McInnis Park Golf Center

Designed by Fred Bliss and opened in 1993, the county-owned, public layout plays roughly 1,843 yards from the back tees and mixes short par 4s with a variety of par 3s across a mostly flat, walkable property. The center is anchored by a large Toptracer driving range and a full complement of practice and dining amenities.

Course History

McInnis Park Golf Center opened in 1993 as part of Marin County's McInnis Park, a public recreation complex off Smith Ranch Road in San Rafael. The executive course was created to give the North Bay an accessible, affordable place to play golf, and it has operated as a county-owned public facility ever since.

Beyond the course itself, the center has built a strong reputation as a practice and instruction destination, earning repeated recognition from the Golf Range Association of America as a top stand-alone range facility. Its Toptracer-equipped range, teaching academy, and family-oriented amenities have made it one of Marin County's busiest golf venues.

The Design & Architecture

Laid out by architect Fred Bliss, the 9-hole course is an executive, links-style design routed over largely flat, open terrain with rolling greens and strategic bunkering. Water hazards come into play on several holes, and the mix of short par 4s and testing par 3s rewards accuracy and short-game touch over raw length. Views across the bay and toward the surrounding Marin hills frame many of the holes.

Playing the Course

At roughly 1,843 yards to a par of 31, with a 9-hole course rating of 29.9 and a slope of 94 from the Blue tees, McInnis Park plays as a forgiving, quick round well suited to beginners, juniors, seniors, and anyone wanting to sharpen their iron and wedge game. The modest length and mostly flat, walkable ground keep the challenge manageable, though the bunkering and water hazards still demand thoughtful club selection. It is an ideal course for a fast nine or a relaxed introduction to the game.

Know Before You Go

• Access: Public, county-owned course open for daily play; tee times can be booked online through the center's booking page.

• Location: 350 Smith Ranch Road, San Rafael, CA 94903, within Marin County's McInnis Park, about 20 miles north of San Francisco.

• Amenities: A large two-tiered Toptracer driving range with dozens of hitting bays, short-game and putting practice areas, the McInnis Park Golf Academy, and a full-service restaurant on site. Call (415) 491-5984 for information.

• Tip: Bring a range session into your visit; the Toptracer bays and games make it easy to warm up or make an evening of practice alongside a quick executive nine.