Golf "Our goal was to have the course reward the thinking golfer where length and power are not the most critical skills required to play the course well. The layout encourages strategic course management and creative shot making from tee to green."
Brian Costello – Callippe Preserve Architect
With the opening of our course in Pleasanton on November 11, 2005, located only a short drive from San Jose or San Francisco, Callippe Preserve is a unique and memorable course. Designed by Brian Costello, of JMP Golf Design Group, "Callippe Preserve was designed to cater to the wide spectrum of players anticipated to frequent the facility", says Costello.
There are five sets of tees on this par 72, with the black tees playing at 6,748. The blue tees measure at 6,409, then the white tees at 6,024 yards, the gold tees at 5,560, and the red at 4,788 yards.
Players on this course will get a preview of the demanding approach to the 10th hole when making their way to the number one green. Varieties of terrain are spread throughout the course as the front nine is routed through the valley and the back nine sits on a higher elevation with the Happy Valley Creek winding throughout. Superior views of Mount Diablo fill the sky line to the north and incredible sanctuaries dedicated to the Callippe Butterfly are displayed on holes 11 thru 14.
Our most dramatic par three on the course will most likely be the 13th hole. "Playing at 171 yards from an elevated tee, you will enjoy a spectacular vista of the surrounding mountains including Mount Diablo and the oak studded valley below", said Costello. The green is then set on a diagonal with two of the 59 bunkers located on the course protecting the front right of the complex. "The front half of the green breaks towards the tee and the back half gently slopes to the back right," Costello said.
Hole 11 offers what is expected to be the toughest green on the course. A par four that is 342 yards from the back tee, "the hole looks relatively forgiving from the tee as there are no sand bunkers present. However, a well placed tee shot down the middle needs to be followed up with a precise short iron to the undulating green.
Hole 14 is a par 4 that is 344 yards from the back tee and is a monster dogleg left with Happy Valley Creek guarding the left side of the hole. "Bunkers in the fairway provide a safe play short and to the right, whereas an aggressive tee shot will bite off more of the dogleg and be rewarded with a short lob into this tricky green complex.
At Callippe Preserve we strive to make each hole a signature hole. "We have strived to create a flowing sequence of unique and memorable holes that will add up to an unforgettable golfing experience. However, our par 5 number 18 seems to stand out as one of the most strategic and dramatic closing holes in the Bay Area. Happy Valley Creek meanders across the hole no less than three times to set up the hole. Nestled in the valley floor with large oak trees framing the vista, players will need to navigate the hole with three accurate shots to avoid the creek and the strategically placed bunkers to reach the large rolling green," said Costello.