Birnam Wood at Birnam Wood Golf Club

Birnam Wood Golf Club sits in the foothills above Montecito, just east of Santa Barbara, where the Santa Ynez Mountains provide a dramatic backdrop to one of Robert Trent Jones Sr.'s California designs. Opened in 1966, the course occupies rolling terrain characterized by elevation changes, mature oak trees, and views that extend toward the Pacific Ocean and Channel Islands on clear days. Jones routed the layout to take advantage of the natural contours, creating a parkland setting that contrasts with the more arid landscape typical of Southern California coastal courses.

The design reflects Jones's signature style from that era: strategic bunkering, large greens with pronounced undulation, and holes that reward accurate placement over pure distance. Water comes into play on several holes, and the elevation shifts throughout the round add variety to club selection and shot-making demands. The course measures over 6,600 yards from the back tees, though multiple tee boxes accommodate different skill levels.

Birnam Wood operates as a private club with a membership drawn largely from the Montecito and Santa Barbara communities. The club maintains a relatively low profile compared to some of its neighbors in the area, focusing on golf and family recreation rather than high-profile tournaments or public attention. The setting, tucked into the foothills with limited visibility from public roads, reinforces the secluded character that defines many of the estates and clubs in this part of the California coast.