Peacock Gap Golf Club

Originally designed by William F. Bell and opened in 1960, the course was completely re-imagined during a multi-million-dollar renovation led by architect Forrest Richardson in the mid-2000s. Set at the base of San Pedro Ridge near San Pablo Bay, it pairs scenic Northern California surroundings with an accessible daily-fee layout that welcomes players of every skill level.

Course History

Peacock Gap was originally designed by William F. Bell — son of the prolific California architect William P. Bell — and opened as a par-71 layout in 1960. For decades it served as a social and recreational hub for Marin County, with its clubhouse anchoring community life in San Rafael.

In the mid-2000s the club undertook a comprehensive, multi-million-dollar renovation led by golf course architect Forrest Richardson. Completed around 2006, the project rebuilt tees, bunkers and greens, reworked several holes, installed a modern drainage system to cope with the low-lying, at-or-near-sea-level fairways, and converted acres of managed turf back to native grass habitat.

The Design & Architecture

The current layout reflects Forrest Richardson's reshaping of William F. Bell's original routing. New holes at Nos. 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 17 effectively created a fresh course, with rebuilt greens, relocated bunkering and expanded native areas framing the fairways. The result is a walkable, well-balanced parkland-style design set against the backdrop of San Pedro Ridge and San Pablo Bay, where wetlands and reclaimed native grasses add both strategy and scenery.

Playing the Course

At 6,261 yards to a par of 71, Peacock Gap plays to a course rating of 69.9 and a slope of 125, making it approachable for mid- and higher-handicap golfers while still offering plenty of interest from the back tees. The rye grass greens roll true, and the relatively flat, low-lying terrain rewards accurate iron play and thoughtful placement around the rebuilt bunkers and native grass margins. A practice range and full clubhouse round out the daily-fee experience.

Know Before You Go

• Public, daily-fee course — tee times are open to the public and can be booked online.

• Located at 333 Biscayne Drive, San Rafael, CA 94901; phone (415) 453-4940.

• A practice driving range is available on site to warm up before your round.

• Bring wind protection — the bay-side setting can bring breezy, cool conditions typical of Marin County.