Palo Alto Hills Golf and Country Club: A Hidden Oasis
This article is the first of a series in which we will look at some of the area’s best country clubs and social meeting places.
Approximately five years ago, my wife and I considered joining a local country club. We looked at a few options and found the Palo Alto Golf and Country Club to be right for us.
The club’s origins can be traced back to the late 1950s when a number of local sports celebrities and business people decided to create a golf club that would take advantage of the beautiful views of the San Francisco Bay and beyond.
By February 1960, the golf course was completed with over 800 trees planted. The clubhouse was opened for members to use in September of the following year. Over ensuing years, there have been a number of improvements, which included substantial renovations to the golf course and clubhouse in the late 1990s. In 2006, the club’s grand ballroom was remodeled and 2010 saw the creation of the 35,000 square foot state-of-the-art fitness center, which includes a large workout room, complete with both aerobic and anaerobic equipment, studios for group exercise classes, a full-service spa, locker rooms, a family changing area, and many other features. At this time, the club also created a brand-new infinity pool, grass tennis court, children’s playground, kiddie pool, and a poolside grill.
While the facilities and amenities are certainly very nice, what I like most about the club are its members and the people who work there. Initially, we were a bit apprehensive about joining because we envisioned something too pretentious and stuffy. What we found, however, was the exact opposite. The membership is made up of a number of different people of varying ages and ethnicities, all of whom have been very warm and welcoming. Without a doubt, our favorite thing about the club are the friends that we have made over the years.
Another great feature of the club comes from the creativity of different social events. We have enjoyed a number of uniquely themed events, which range from comedy shows, costumed disco nights, crab feeds, Bollywood music, camping under the stars, and many more. There are also a multitude of activities centered around family and youth (e.g. Junior Golf-Swim-Tennis, Mother-Daughter Tea, Father-Son Paintball, Tween Extreme Laser Tag, Halloween Carnival, Parent’s Night Out, Photo Quest Scavenger Hunt), and of course, countless events for adults centered around golf and tennis.
On top of all of that, DeLeon Realty hosts most of its bi-monthly seminars in the grand ballroom. Topics range from “The Best Way to Prepare and Present a Home for the Market” to “Federal and State Taxation of Real Estate Transactions.”
The club is located on Alexis Drive in the Palo Alto Hills, which is approximately 4 miles from route 280. From there, members enjoy beautiful views of Silicon Valley, the Bay, and Western Hills.
