You're driving past the Concord airport, maybe heading to the Willows or grabbing a burger nearby, and you see it. A stretch of green tucked right behind the Contra Costa County airfield. That's Buchanan Fields Golf Course. It isn't Pebble Beach. It isn't even TPC Stonebrae. It’s a 9-hole executive track that most serious "low-handicappers" tend to overlook, but honestly? They’re missing the point of why this place exists.
It’s short. It’s quirky. Sometimes the planes taking off from Buchanan Field Airport are so loud you can’t hear your playing partner complain about their three-putt. But for anyone living in the East Bay, this little par-31 layout is basically the backbone of the local golf community.
What You’re Actually Getting at Buchanan Fields
Let’s get the stats out of the way because people always ask. We’re talking about roughly 2,100 yards from the back tees. It consists of four par-4s and five par-3s. If you’re looking for a 600-yard par-5 where you can unleash a 300-yard drive, you are in the wrong place. Seriously. Leave the driver in the car if you’re erratic, because the fencing around the airport isn't exactly forgiving if you slice one into the taxiway.
The course was designed by Robert Muir Graves. If that name sounds familiar, it’s because he’s a legend in California golf architecture. He worked on Sea Ranch and Big Canyon. Seeing his name attached to a small executive course in Concord might seem weird, but it explains why the greens aren't just flat pancakes. They actually have some character.
Most people come here for the pace. You can walk nine holes in under two hours if the group in front of you isn't searching for a lost ball on every single hole. It’s the "after-work special." It’s the "I have a toddler at home and only an hour of freedom" sanctuary.
The Layout Breakdown
The first hole sets the tone. It’s a short par-4, but it’s narrow. You’ve got the airport fence on the right and some trees on the left. You don't need a driver. A hybrid or even a mid-iron puts you in position. That’s the recurring theme here: precision over power.
Then you hit the par-3s.
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Some of them are deceptively tricky. You’ll find yourself hitting into crosswinds coming off the tarmac. The turf quality? It’s public golf. It’s managed by the county. It’s green, it’s playable, but don't expect Augusta National conditions. There might be a muddy patch in February or a dry spot in August. That’s just the reality of a high-traffic municipal course.
The "Airport Golf" Factor
Playing at Buchanan Fields Golf Course is a sensory experience. You are literally bordering a functional regional airport.
Small Cessnas, corporate jets, and the occasional helicopter are constantly buzzing overhead. Some golfers hate it. They want the "serenity" of the woods. Personally, I think it adds a weirdly cool urban vibe to the round. It’s rhythmic. You learn to time your backswing between engine roars. It’s a bit like the old scenes from Wayne's World where they're playing street hockey and have to yell "Car!"—except here, it's a Beechcraft King Air.
Why Beginners Love It
If you are just starting out, full-sized courses like Boundary Oak or Poppy Ridge can be traumatizing. You’ve got 450-yard par-4s and forced carries over canyons. It’s too much.
Buchanan Fields is the "Goldilocks" zone for learning.
- The stakes feel lower.
- The holes are shorter, so you’re hitting more manageable clubs.
- The community is generally more relaxed.
You won't get a country club member breathing down your neck because you took five shots to reach the green. People here are just trying to get their swings in. It’s arguably the best place in the 925 area code to bring a kid for their first real round of golf.
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The Financial Reality of the Course
Golf is getting expensive. Insanely expensive.
Green fees at some "public" courses in the Bay Area are creeping toward $100 on weekends. Buchanan Fields stays grounded. It remains one of the most affordable ways to actually play the game without selling a kidney. This affordability makes it a hub for seniors who play every morning and high schoolers trying to make their varsity team.
There’s also the practice facility. The driving range is decent, and they have a putting green where you can actually practice those pesky four-footers. It isn't fancy. It’s functional.
Addressing the "Executive Course" Stigma
There is a certain type of golfer who scoffs at 9-hole executive courses. They think if it isn't a par-72, it isn't "real" golf.
That’s nonsense.
Short game is where the score lives. You can practice your wedges and your putting at Buchanan Fields better than you can at a massive championship course where you’re just struggling to survive. If you can consistently par the 3s at Buchanan, your handicap will drop significantly when you go back to a full-sized course. The greens here require touch. If you’re lazy with your alignment, the Graves-designed slopes will humiliate you.
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Logistics and Getting There
Located at 1091 South Clubhouse Drive, it’s right off Highway 4 and 680. It’s basically the center of the world for Concord/Pleasant Hill residents.
- Parking: Usually easy, right in front of the pro shop.
- The Pro Shop: Small, carries the essentials (balls, tees, gloves).
- The Food: You’re right next to the Willows Shopping Center. Go to The Habit or Ike's Love & Sandwiches afterward. Or hit up MJ's Downtown Cafe for a classic breakfast before your tee time.
One thing to note: because it’s a county-owned facility located on airport land, there are occasionally discussions about land use. However, the golf course has remained a staple for decades. It’s part of the fabric of the airport’s "buffer zone."
Common Misconceptions About Buchanan Fields
People think it’s a "pitch and putt." It isn’t. A pitch and putt usually implies holes under 100 yards. Buchanan has par-4s that require a legitimate tee shot and a clinical approach. You still need your full bag.
Another myth? That it’s always empty. Because it’s cheap and accessible, it actually gets quite busy on weekend mornings. If you want that sub-two-hour round, you’re better off aiming for a Tuesday afternoon or a "twilight" slot. The wind usually kicks up in the late afternoon, which makes those par-3s play two clubs longer than the yardage suggests.
Real Talk on Maintenance
If we're being honest, the bunkers can be hit or miss. Sometimes the sand is perfect; sometimes it’s a bit firm. It’s a muni. You play the ball as it lies and you move on. The fairways are generally wide enough that you won't lose a dozen balls, which is a nice change of pace from some of the more "punishing" East Bay tracks.
Actionable Steps for Your First Visit
If you’re planning to head out to Buchanan Fields Golf Course, here is how to make the most of it:
- Book a Tee Time Online: Even for a 9-hole course, don't just show up and expect to walk on at 10:00 AM on a Saturday. Use the county’s booking system.
- Focus on the 100-Yard In Game: Use this round as a "scoring" practice. Leave the driver in the bag for at least two of the par-4s and see if you can score better by playing for position.
- Watch the Wind: Pay attention to the airport windsocks. They are more accurate than your weather app for telling you what the breeze is doing on the 5th green.
- Walk, Don't Ride: It’s a flat course. It’s an easy walk. Save the cart fee and get your steps in. It’s one of the most walkable layouts in Northern California.
- Check the Airport Schedule: If you have kids, check if there are any small "fly-ins" or events at the airport. It makes the day a double-header of golf and plane spotting.
Ultimately, Buchanan Fields represents what golf should be for most of us: accessible, affordable, and not taking itself too seriously. It’s a place to work on your game, laugh with your friends, and maybe get slightly distracted by a private jet landing fifty yards away. It’s not a bucket-list destination, but it is a local treasure that keeps the game alive in Concord.
Next Steps for Your Game
- Check the current green fee rates on the Contra Costa County website, as they vary by residency and time of day.
- Grab a "small bucket" at the range before your 9-hole round to get your tempo right; the first tee is tighter than it looks.
- If you’re a local, look into the discount cards often offered for frequent players at county-managed courses.