Blue Rock Springs Golf Club - East Course

The slightly longer and newer of the two courses at Blue Rock Springs Golf Club, the East Course is a layout that's challenging, fun, and very walkable. Designed by Robert Muir Graves and opened in the 1970s, the East Course, which stretches to just over 6,100 yards from the tips, is a par 70 that certainly plays a little longer than its yardage. (The West Course, which opened in the 1940s, is a par 71 that plays just over 6,000 yards.) Offering sweeping views of the North Bay and Mt. Tamalpais in Marin County, golfers who play the East Course can also see the towers of the Golden Gate Bridge from selected vantage points. Because of the proximity to the nearby coastline, wind is always a factor on both courses. There are wetlands and some water features, and some of the bunkers can be pretty deep. Undulating greens with some severe breaks are also common. The no. 1 handicap hole is actually a fairly short par-5, the 488-yard fifth, but don't let the yardage fool you into a false sense of security. Going for it two certainly carries some risk with the fairway narrowing as you get closer to the green. But the most difficult part of the hole is the kidney shape green with severe sloping from front right to back left, making two putts a challenge. Down the stretch are some tough par 4s and a tricky 167-yard par-3 16th. Again, it's all about the wind and figuring in elevation change. Besides the course, Blue Rock Springs also has a driving range, short-game area, and practice putting green. Both individual lessons and clinics are offered by the professional staff. And inside the clubhouse you'll find a well-stocked golf shop as well as Cafe Rock, which offers a rock-n-roll themed decor and menu. Fare includes breakfast sandwiches, tuna melts, hot dogs, burgers, and a variety of sodas, cocktails, and beer.