Golf Courses in Marin County: A Local Guide to Where to Play

Marin County’s outdoor lifestyle extends well beyond hiking and biking. For golfers, the county offers an appealing mix of public courses, approachable nine-hole layouts, and private clubs surrounded by some of Northern California’s most beautiful scenery.

Whether you’re looking for a quick afternoon round, a place to introduce your kids to the game, or a club where golf becomes part of your weekly routine, there’s an option worth exploring. Here’s a guide to the golf courses in Marin County and what makes each one distinctive.

Peacock Gap Golf Club — San Rafael

A public option for a full round, practice, and a meal afterward.

Located in eastern San Rafael, Peacock Gap combines public golf with amenities that make it easy to spend an entire morning or afternoon there. Its all-grass driving range, practice area, and golf instruction give players ways to work on their game without committing to a full round.

Afterward, RangeCafe offers a convenient place to gather for food or drinks. That combination makes Peacock Gap worth considering for groups who want their golf outing to include some time together off the course.

For anyone exploring San Rafael neighborhoods, Peacock Gap also illustrates the appeal of having recreation close to home: a round of golf can become a regular part of the week.

Indian Valley Golf Club — Novato

A scenic public course for golfers who enjoy a natural setting.

Indian Valley Golf Club offers an 18-hole public course set among Novato’s rolling hills, wetlands, and woodlands. The landscape is a significant part of its appeal, giving the outing a sense of escape while keeping it within Marin County.

Designed by Robert Nyberg and built in 1958, Indian Valley also offers membership options for regular players. The 19th Hole Bar & Grill provides a place to finish the day over a meal or drink.

If your ideal round includes a scenic backdrop and a full 18-hole experience without joining a private country club, Indian Valley belongs on your list.

Mill Valley Golf Course — Mill Valley

A nine-hole option surrounded by redwoods.

Mill Valley Golf Course captures a particularly charming side of Southern Marin. Its nine-hole layout sits within 42 acres of hills, creeks, and mature redwoods, creating an intimate setting with plenty of local character.

The course also offers a separate par-three short-course configuration within the existing layout, designed to accommodate beginners, juniors, and shorter hitters. That gives families and newer golfers another way to enjoy the course.

For players who prefer nine holes to a full-day outing, Mill Valley is an appealing place to start. The wooded surroundings are as much a part of the experience as the golf itself.

McInnis Park Golf Center — San Rafael

An option for practice, shorter rounds, and family outings.

McInnis Park Golf Center offers a nine-hole municipal course alongside a driving range, golf instruction, and miniature golf. Its 47-bay range features Toptracer technology, adding shot tracking and interactive play to a practice session.

The variety makes McInnis particularly useful for households with different levels of interest in golf. One person can practice, another can take a lesson, and the kids can enjoy miniature golf.

It’s also a practical starting point if you’re curious about the sport but want to ease into it before tackling an 18-hole course.

StoneTree Golf Club — Novato

An option to explore within the Bay Club membership network.

StoneTree offers an 18-hole course set across 132 acres of oak groves and rolling Marin hills. The club’s amenities include a 30-bay driving range, golf instruction, and an outdoor terrace for relaxing after a round.

As part of the Bay Club network, StoneTree is worth investigating if you’re considering a membership that incorporates golf into a broader recreation routine. Before planning a visit, contact the club directly to confirm which membership categories include golf and what guest access is available.

Marin Country Club — Novato

A private club that combines golf with family recreation.

Located in Novato’s Ignacio Valley, Marin Country Club features an 18-hole, par-72 course, practice facilities, and golf instruction. Its offerings extend beyond the fairways to tennis, pickleball, swimming, fitness, dining, and social activities.

That broader mix makes it worth considering for families who want a club they can use in several ways. Golf may be the initial draw, while the pools, courts, and social calendar give other household members reasons to participate.

The club offers several membership categories, so prospective members should compare current privileges and costs directly with its membership team.

Meadow Club — Fairfax

A private option with significant golf architecture history.

Set near Mount Tamalpais, Meadow Club brings together a scenic Marin setting and a notable place in golf history. Founded in 1927, it was the first course in North America designed by Alister MacKenzie, the celebrated architect whose work helped shape the game.

Its rolling landscape, mature oaks, and historic design make it especially interesting for golfers who appreciate course architecture. Meadow Club is private, with play intended for members and their guests.

For those exploring private golf in Marin, it offers a distinctive combination of history, landscape, and club community.

Choosing the Right Marin Golf Course

The best starting point depends on how you want golf to fit into your life:

• For a public 18-hole outing: Explore Peacock Gap or Indian Valley.
• For a shorter round: Consider Mill Valley or McInnis Park.
• For practice and family activities: Start with McInnis Park.
• For private golf alongside other recreation: Investigate Marin Country Club or StoneTree’s membership options.
• For historic course architecture: Learn more about Meadow Club.

Before heading out, check current tee times, rates, course conditions, and access requirements directly with the facility.

Golf as Part of the Marin Lifestyle

One of the pleasures of living in Marin is the ability to make outdoor recreation part of an ordinary week. A morning round, an afternoon lesson, or a few buckets of balls can be a simple way to spend more time outside and connect with friends and family.

If golf is part of your routine—or something you’d like to make more time for—it’s worth factoring course access into your home search. Exploring Marin’s neighborhoods means looking beyond the house itself to the places and activities that will shape your everyday life.

Thinking about buying or selling a home in Marin County? Contact me to explore the neighborhoods and lifestyle amenities that best fit the way you want to live.