Lake Chabot Golf Course is a historic 27-hole public golf facility located at 11450 Golf Links Road in Oakland, California, nestled in the scenic Oakland Hills. The main attraction is an 18-hole par-72 championship course originally designed by William Lock and Willie Watson of The Olympic Club fame, opened in 1923. The facility also features a 9-hole Executive Par-3 Course that opened in 2006.

Course Specifications

18-Hole Championship Course:

• Holes: 18​

• Par: 72​

• Course Length: 6,006 yards (Blue), 5,615 yards (White), 5,172 yards (Red)​

• Course Rating: 69.5 (Blue Men), 67.6 (White Men), 72.8 (White Women), 70.1 (Red Women)​

• Slope Rating: 124 (Blue Men), 118 (White Men), 123 (White Women), 116 (Red Women)​

• Greens: Blue Grass​

• Fairways: Blue Grass​

• Year Built: 1923​

9-Hole Executive Par-3 Course:

• Holes: 9​

• Par: 27​

• Course Length: 1,023-1,040 yards total (holes range 66-162 yards)​

• Rating: 27.3 (Men), 28.5 (Women)​

• Slope: 87 (Men), 89 (Women)​

• Year Built: 2006​

• Walking only (no carts allowed)​

Type: Public daily fee​

The 18-hole course is situated in rolling hills with stunning panoramic views of downtown Oakland, the Bay Bridge, and Lake Chabot area. The course is famous for its challenging elevation changes and the iconic par-6 18th hole at 667 yards—the only known par-6 west of the Mississippi River.

Driving Range Prices:

• Small Bucket (35 balls): $5​

• Medium Bucket (70 balls): $9​

• Large Bucket (100 balls): $12​

• Price range: $5 – $12

Hardest Aspects:

• Very few level lies anywhere on course – constant elevation changes test shotmaking and club selection​

• Hole #18: Signature par-6 (667 yards, mostly downhill from back tee) – only known par-6 west of Mississippi​​

• Hole #9: 190-200 yard par 3 with extreme elevation drop – can’t see green from back tees, requires walking up 30 yards to see target​

• Small push-up greens are hard to hit and hold​

• Tight tree-lined fairways punish wayward shots​

• Wind can be significant factor​

• Awkward lies and stances throughout course​

• Judging distances very challenging due to elevation​

• Rough can get very nasty quickly off fairways​

• Cart path is extremely bumpy​

• Course road runs through front 9 – cars drive between holes, golfers must watch for traffic and vice versa​

Easiest Aspects:

• No water hazards to worry about​

• Very few sand traps (couple fairway bunkers only)​

• Some drivable short par 4s offer scoring opportunities​

• Par 5s aren’t overly long​

• Generally player-friendly for all skill levels despite hills​

• Affordable rates make it accessible to everyone​

• Several holes offer stunning scenic views of East Bay, Oakland, Bay Bridge