The Club at Castlewood (Hill)

Designed by noted golf architect William P. Bell and opened in 1926, the course plays to a par of 70 over roughly 6,219 yards and is defined by rolling terrain, elevated tees, and sweeping views across the Amador and Livermore valleys. Woven into the historic former Hearst family estate, the Hill Course pairs classic Golden Age character with the tranquil, tree-lined setting that has made Castlewood a treasured East Bay club for nearly a century.

Course History

The land beneath the Hill Course carries one of the most storied pedigrees in Northern California. In the 1890s the property was the Hacienda del Pozo de Verona, the grand country estate of philanthropist Phoebe Apperson Hearst, mother of publisher William Randolph Hearst. Architect Julia Morgan contributed to the celebrated hacienda that once crowned these hills, and the estate became a hub of Bay Area social and cultural life.

After Phoebe Hearst's death, the estate was reimagined for golf and recreation, and in 1926 the transition from Hearst hacienda to golf and country club became official with the opening of the William P. Bell-designed Hill Course. The club marked its centennial in 2026, and the Hill Course remains the historic heart of Castlewood, complemented today by the club's separate Valley Course.

The Design & Architecture

William P. Bell, a prolific Golden Age architect known across California and the Southwest, routed the Hill Course through the natural contours of the foothills. The result is a compact par-70 layout that relies on elevation change, doglegs shaped by mature oaks, and well-guarded greens rather than sheer length. At roughly 6,219 yards with a course rating of 71.6 and a slope of 131, the Hill demands precise positioning and thoughtful club selection, rewarding shot-makers who can control trajectory on its rolling, tree-framed terrain.

Playing the Course

Playing from an elevated setting above the valley floor, the Hill Course rewards accuracy off the tee and a steady short game. Uneven lies, elevation changes, and Bermuda-grass fairways and greens keep even scratch players engaged, while the surrounding oaks and hillside vistas make for a memorable, scenic round. With a par of 70 packed into a walkable, classic routing, it offers a genuine test that never feels overwhelming.

Know Before You Go

• Private club: access is generally limited to members and their guests.

• A dress code applies, including collared shirts and closed-toe shoes; denim is not permitted.

• Practice facilities include a driving range, putting green, chipping area, and teaching professionals.

• Located at 707 Country Club Circle, Pleasanton, CA; call (925) 846-2871 for club information.