Baylands Golf Links, Palo Alto, CA

Palo Alto Baylands Golf Links—formerly the Palo Alto Municipal Golf Course—was transformed in 2017 by architect Forrest Richardson, a friend whose work I’ve long admired. Originally designed by William P. Bell in 1956, the course was reborn as a sustainable, strategic links-style layout when it reopened in 2018.

I photographed Baylands twice: first just before reopening following Forrest’s renovation, and again in 2023 as the course had fully matured. His redesign reduced turf area by 40%, cut potable water use by 35%, restored wetlands, and reshaped the landscape to highlight expansive Baylands views. These images reflect both the vision behind the renovation and how beautifully the course has grown into it.

PHOTOGRAPHED IN 2017 & 2023