Re-designed by renowned architect Forrest Richardson, the City of Palo Alto welcomes you to Baylands Golf Links. Formerly the Palo Alto Municipal Golf Course, Richardson led the reconfiguration of the original William F. Bell design, which opened in 1956. Proudly managed by OB Sports, Baylands Golf Links will open to the public May 26, 2018.
The re-designed golf course will feature 55 acres of native Baylands vegetation and wetlands areas, a 40% reduction of managed turf areas, a 35% reduction of potable water use, an additional 10.5 acres added to the Baylands Athletic Center for future recreational use, and 7.4 acres of land converted into in-stream marshland terrace habitat within an expanded San Francisquito Creek for increased flood protection.
Construction began in mid-July 2016, with removal of most of the non-native trees throughout the golf course. Tree removal was mitigated through the planting of 300 new native trees on the reconfigured course, along with the planting of two acres of native bay ecosystem habitat in Byxbee Park, as well as the protection and monitoring of 500 naturally-occurring oak saplings in the Pearson Arastradero Preserve. The site was recontoured using soil from the large on-site stockpile, which created an undulating landscape and elevated scenic views of the Baylands and San Francisco Bay that will enhance the golf experience. The golf holes will be separated by large natural areas planted with wetlands plant species that improve habitat for birds and wildlife, and integrate the golf course into its Baylands setting.
Founded in the mid 1950’s, the municipal course is operated by the City of Palo Alto as part of its Baylands Nature Preserve District, adjacent to the coastal land bordering Palo Alto along the San Francisco Bay. The San Fransisquito Creek, a historic waterway, runs along the course and is a major flood conveyance stream.
BAYLANDS GOLF LINKS RECOGNIZED FOR ENVIRONMENTAL EXCELLENCE BY AUDUBON INTERNATIONAL
Palo Alto, Calif. (August 19, 2026) – Baylands Golf Links in Palo Alto has been recognized as a “Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary” through the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program for Golf Courses, an Audubon International program.
Baylands Golf Links Superintendent Patrick Tuttle led the effort to obtain sanctuary designation on the property. Baylands is now one of over 900 courses in the world to hold the “Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary” honor. Golf courses from the United States, Africa, Australia, Canada, Central America, Europe, South America, and Asia have also achieved certification in the program.
“Earning Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary certification is a reflection of our team’s commitment to responsible golf course management and environmental stewardship,” said Tuttle, who has been Baylands golf course superintendent since March 2024. “We’ve focused on enhancing wildlife habitat, protecting water quality, implementing sustainable maintenance practices, and creating a golf course that delivers exceptional playing conditions while preserving the unique natural environment that surrounds us. We’re honored to receive this recognition and remain committed to building on these efforts, ensuring Baylands Golf Links continues to provide an exceptional experience for our golfers while making a positive impact on our community and the local ecosystem.”
The Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program for Golf Courses, endorsed by the United States Golf Association, provides information and guidance to help golf courses preserve and enhance wildlife habitat and protect natural resources. To reach certification, a course must demonstrate that they are maintaining a high degree of environmental quality in a number of areas including: Environmental Planning, Wildlife & Habitat Management, Outreach and Education, Chemical Use Reduction and Safety, Water Conservation, and Water Quality Management. Highlights of Baylands Golf Links’ conservation efforts include:
- Producing beneficial green spaces
- Promoting and protecting quality wildlife habitat
- Conducting maintenance practices responsibly
- Ensuring surface water is protected from pollutants
“Baylands Golf Links has shown a strong commitment to its environmental program. They are to be commended for their efforts to provide a sanctuary for wildlife on the golf course property,” said Ken Benoit, CEO at Audubon International.
Baylands Golf Links is professionally managed by Indigo Sports, a Troon company. For more information on Baylands Golf Links, visit www.baylandsgolflinks.com.
About Audubon International
Audubon International is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in Troy, NY. In addition to golf courses, Audubon International also provides programs for businesses, schools, communities, and new developments with the purpose of delivering high-quality environmental education and facilitating the sustainable management of natural resources. For more information, call Audubon International at 1-844-767-9051 or visit www.auduboninternational.org.