marshall didn't get the keys for us. I have been playing golf over 30 years and this is the first time I see about this policy anywhere. Who is the genius came up with this brilliant idea? Just a stupid policy. read more

I had an opportunity to play at Lake Chabot golf course yesterday. The course is a bit old and the clubhouse looked a bit outdated. Had a breakfast sandwich and that was not very good as it was too spicy as the cook added too much paprika to the air without my knowledge. I didn't take a picture of it because I didn't think it was worthy to show on yelp. Overall the golf course was in OK condition as there was a lot of rough spots on the fairway in the surrounding areas. The greens were just OK as well as there is some work that needed to be done to fix divots and brown spots. However the course was actually pretty fun as it was hilly and challenging. There's a couple holes that I would like to go back and play again especially the 18th hole which was a par six and the only one that I know of in the area. Some of the views of the Bay Area on the back nine were fantastic and I had to take photos which ever included in this post. If the price is right I would probably go back again but I would probably pay about $40 to play around and not anymore. read more

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The golf itself is scenic but the holes are redundant. Each hole is either severely uphill or downhill with relatively flat, uninteresting greens. And there are very few bunkers. There is a bigger problem, however. It started raining on the 6th hole so we drove back to the club house. The starter informed me he did not have the authority to issue a rain check but gave me the email address for the general manager. Two emails from me asking for a rain check within 72 hours brought no reply. Given this poor service the course deserves a 1 star rating. read more

If you're just looking to hack up a course and pound some cold ones with the boys, you could do worse than Lake Chabot. The course is wide open and pretty hilly so if you're spraying balls in all directions like I do, you can find your ball on the next hole over and get it back in play. The course is in a neat area with great views of the surrounding areas and a view of Lake Chabot while driving from one hole to another. Course plays pretty long and felt like a municipal course. The road to get to the place goes right through the middle of a number of holes. Spaced out enough that the road doesn't necessarily come in to play but have to cross and watch out for traffic on about 4 holes (and for flying golf balls when you're pulling in). The course itself is not very well maintained. There aren't necessarily fairways and rough, more just like grass and dirt. Either you're on the grass, or you aren't. The "rough" is really just dirt and dead grass. The tee boxes were in bad shape as are the stairs and cart paths, but the greens were in decent shape. The Par 6 18th hole is the signature hole of the course. Get the right roll and you'll have your longest drive ever as there is a huge down hill slope. There is a "driving" range but it's only 220 and all dirt. Still a good spot to warm up with your irons. Putting green is right adjacent to the driving range as well. There is a little concession stand after 3 and 11 to grab drinks and snacks. Got a terrible hot dog with a bun 2X the wiener that was stale and crumbled as soon as I bit in to it. Not to mention the woman working talking on the phone to her mother about how her "hemorrhoids are on the outside now and not the inside" while cooking my hot dog and you should probably just stick to the drinks. If you can get on for $50 or so with your friends for a casual game, you'll have a good time. There are some great views as well. read more

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I had a great time at the course and the views were amazing if you need a new golf course try lake Chabot

I learned to play here more than 20 years ago so it's close to my heart. It's iconic, funky, unique. The last 10 years they've improved it. It's hilly and a tough walk, especially if warm. Incredible scenery and like only par 6 hole west of Mississippi. This week, they charged me full price to play on punched greens and only play the first x 2 cause back closed. Piss me off. And it was slow. Don't be cheap, Chabot. It's a super cool spot. Employees are nice. At top of hole 12 is a farm with goats who come up to fence near green to say hello. read more

Cheap course with breathtaking views. Needs to be managed a little better but cant complain! read more

Lake Chabot Golf Course - Putting green by the range - Golf Near Me - Oakland, California

Driving towards the club house this course will intimidate you to the fullest. When you see the elevation changes and over all landscape of the course, you may start to give your tee time a second thought. BUT... the course plays a lot easier than it looks. The wild life and the views are worth playing here alone. Between deer running across the fair way and the herds of wild turkeys it's hard to take it all in. You must have a cart to play here but they all have lots of power and automatic brakes to keep it from rolling down some steep fairways. The carts paths can be a bit rough in some places. You may also loose a few balls. I definitely say play Chabot at least once, bring lots of water and stretch before you tee off. Prices are fair. read more

18 hole golf course: Pretty good municipal course. They need to do some work to get 4 stars: the tee boxes are uneven - with quite a few uphill tee boxes that have ridges running through them. It would take but a shovel and a few days to fix but these are never fixed. Course has its charms. Greens keepers do fairly good job (other than tee boxes). Lots of wildlife, turkeys, deer, and views of San Francisco from the 13th hole. Many blind shots to the green where you are aiming for a "target flag" and hoping for the best. Dramatic elevation changes, this is target golf. If you're new to the game, or a high handicap player, skip the 18 hole course and try their 9 hole course and bring cheap balls because you will lose them. Keep it in the fairways or your ball will either bounce in the hardpan junk or get lost in the woods/brush/tall grass. They charge two people for the cart - you are charged for riding in the cart, not for renting the cart. You must rent a cart because course is impossible to walk -- steep uphills and downhills. But I understand everyone is trying new pricing structures given all the Covid problems. Still a good value in golf. Highlight: 11th hole has a snack bar with excellent burgers - as soon as you get to the green place your order. Pace of play is not enforced. Lots of people playing two balls, or taking 10 shots, or playing from the back tees when they have no business doing so because they obviously didn't earn that with their hcp. Nice place to relax after your round, there is a bar and snack bar and outdoor seating. Nice putting practice area. Chipping practice area is about 200 yards away, I have no idea why. Driving range is just fine, mats in good conditions. Clubhouse staff very nice and starter very friendly. read more

Fun course for very reasonable price. The holes have a lot of character. Big elevation changes. Lots of downhill drives. Signature Par 6 18th hole is a fun way to end it. Staff is extremely friendly and makes the experience even more enjoyable. Give it a try and enjoy! read more

Cool, busy course with good practice options. Review will focus on the par 3 course today. It's a gem, a great place to teach youngsters/newbies or get a quick walking 9 in. Each hole is unique and you'll use everything in your bag from 5-6 on down. So why 3 stars? They've given up on trying to grass the tees. I get that with limited play during the pandemic they may have to cut back some things--it makes sense to put your efforts into the big course. But when things get closer to normal, please fix this. Hitting off mats sucks. Oh, and $5 for a bottle of soda is highway robbery. read more

I really have no words... I haven't been to this course in about 5 years and man, it's changed significantly. I went to the 9 hole today with little to no expectations but the entire 9 hole course was horrendous like other people have mentioned. There is no grass, the green itself is really small with dirt showing, leaves everywhere on the green, and a small sad driving range mat used as an area to tee off. Clearly the 9 hole is not maintained yet their cost is just as much as Monarch Bay and Corica. I would definitely take my money elsewhere. Driving range and putting area is really nice which is why I'm giving two stars instead of one but they were only offering a small bucket for $5 = 35 balls due to being understaffed. I understand they are understaffed but at that rate it seems like they are just trying to scam people bc they were allowing individuals to buy as many as 3 buckets at a time which means they are paying a couple dollars more for less balls? Not a huge deal but it's principle that they shouldn't be doing that. I hope they can maintain and restore the 9 hole but it's going to take a lot of money bc it's completely humiliating and destroyed :/ read more

Lake Chabot Golf Course - "Tee box" - Golf Near Me - Oakland, California

Worst golf course I've ever played. Poorly maintained with weeds and long grass in fairways. 11th fairway is exactly 28 yards wide with steep hills on either side covered in long grass, so its virtually impossible to not lose a ball. It hadn't rained in 4 days when we played and we still lost balls in the thick fairway grass. Mud everywhere. Too many trick holes like a par 3 that is 145 yards long but plays like 80 because of the steep hill. Hit a perfect 9 iron and landed in the garbage behind the hole and lost the ball. Couldn't find a flat place to stand anywhere, even when hitting in the fairway. Had one fairway shot where the ball was even with my belt. Unbelievable. My elbow still hurts 2 weeks later from hitting out of thick grass. read more