Marin Country Club

Its 18-hole championship course pairs meticulously conditioned bentgrass turf with rolling terrain and mature landscaping, delivering a classic country club experience just north of San Francisco. Beyond golf, members enjoy a full-service clubhouse with dining, social spaces, and event venues that foster a strong sense of community.

Course History

Marin Country Club traces its golf roots to the mid-1950s, when architect Lawrence Hughes laid out the course in the developing Ignacio Valley area of Novato. Hughes, whose career included work influenced by relationships with leading golden-age designers, gave the club a routing that has served as the foundation of the layout ever since.

The course has been refined over the decades to keep pace with the modern game, most notably through a full renovation by John Harbottle III in 2007. Later updates repositioned bunkers, added forward tees, and improved the practice facilities, all while preserving the character of the original design.

The Design & Architecture

Lawrence Hughes routed the par-72 course through rolling valley terrain, using elevation changes, water hazards, and an extensive network of sand bunkers to shape strategy on nearly every hole. Bentgrass greens and fairways provide firm, true playing surfaces, and the tree-lined corridors demand accuracy off the tee. From the back tees the course plays to a rating of 72.1 and a slope of 135, a stern but fair test that rewards thoughtful shot placement.

Playing the Course

Measuring 6,485 yards from the tips, Marin Country Club emphasizes precision over raw length. Well-conditioned bentgrass fairways and greens reward players who can work the ball and manage their approach shots into well-guarded targets. With multiple sets of tees and an on-site practice range, the course accommodates a wide range of abilities while still challenging the low-handicap member.

Know Before You Go

• Private, member-owned club; access is generally limited to members and their guests.

• Located at 500 Country Club Dr, Novato, CA 94949, in Marin County north of San Francisco.

• A practice range is available on site for warm-up and practice.

• For membership or guest inquiries, contact the club at (415) 382-6700.