StoneTree Golf Club (Novato, Calif.) has completed a comprehensive multi-million-dollar renovation, improving playability and accessibility for golfers of every skill level. The project ran from November 2025 to April 2026 with minimal disruption to the daily member experience.
A new set of “green” tees, positioned ahead of the existing “white” tees, was introduced to better accommodate new golfers, juniors, and seniors. The broader renovation also included a full bunker overhaul (roughly 10 bunkers removed, 10 relocated, and 10 rebuilt in place), tee box work on 75 percent of holes, and a full irrigation system upgrade.
The renovation was designed to improve course conditions overall: the new bunkers make maintenance more efficient, and the upgraded irrigation system improves turf firmness and speed while reducing water use. The changes aim to make the course more accessible, ensuring that while low-handicap players will still be challenged, high-handicap players will have more forgiving shot options since bunkers that were primarily in play for high-handicap golfers have been removed to improve pace of play.
“Our goal was to create a more enjoyable and accessible experience for all golfers. So far, average pace of play has decreased by about 10 minutes to 4 hours, and the lower handicap is still seeing the course as the challenge it was before while the higher handicap is seeing an easier and more enjoyable round of golf,” says Bay Club Chief Customer Officer Ryan Burke. “These enhancements reflect our commitment to providing top-tier facilities and a welcoming environment for all members and their guests, regardless of their golf abilities.”
StoneTree Golf Club, established in 2000, is an 18-hole championship course designed by Johnny Miller, Sandy Tatum, Jim Summers, and Fred Bliss. The course spans 132 acres of pristine greens, shaded oak groves, and rolling hills in Marin County. Operated as part of the Bay Club’s Marin campus, it offers a challenging yet enjoyable experience for golfers of all skill levels. In 2014, Bay Club acquired StoneTree, which had previously operated as a public golf facility. Throughout its ownership, Bay Club has invested capital including building a 27 acre, state-of-the-art driving range and practice facility from land acquired through the County of Marin. As part of membership at StoneTree, members receive access to the greater Bay Club community including top athletic, fitness, and sport facilities.
The renovation underscores Bay Club’s dedication to maintaining high-quality facilities and enhancing the golf experience for its members and guests.
