Marin County’s only private club was opened in 1958 and is one of the most respected country clubs in Northern California. The club is nestled in the Pacheco Valley of Novato, surrounded by mature trees and lakes. Lawrence Marion Hughes was the original course designer, with design changes made in 1986 by Robert Muir Graves. The 6,509-yard course has been augmented by years of careful grooming and thoughtful improvements, such as new cart paths, replacing old wooden bridges with stone structures, and the addition of a man-made lake that provides views from most of the course and is also a water hazard challenge. The par 72 course has a creek and natural barriers that virtually eliminate parallel fairways and provide beauty and challenge. This is a narrow course that requires placement shots off the tee.

The 18-hole course has a championship rating of 72.7. The Marin Country Club was the site for the 1993 U.S. Open Championship and the 2004 U.S. Amateur Qualifying Championship. Both the fairways and greens are bent grass. A natural grass practice facility complete with simulated course layout, four target greens and practice bunkers support the serious golfer’s needs, along with lessons from the Club’s Class-A PGA Professional and a well-stocked pro shop. The driving range has a computerized indoor/outdoor teaching facility. The club also has a fitness Center, four tennis courts, three pools, and an elegant Clubhouse for dining, events, and banquets. For more information, visit their Web site (www.marincountryclub.com).

Designed by experts Sandy Tatum, Jim Summers, Fred Bliss and World Golf Hall-of-Fame member Johnny Miller, this public 18-hole course opened in December of 2000. The 6,910-yard course is located in Novato, surrounded by 100-year old oak trees, meadowlands, and a variety of ecological environments. Ten holes rest in a low-lying area while the other eight holes are among the rolling terrain. The bluegrass fairways are sand-plated to ensure the finest turf conditions for year-round play and lined with more than 12,000 trees including maples, buckeyes, firs, and willows. The greens are bent grass and the cart paths have a distinctive salt finish. The par 72 course’s design has a large number of approach strategies and is accommodating for players of all skill levels, but designed to challenge tournament level players. The course’s championship rating is 72.7. At Stone Tree you’ll find attention to detail and quality. The facilities include mats into net driving range, putting greens, chipping area, a pro shop, and a clubhouse. The 21,000 foot clubhouse includes a full-service and well-stocked pro shop; the Fireside Lounge for drinks; the View Terrace or the Black Point Bar & Grill restaurants for lunch, dinner, and banquets. For more information, visit their Web site at (www.stonetreegolf.com).