Monarch Bay Golf Course (Marina)

Compact, walkable and framed by water and estuary views, it stretches to just 1,734 yards from the back tees, making it an ideal spot for quick rounds, short-game practice, beginners and juniors, and experienced players looking to sharpen their iron play. As part of the city-owned Monarch Bay facility, the Marina complements the adjacent 18-hole Tony Lema Course with a relaxed, park-like alternative that stays busy with local golfers year-round.

Course History

The golf complex on the San Leandro shoreline traces its origins to the early 1980s, when the municipal facility opened with an 18-hole championship course and a shorter companion layout beside the marina. The property later took on the Monarch Bay name and was extensively reworked, reopening as Monarch Bay Golf Club in 2001. The executive Marina Course has remained a fixture of the facility throughout, offering a lower-cost, faster-playing option to the neighboring Tony Lema Course under the ownership of the City of San Leandro.

The Design & Architecture

Credited to golf course architect John F. Harbottle III, the Marina Course is a tight, cleverly routed executive nine that squeezes plenty of interest into its modest footprint. The par-29 layout is built mostly around par 3s with a pair of short par 4s, demanding precise iron play and disciplined course management rather than raw power. Bordered by the marina and open bay-front terrain, the holes are exposed to coastal breezes that can turn short, seemingly simple shots into a genuine test of touch.

Playing the Course

At just 1,734 yards with a course rating of 29.3 and a slope of 88, the Marina is friendly to walkers and to players who want to complete a round in well under two hours. Its short, tight character rewards accuracy off the tee and a sharp short game, so club selection and placement matter far more than distance. The compact scale and forgiving length make it a favorite for beginners, juniors, seniors, and anyone looking to squeeze in nine holes or dial in their wedges and irons.

Know Before You Go

• Public, city-owned executive course open for daily-fee play; tee times can be booked online.

• This is the 9-hole Marina Course; the same facility also offers the separate 18-hole Tony Lema Course.

• Highly walkable and quick to play, making it a strong choice for beginners, juniors, and practice rounds.

• Located next to the San Leandro Marina, so plan for exposed, breezy bay-front conditions.