
Claremont Course
Claremont Country Club

About this course
Claremont Country Club, a bastion of East Bay tradition, presents a challenging and rewarding golfing experience shaped by its unique setting. The course, nestled in the Oakland hills, offers panoramic views of the San Francisco Bay. Its hilly terrain is a defining characteristic, demanding strategic shot-making and thoughtful club selection from tee to green. The hilly lies of the fairways are notoriously difficult to play. Designed by the esteemed architect Willie Watson in the early 20th century, Claremont embodies the classic Golden Age principles of course design. Its undulating fairways and strategically placed bunkers require creative approaches and a keen understanding of the ground game. While not a regular stop on the professional tour calendar, Claremont has hosted numerous regional and amateur events, solidifying its place as a respected test of golf in Northern California. Beyond the golf course, Claremont fosters a membership known for its eclectic blend of artists, academics, and business leaders. This diverse community finds common ground in their shared appreciation for the club's rich history and understated elegance. Post-round gatherings often feature lively discussions, with the club's grill room serving as a hub for intellectual exchange and spirited debate over the day's triumphs and tribulations.
Rankings
Ranked by CV ratings from golfers who've played this course. Positions are shown worldwide, by country, and by state; the Private column compares member-only and guest-restricted courses.
Best in World
Best in USA
Best in CA
Quick facts
- Location
- Oakland, CA, USA
- Access
- Private
- Year built
- 1903
- Holes
- 18
- Designer
- Jim Smith
- Par
- 68
- Length
- 5,495 yards
- Difficulty
- 72.1/129
- Course Vaults score
- 8.5
Getting there
Claremont Country Club sits in the Oakland Hills, most readily accessed via Oakland International Airport (OAK), a straightforward twenty-minute drive east through the city's residential neighborhoods and into the tree-lined slopes of the East Bay. For those arriving by private aircraft, the nearby Hayward Executive Airport (HWD) offers a closer alternative, reducing ground time considerably. The final ascent winds through the eucalyptus-dotted foothills, the urban sprawl giving way to the serene, oak-studded landscape that frames this venerable club - a transition that feels less like leaving the Bay Area and more like discovering a hidden sanctuary that has quietly presided over the region for over a century.

FAQ
Common questions about Claremont
Ratings, design, and course details pulled from Course Vaults.
Claremont has a Course Vaults score of 8.5 out of 10 based on 24 logged golfers.
Claremont was designed by Jim Smith.
Claremont is listed as private on Course Vaults; guest access is typically restricted.
Par at Claremont is 68.
Claremont plays 5,495 yards from the back tees on Course Vaults.
The slope rating at Claremont is 129.



