13 Best Golf Courses in East Bay, CA

East Bay, Calif., boasts a rich history, vibrant community life, and some of the most appealing golf courses in the region. For those considering a move to East Bay or current residents thinking about picking up golf, exploring the local golf courses can significantly enhance your lifestyle. Whether you're seeking a challenging round at a prestigious country club or a relaxing day on a scenic public course, there's something for everyone.

Let local real estate expert Jake Kemper guide you through the best golf courses in Martinez, CA, ensuring you find a home and a course that suits your lifestyle.

These six country clubs have immaculate courses, each offering a slightly different experience than the last.

Round Hill Country Club in Alamo prides itself on a beautifully manicured golf course that challenges novice and experienced golfers alike. Open since 1960, the course features lush fairways watered by onsite wells. Members enjoy full access to the comprehensive practice facility and can join four organized groups. With strategic bunkering and undulating greens, the course provides a satisfying and prestigious golfing experience in a luxurious setting.

This esteemed country club features a classic golf course known for its narrow fairways and small greens. Course architects Jack Neville and William Watson eventually designed Pebble Beach and The Olympic Club. The Diablo course mirrors Scottish links-style golf with natural terrain requiring precision and strategy from the first hole to the iconic fairway oak on 18.

Blackhawk Country Club offers two magnificent 18-hole golf courses: the Lakeside and the Falls. Both courses are renowned for their pristine conditions, breathtaking views, and layouts that cater to golfers of all abilities, ensuring a memorable golf experience. Lakeside is rated as one of Northern California's ten most difficult courses, culminating in a dramatic par-3 island hole on 18. The Falls Course stands out for its five lakes and the spectacular waterfall behind the 11th green. Members enjoy onsite golf clinics, practice facilities, and an indoor training center.

Nestled in Clayton, Oakhurst Country Club boasts a challenging yet fair golf course with panoramic views of Mt. Diablo. The course’s elevation changes and strategically placed hazards demand thoughtful shot selection and provide an enjoyable round for all players.

Contra Costa Country Club features a re-designed golf course that offers a blend of playability and challenge. Facing a captivating 7,205 yards, golfers are captivated by the challenge and scenery of playing Contra Costa. The links-style course is kept in outstanding condition and features over 360 acres of lakes and natural wetlands, prompting strategic decisions and serving as a stunning backdrop for your round.

This El Cerrito club’s course is famous for its rolling fairways and fast, true greens. Measuring just over 6,500 yards, it’s a relatively short course with sloping fairways, rewarding ball-striking and accuracy over power. Initially built in 1920, the course offers expansive views of the San Francisco Bay and is playable for beginners and seasoned golfers.

These seven courses are open and accessible to the general public.

Boundary Oak Golf Course in Walnut Creek is recognized for its magnificent oak trees, sweeping views, and well-maintained greens. The public course provides a challenging layout with elevation changes and water hazards that appeal to all skill levels. Players can’t help but notice the course’s natural beauty, including local wildlife like great egrets, red-tailed hawks, and barn owls. Course rates range from $27 for twilight weekday rounds to $54 on weekends.

Located in Berkeley’s Tilden Regional Park, this course offers a challenging and scenic golf experience with narrow, tree-lined fairways and expansive views of the Bay Area. The greens are well-guarded, including the signature 16th hole, which overlooks the entire course and plays from an elevated tee to an elevated green protected by bunkers on either side. Course rates range from $22 during twilight hours to $62 on weekends and holidays.

This Oakland golf course is known for its hilly layout and stunning lake views. Lake Chabot offers 27 holes with its challenging 18-hole main course and a fun 9-hole par-3 course, making it suitable for golfers looking for variety and a test of their skills. Course rates for the 18-hole course range from $30 during twilight hours to $49 on weekends and holidays.

Situated in Castro Valley, Redwood Canyon Golf Course (formerly known as Willow Park) is set among the redwoods and offers a peaceful golf setting. The course borders the San Leandro Creek, which comes into play on nearly every hole. The layout requires precision and strategy, providing an engaging round for golfers of all abilities. Course rates range from $22 during twilight hours to $48 on weekends and holidays.

Corica Park has been recently renovated to offer one of East Bay's best public golf experiences. The South Course, redesigned by Rees Jones, features firm fairways, bunkers, and a links-style layout that challenges golfers to use every club in their bag. The North Course is undergoing a full renovation (its front nine is open for play as of May 2024). Greens fees on weekends are $99 for visitors, $89 for Bay Area residents, and $62 for Alameda residents.

Callippe Preserve Golf Course in Pleasanton is celebrated for its beautiful vistas and environmental preservation. The course layout incorporates natural topography and strategic hazards to enhance the golfing experience. There are five tees with a 2,000-yard difference between the shorter red and longer black boxes. The par-5 18th is one of the Bay Area’s most dramatic closing holes. Course rates range from $30 during twilight hours to $72 on weekends (plus $19 per rider for golf carts).

This Oakland golf course features a links-style layout with wide, rolling fairways and expansive greens. Once described by Tour Pro Johnny Miller as an “American Links” course, Metropolitan features wide-open fairways, large greens, and strong winds coming off the San Francisco Bay. With stunning panoramic views and nice touches like clusters of heather, the course is a longstanding favorite in Oakland. Course rates range from $34 during twilight hours to $87 on weekends and holidays.

Finding the perfect home in East Bay, especially one that allows easy access to these fantastic golf courses, is much easier with a knowledgeable local real estate team. Jake Kemper specializes in helping clients find homes that fit their lifestyle and leisure interests. With Jake’s deep understanding of the East Bay real estate market and community amenities, you will find a property that feels like a true home.

As you consider your options for golf and homes in East Bay, remember that the right community can enrich your lifestyle immensely. Jake invites you to explore these golf courses and consider what each might add to your daily life. If you’re ready to find a home that complements your passion for golf, contact Jake Kemper today.