Montclair Golf Course opened in January 1961 as a 28-acre practice complex in the Oakland hills, advertised as "28 acres of golfing pleasure for the entire family, set in beautiful wilderness 10 minutes from downtown Oakland." No architect is recorded. The City of Oakland owns the property, and since 1980 it has been leased and run by the Lee family: patriarch Pillim Lee took over the operation that year, and his sons now split duties, Cliff overseeing golf and James the bar. GOLF.com profiled the family and the facility in early 2026.

On the course

The nine par 3s total roughly 600 yards, so this is a wedge-and-putter exercise; no hole stretches much past 80 yards, and published lengths run from the mid-50s to about 80. The layout is squeezed onto a hillside below the driving range, with artificial-turf tees and synthetic greens that run fast. Mature trees crowd the corridors, so even at these distances an offline wedge finds trouble, and holding the firm surfaces takes a properly flighted pitch.

Who it suits

There are no tee times; play is walk-in only, and a loop rarely takes much more than an hour. Weekday green fees are in the single digits, there are no carts, and the short routing walks easily. Reviewers rate pace and value as excellent, describe conditions as average for a synthetic-surface short course, and frequently praise the friendly staff. It suits juniors, beginners, and anyone fitting golf around a workday, since the adjoining range stays lit into the evening.

The practice side is the heart of the operation: a double-decker range with 19 stalls up top under evening lights, 17 shaded stalls below, and two TrackMan bays rentable by the hour. The pro shop handles club fitting, regripping, and reshafting, and lessons are offered daily. A wood-paneled bar and restaurant beside the shop serves lunch and dinner every day, adds weekend breakfast, and keeps a pool table. Pick Montclair to introduce someone to the game, sharpen wedges from 50 to 80 yards, or cap a range session with a burger.

Architect: Unknown · Opened: 1961