Berkeley Country Club, located in the hills of El Cerrito, California, is a historic private golf and social club that has been a fixture of the East Bay since the 1920s. Its 18-hole, par-72 Golden Age course is superbly routed over rolling natural terrain and offers sweeping panoramic views of San Francisco Bay. Combining a classic championship layout with an elegant English Tudor clubhouse, Berkeley Country Club remains one of the region's most cherished traditional club experiences.

Quick Facts

Detail	Information
Established	1920 (course opened 1922)
Architect	Robert Hunter & William "Willie" Watson (golf course); Walter Ratcliff Jr. (clubhouse)
Type	Private
Holes / Par	18 / 72
Yardage	6,503 yards
Course Rating / Slope	72.6 / 133
Grass	Rye grass greens and rye grass fairways
Location	El Cerrito, CA

Course History

Berkeley Country Club was founded in 1920, with its 18-hole golf course opening in 1922. Rather than hire an outside firm for the course, the club turned to founding member Robert Hunter, co-designer of the celebrated Cypress Point, alongside veteran architect William "Willie" Watson, designer of the Olympic Club. Berkeley architect Walter Ratcliff Jr. designed the club's landmark English Tudor clubhouse in 1920, followed by a ballroom addition in 1924.

The course has hosted memorable competition over its century of play, including the 1929 Berkeley Open won by two-time Masters champion Horton Smith, as well as an exhibition match featuring reigning major champions Walter Hagen and Johnny Farrell. The club celebrated its centennial in 2020-2021.

The Design & Architecture

A true classic of the Golden Age of golf course design, the layout was carefully routed over the property's existing natural terrain, incorporating dramatic elevation changes and breathtaking Bay vistas. In 2011, Forrest Richardson & Associates completed a comprehensive restoration faithful to the original Hunter and Watson design, restoring greens, returning 44 bunkers to their classic shapes, and adding a program of new tees, tree management and turf reduction. The project earned the inaugural "Award for Excellence" from the American Society of Golf Course Architects.

Playing the Course

Playing to a par of 72 over 6,503 yards with a course rating of 72.6 and a slope of 133, Berkeley Country Club offers a genuine test that rewards thoughtful shot-making over raw length. The rye grass greens and fairways, rolling hillside terrain and Golden Age bunkering keep players engaged throughout, while the standout par-3 12th and the panoramic views over San Francisco Bay make for a memorable round.

Know Before You Go

Access: Berkeley Country Club is a private, members-only club; access is generally limited to members and their guests.
Location: 7901 Cutting Blvd, El Cerrito, CA 94530, set in the East Bay hills.
Amenities & contact: A practice driving range, elegant clubhouse dining and event facilities are on site. Reach the club at (510) 233-7550 or visit berkeleycountryclub.com.
Tip: Warm up on the range before your round and take time to enjoy the Bay views, especially around the signature par-3 12th hole.