The Club at Castlewood (Valley)

The Valley Course at The Club at Castlewood is one of two 18-hole championship layouts at this historic private club set at the base of the hills in Pleasanton, California. Playing 6,678 yards to a par of 72, the Valley Course spreads across the gentler valley floor beneath the club's older Hill Course, offering members a more walkable, parkland-style round framed by mature trees and the surrounding East Bay foothills. Designed by noted golf architect William F. Bell and opened in the mid-1950s, it remains a favorite among members for its blend of playability, tradition, and scenic setting.

Quick Facts

Course History

The Club at Castlewood traces its roots to the Hearst estate that once crowned the Pleasanton hills, where the original 18-hole Hill Course, designed by William P. Bell, opened in 1926. As the club grew, a second course was added on the valley floor below the hilltop clubhouse. The Valley Course opened in the mid-1950s, giving members a contrasting, lower-lying complement to the elevated Hill Course.

The Valley layout was designed by William F. Bell, son of Hill Course architect William P. Bell and a prolific California golf architect in his own right. For decades the two courses have defined Castlewood as one of the East Bay's premier private clubs, and in 2020 the club rebranded as The Club at Castlewood ahead of an extensive modernization of its facilities.

The Design & Architecture

Set on the flatter valley terrain, William F. Bell's Valley Course is a classic parkland design that plays to 6,678 yards and a par of 72. Tree-lined fairways, gently contoured greens, and strategically positioned bunkers place a premium on accuracy and shot placement rather than raw length. With a course rating of 72.4 and a slope of 128 from the back tees, the layout rewards thoughtful, well-rounded golf while remaining enjoyable for players of varying abilities.

Playing the Course

The Valley Course offers a walkable, member-friendly round framed by mature trees and views of the surrounding East Bay foothills. At just under 6,700 yards it is not overpowering, but its tree corridors, bunkering, and subtly sloping greens ask for disciplined tee shots and a sharp short game to score well. Combined with the well-conditioned turf and serene valley setting, it delivers a rewarding experience for members and their guests throughout the year.

Know Before You Go

• Private club: play is generally reserved for members and their accompanied guests.

• Located at 707 Country Club Circle, Pleasanton, CA 94566; call (925) 846-2871 for club and tee information.

• The Valley is one of two 18-hole courses at Castlewood, complementing the older, more elevated Hill Course.

• Visit castlewoodcc.org for membership details, dress code, and current club offerings.