The East Course is the modern half of Vallejo's municipal 36 at Blue Rock Springs, designed by Robert Muir Graves and opened in 1993, a half century after the original West Course. Graves, the Walnut Creek architect whose public layouts are scattered across Northern California, routed the new eighteen over open, hilly ground above Columbus Parkway, and it looks nothing like its tree-lined elder: broader fairways, bunkered greens, and long sightlines to San Pablo Bay and Mt. Tamalpais on clear days. The city owns the facility and KemperSports operates it.

On the course

At par 70 and 6,162 yards from the blue tees, the East plays longer than the card suggests. The routing carries five par 3s and three par 5s, and the terrain does the defending: the 488-yard 5th climbs to an elevated green, while the 523-yard 7th tumbles downhill before turning back up. Without the West's mature canopy, wind off the bay sweeps most holes, and regulars figure one to two extra clubs on exposed approaches. Greens are guarded by sand, and enough sit above the fairway that distance control becomes the day's central question.

Who it suits

The practical case rests on challenge and pace rather than polish. Reviewers report rounds that move well, fairways kept well groomed, and greens that can run bumpy in stretches; conditions draw more mixed notes than the layout, which players consistently praise. Walking is allowed but the climbs are real, so most people ride. This is the round for the lower handicap in a Vallejo group, or anyone who wants genuine elevation change without driving to the coast.

Both courses share a clubhouse with a golf shop, the Cafe Rock grill, and banquet space for a hundred, plus a practice setup stronger than most munis: a driving range with grass and mat stalls, three putting and chipping greens, and PGA professionals teaching lessons and clinics. Between the two eighteens, the East is the sterner test. Pick it for the full examination, and save the West for days when accuracy sounds more fun than altitude.

Architect: Robert Muir Graves · Opened: 1993