Sonoma Golf Club

Sonoma Golf Club is a private 18-hole Sam Whiting course on the valley floor west of Sonoma. Whiting’s 1928 routing has mature trees and a long competition history; Robert Muir Graves rebuilt the course around 1990–91, and Tripp Davis completed a bunker project in October 2023. The current USGA rating row has an undated men’s Tee I row; its rating edition has not been matched to the October 2023 bunker redesign.

Course History

The club history identifies the former J. K. Bigelow ranch as the site and says Whiting’s Sonoma Mission Inn Golf and Country Club opened in 1928. A 1995 Northern California superintendents’ account says Graves’ complete renovation added greens, tees, bunkers, lakes and irrigation, and the course reopened in 1991. The American Society of Golf Course Architects reported that Davis finished a 16-week bunker project in October 2023 to restore some Whiting character and reposition hazards for modern play.

Design & Architecture

Graves’ 1991 rebuild changed major playing surfaces and water features, so present-day conditions should not be assumed from pre-rebuild accounts. Davis’ 2023 work changed bunker structure, style and strategic sightlines. Those three stages explain more about the current course than a single unqualified designer label.

Playing the Course

The USGA course-rating database lists men’s Tee I, but does not identify whether its figures reflect the October 2023 bunker redesign. Confirm a post-project rated card with the club before relying on tee yardage, rating or slope. Older photos and descriptions may also show different hazards.

Know Before You Go

• The club guest policy limits facilities to members and their guests. Guests should check into the Golf Shop; no public booking link or published guest-rate sheet was found. The membership page is the path for membership inquiries.

• The practice page describes a driving range tee, target greens, a short-game area with a greenside bunker, a dedicated instruction area and putting greens. It mentions a synthetic-turf tee for some conditions.

• Use club directions and current contact for 17700 Arnold Drive, Sonoma, CA 95476 and (707) 996-0300.

Sources & Further Reading

• Club history and 1928 opening

• GCSANC 1995 account of Graves renovation and 1991 reopening

• ASGCA report on October 2023 bunker project

• USGA men’s Tee I row (edition unconfirmed)

• Club access, practice and directions