StoneTree Golf Club

Opened in 2000, the course was shaped to showcase the natural landscape, moving from the open wetlands and marsh of the valley floor up into shaded oak groves and rolling golden hills. With sweeping views of the surrounding hills and San Pablo Bay, StoneTree offers a scenic and varied test of golf for players of all skill levels.

Course History

StoneTree Golf Club opened in 2000 as a daily-fee public course a short drive east of downtown Novato. It was designed by a team led by Johnny Miller, the Hall of Fame player and Northern California native, together with Sandy Tatum, the former USGA president and champion of naturalistic design, and architect Jim Summers.

Today the course is operated as part of the Bay Club, remaining open to public play while also serving as an amenity for members. It has become one of the North Bay's better-regarded public tracks, valued for its conditioning and its dramatic use of the surrounding terrain.

The Design & Architecture

StoneTree is essentially a course of two distinct halves. The front nine plays across the relatively flat valley floor, with wider fairways threading past wetlands, ponds and marsh that come into play on several holes. The back nine changes character entirely, climbing into the oak-covered hillsides where tighter, tree-lined fairways and significant elevation changes demand precise, strategic shot-making. The contrast between the open marshland and the wooded high ground gives the layout much of its variety and challenge.

Playing the Course

From the championship tees StoneTree stretches to 6,782 yards with a par of 72, a course rating of 73.1 and a slope of 138, making it a genuine test for low-handicap players. Multiple tee sets, ranging down to roughly 5,083 yards, keep the course accessible for higher handicaps and shorter hitters. Bent grass greens and the mix of marsh hazards on the front with the tight, hilly back nine reward accurate driving and thoughtful course management over raw length.

Know Before You Go

• Public, daily-fee course located at 9 Stone Tree Ln, Novato, CA 94945, roughly ten minutes from downtown Novato.

• Operated as part of the Bay Club; tee times can be booked online, and members may play at reduced rates.

• Choose your tees carefully — the back nine's elevation changes and narrow, tree-lined fairways play notably tougher than the flatter front nine.

• Watch for water and marsh hazards on the front nine; keeping the ball in play off the tee is key to scoring well here.