Cinnabar Hills- San Jose

Located just south of Silicon Valley, Cinnabar Hills is a wonderful collection of 27 holes that weave their way through the scenic foothills of the South Bay. Self-proclaimed to be "San Jose's only resort-quality public golf course," Cinnabar certainly has all the right characteristics: a grass-tee driving range (they still make these?), a chipping green, three putting greens; GPS-equipped carts, a sprawling clubhouse, and a somewhat prohibitive price tag. But anyone willing to pay the high cost, as well as endure the always grueling drive down the 101, will be rewarded with 18 beautiful holes of golf.

Cinnabar Hills is divided into three distinct nines -- the Mountain, the Lake and the Canyon. The Lake is technically the longest, but doesn't really play that way because it is so wide open. (Even this wayward driver was able to hit six of the seven forgiving fairways.) The lake for which the Lake is named first comes into play on the long par-4 No. 3, threatening to swallow any approach that errs to the left. The lake doesn't really challenge again until the par-5 No. 7, where it lurks ominously alongside the entire left half of the green. Any hopes of reaching the green in two should be dashed by this encroaching hazard, and you'll have to carry it for a difficult approach if you don't stay right. The following hole, a little par 3, doesn't get any easier; to quote the yardage guide, this "might be the most difficult short hole you have ever played." No doubt, the small, sharply undulating green has led to many high numbers.

Cinnabar Hills' Canyon course may be the shortest in length, but its definitely the longest on character. Plan on using your imagination, accuracy, and maybe even a camera if you want to truly savor these fun nine holes. Those of you who finally manage to hit the middle of the fairway on the par-4 No. 4 will be punished by an irksome tree. The tree on No. 4 is certainly more manageable than the creek which runs the length of No. 6, a tough par five. Then there is No. 7, easily the most memorable on the entire course. At the top of this unbelievably uphill hole is one pretty amazing vista: on one side, the canyon for which the Canyon is named; on the other, the valley for which Silicon Valley is named (you can see all the way to the annoying traffic you're going to have to deal with on 101). The enormous power lines buzzing overhead should prevent you from comfortably admiring the view too long.

While I wasn't able to spot any mountains that could have served as namesakes for the Mountain Course, it certainly wasn't missing any of the natural beauty associated with the other 18 holes. Playing longer than either of the other two courses, the Mountain places a heavy emphasis on the tee shot. There is the long par-4 No. 4, which begs you to attempt cutting the corner by carrying the wetlands. Then you'll stand on the fifth tee box, admire the view, but frown upon the five fairway bunkers and two natural rock formations that serve as daunting challenges. Finally there is No. 9, a par 4 that plays longer than it looks and is littered with bunkers.

Cinnabar Hills is an excellent golf facility, for any type of player. With its four tee boxes, Willie the Weekend Warrior, his wife, and his pesky scratch golfing brother-in-law will all be able to enjoy the aforementioned attributes that make this track so spectacular.

By Nick Flores
Reviewer, sfbaygolf.com

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