Berkeley Country Club

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.

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

Historical research published by Forrest Richardson & Associates for the restoration credits club founder Robert Hunter with crafting the original layout, with Willie Watson helping bring that vision to paper.

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.

Practice & Course Planning

The club's practice facilities include a driving range, a large putting green by the clubhouse, and a full-size short-game green for pitching, chipping, and bunker practice.

For a hole-by-hole look before a visit, explore the club's official course flyovers.

Know Before You Go

• Access: Berkeley Country Club is a private, members-only club; golf access is generally limited to members and their guests.

• Location: 7901 Cutting Blvd, El Cerrito, CA 94530, set in the East Bay hills. Older maps and listings may use Mira Vista Golf & Country Club, the club's former name.

• Guest prep: All golfers should check in at the golf shop before play. Review the club's current guest information for attire standards and other on-property policies.

• 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.

Sources & Further Reading

For current details and deeper context, see the club's history, guest information, practice-facility guide, course flyovers, and the restoration team's project history.