Santa Teresa Golf Club is a popular 27-hole public golf facility located in the foothills of south San Jose, California. The facility features the challenging par-71, 6,742-yard main course (opened in 1963, designed by George E. Santana) as well as one of the finest par-3 short courses in Northern California called “Shorty” (designed by Gene Bates in 1996). Nestled in the same mountain range as Cordevalle, Pasatiempo, and Cinnabar Hills, Santa Teresa is considered the heart and soul of the San Jose golf scene.

Driving Range​

• Stalls: 43 hitting stalls​

• Surface: All mat hitting stations (no grass)​

• Maintenance: Weekly maintenance scheduled Monday mornings​

• Technology: None – No Toptracer or Trackman

• Lighted: No

• Covered: No

Driving Range Pricing​

• Small: $4.00 (22 balls)

• Medium: $8.00 (50 balls)

• Large: $15.00 (115 balls)

Payment: Purchases made at range vending machine with credit card or cash (EXACT CHANGE ONLY for cash)​

Additional Practice Areas​

• Putting Green: Yes​

• Chipping/Sand Area: Yes​

Amenities & Services

Pro Shop: Full-service Golf Shop with equipment, accessories, and merchandise.​

Golf Lessons: Available 7 days a week. Director of Instruction: John Snopkowski, PGA (Tuesday-Saturday). Assistant Professional: Matt Lloyd, PGA Associate. “Clubs to Course” beginner program available.​

Club Fittings: Available through instruction staff.​

Golf Carts: Available. 18-hole: $38, 9-hole: $19. Reviews note carts may be older models.​

Push Carts: Yes, available.​

Club Rentals: Yes.​

Restaurant: Santa Teresa Bar & Grill with great food, large portions, and friendly staff.​

Event Space: Available for weddings, corporate events, Bar/Bat Mitzvahs, memorial services, and family reunions with garden setting.

Course Layout & Notable Holes

Santa Teresa features wide fairways, fast greens, and strategically placed hazards. The front nine is relatively flat and traditional, while the back nine crosses the street into much hillier terrain with more interesting and challenging holes.​

Hardest Holes

Hole 6 (Par-4, 410 yards): The #2 handicap hole. Wind is a significant factor, and the green slopes severely right to left, making it one of the most difficult putting surfaces on the course.​

Hole 10 (Par-4, 382 yards): Described as a “beast” – formerly a par 5, now converted to a challenging par 4 that starts the difficult back nine.​

Hole 13 (Par-4, 420 yards): The #3 handicap hole – a long par 4 often playing into wind with a challenging approach.​

Hole 1 (Par-4, 415 yards): A demanding opening dogleg left. It’s recommended to hit range balls before your round to prepare for this challenging first tee shot.​

Back Nine Overall: Significantly more difficult with hilly terrain, elevation changes, and wind exposure on the open holes.​​

Easier Holes

Hole 5 (Par-3, 171 yards): The #18 handicap (easiest) hole – shortest par 3 on the course, though wind above the trees can still affect the shot.​

Hole 7 (Par-3, 188 yards): The #16 handicap hole – another manageable par 3.​

Hole 3 (Par-4, 353 yards): Short par 4 with slight dogleg right. A conservative 200-yard tee shot leaves 150 yards to the green.​

Hole 2 (Par-5, 506 yards): Relatively short par 5 dogleg right with birdie opportunities if you navigate the fairway bunkers.