Peacock Gap Golf Club opened in 1960 on former tidal marshland along San Pablo Bay in San Rafael's Marin County. The original par-71 layout was designed by William F. Bell, son of California architect William P. Bell and the designer behind both courses at Torrey Pines in San Diego. The clubhouse opened in 1959 and became a Marin social hub, hosting celebrity tournaments that drew Bob Hope, Dean Martin, Kirk Douglas, and Lucille Ball, along with PGA professionals including U.S. Open champion Billy Casper.

On the course

Architect Forrest Richardson led a $4.8 million redesign that began with planning in 2004 and reopened the course in 2006. Richardson built entirely new holes at Nos. 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 17, rebuilt every tee, bunker, and green on the property, and addressed the drainage problems created by fairways sitting at or below sea level. The renovation also converted 16 acres of managed turf to native grass habitat. Bunkering follows the William P. Bell style, paired with more contoured modern greens.

Who it suits

The course plays 6,261 yards from the back tees to a par of 71, with four sets of tees down to 4,828 yards. The parkland routing stays relatively flat and short by championship standards, putting a premium on approach play rather than length off the tee. Water comes into play on several holes, most notably the par-3 6th, which is fronted by a pond, and the 166-yard par-3 16th, where an inlet guards the green with views toward the Richmond–San Rafael Bridge.

The property includes Marin County's only all-grass driving range, two practice greens, and a chipping and bunker area. Peacock Gap suits mid-handicap and recreational golfers looking for a walkable, scenic round, as well as players who prefer strategic, accuracy-driven layouts over brute-force distance.

Architect: William F. Bell · Opened: 1960