Monarch Bay Tony Lema
San Leandro, California – 13800 Monarch Bay Dr, San Leandro, CA 94577
About Monarch Bay Tony Lema
Monarch Bay's championship eighteen opened in 1983 as a William F. Bell design on San Leandro's bayfront, named for Tony Lema, the Oakland-born pro who grew up in San Leandro, won the 1964 Open Championship at St Andrews by five shots over Jack Nicklaus, and died in a plane crash in 1966 at age 32. In 2001 the course reopened as Monarch Bay Golf Club after John Harbottle III rebuilt it as a Scottish-style links stretching 7,015 yards along the San Leandro Marina.
On the course
That yardage makes the Tony Lema Course one of the longest par 71s in California, and it plays every bit of it once the wind pours off San Francisco Bay, which is most afternoons. Harbottle's routing is exposed and firm, with rolling fairways, deep and well-placed bunkers, and protected wetlands crowding several landing areas. The 598-yard par-5 16th, defined by ten bunkers with the San Mateo Bridge in the distance, is the hole most players remember, and the club notes a bay view from every hole on the property.
Who it suits
The practical case is straightforward. The land is flat and walkable, rates are municipal, and reviewers consistently praise greens that roll quick and true even when they find the fairways patchy in spots. The same reviewers warn that weekend pace can stretch well past five hours from mid-morning on, so early tee times are the move, and they dodge the heaviest wind too. It suits longer hitters and anyone curious what links golf feels like without leaving the East Bay.
Practice facilities are a genuine draw. A 60-stall, double-deck driving range, lighted and open until 9 p.m., hits into a seven-acre natural grass landing area, and the club runs instruction programs alongside a golf shop and a restaurant overlooking the first and tenth tees. Beginners and short-game work belong on the adjoining par-30 Marina Course. Pick the Tony Lema Course when you want length, wind, and water views in a single round.
Architect: William F. Bell / John Harbottle III · Opened: 1983
Course Details
- 18 Holes
- Par 71
- 7,015 Yards
- Course Rating 71.3
- Slope 125
- Practice Facilities: Driving range · Practice green · Pro shop
- Tee Time Prices: $32 – $101
- Phone: (510) 895-2162
- Address: 13800 Monarch Bay Dr, San Leandro, CA 94577
Notable Facts About Monarch Bay Tony Lema
- Originally opened in 1983 as the San Leandro Golf Club designed by William F. Bell, then redesigned and reopened in 2001 as Monarch Bay Golf Club.
- The 18-hole Tony Lema Course and 9-hole executive Marina Course were overhauled by architect John Harbottle III, alongside construction of a double-deck lighted driving range.
- The course is named for Tony Lema, the 1964 British Open champion, and memorabilia from his 12-win PGA Tour career is displayed in the clubhouse.
Book Tee Times at Monarch Bay Tony Lema
Monarch Bay Tony Lema is an 18-hole par-71 public golf course in San Leandro, California. Tee times currently range from $32 to $101. Compare live rates and book online through Golf The Bay.
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