A couple of weeks ago, I found myself standing on the prestigious fairways of Rosewood CordeValle, a course with a storied past and a reputation that precedes it. Playing this exceptional course is a privilege reserved for those who book a coveted ‘stay and play’ package…
Reflecting on my previous encounter with CordeValle, which took place about 14 years ago, I realized how much has changed since then. Back then, I was a young golfer, barely a year into the sport, and part of the weekly junior program at San Jose Municipal Golf Course. Our group was fortunate enough to play 9 holes at CordeValle, although we only managed to complete 7 before darkness fell. At the time, I had little knowledge of the course, only perceiving it as a nice place to play.
Over the years, my familiarity with CordeValle grew as I avidly followed the PGA Tour’s Frys.com Open (2010-2013), witnessed the PGA Cup (2015), and even had the privilege of attending the U.S. Women’s Open (2016) held at this renowned venue. Nestled in the heart of Silicon Valley, CordeValle has firmly established itself as a golfing gem, offering a serene and rejuvenating escape from the bustling cityscape of San Jose, located just 30 miles to the Northwest.
Stepping onto the Rosewood CordeValle golf course once again, I was greeted warmly, and the nerves that typically accompany my arrival at a high-caliber course quickly dissipated. It was a sunny winter day in San Martin, and the views that unfolded before me were nothing short of breathtaking. Whether it was the captivating landscape or the impeccable condition of the course, or perhaps a harmonious blend of both, I couldn’t help but be captivated. The fairways were meticulously maintained, and the greens exuded a silky smoothness that set the stage for a truly remarkable golfing experience. As I stood over my putts, I marveled at how true they rolled, as if guided by an invisible hand. Not a blade of grass seemed out of place on this meticulously manicured course, with winter rye grass blanketing the fairways and bent grass adorning the putting greens.
The genius behind CordeValle’s design lies in the hands of renowned course architect Robert Trent Jones Jr., who possessed a remarkable ability to work with the natural contours of the land. Throughout the course, there was a seamless harmony between the rolling terrain and the fairways, lending a sense of graceful motion to each shot played. This was particularly evident when hitting approach shots into the greens, where the undulating fairways added an element of strategy and excitement to the game.
My return to CordeValle served as a reminder of what can unfold within the world of golf. This exceptional course has not only retained its reputation but has blossomed into an oasis of tranquility amidst the fast-paced technology hub of Silicon Valley. The experience was a testament to the passion and dedication poured into every aspect of CordeValle’s creation, from its breathtaking aesthetics to the flawless playing conditions.
For full coverage of Rosewood CordeValle, including an interview from their Golf Professional, Andrew Vosburg, be sure to watch:
So the big question is, “Is it worth it?”
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