
Menlo Course
Menlo Country Club




About this course
Nestled in the heart of Woodside, Menlo Country Club is a storied testament to understated elegance, a haven of golfing tradition within the Bay Area’s vibrant landscape. Not unlike Cypress Point or the California Golf Club nearby. A 1924 design by William Watson, Menlo embodies the spirit of the Golden Age, rewarding strategic play across its gently rolling terrain. Expect tight fairways that demand precise tee shots. The course favors those who can work the ball, offering subtle doglegs and strategic bunkering that encourages thoughtful approaches rather than brute force. With its mature oaks and meticulously manicured greens, Menlo presents a classic parkland experience, though its smaller scale gives it a more intimate, walkable feel than many of its grander counterparts. While it may not boast the national acclaim of some nearby clubs, Menlo maintains a strong regional presence, revered for its challenging layout and tight knit membership. Instead, Menlo offers a sanctuary from the frenetic pace of Silicon Valley life, a place where members value camaraderie, tradition, and the pure enjoyment of the game. Known for its commitment to the traditions of the game, Menlo has long been a favorite amongst those in the peninsula. The club hosts popular men's and women's invitationals annually. A proper course, for a proper membership.
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
- Woodside, CA, USA
- Access
- Private
- Year built
- 1917
- Holes
- 18
- Designer(s)
- Tom Nicoll, Kyle Phillips, Robert Trent Jones Sr.
- Par
- 71
- Length
- 6,802 yards
- Difficulty
- 72.2/130
- Course Vaults score
- 8.1
Getting there
Menlo Country Club sits in the verdant hills of Woodside, most easily reached via San Francisco International Airport (SFO) or San Jose Mineta International (SJC), each roughly forty-five minutes to an hour away depending on Bay Area traffic patterns. For those arriving by private aircraft, Palo Alto Airport (PAO) lies just fifteen minutes south, offering a discrete entry point favored by the club's membership. The drive from any of these gateways winds through the Peninsula's oak-studded foothills, transitioning from suburban thoroughfares into increasingly secluded roads that climb gently toward the Santa Cruz Mountains, where the club's manicured grounds and understated clubhouse emerge amid towering redwoods and rolling fairways - a sanctuary of California golf tradition set apart from the valley's relentless pace below.

FAQ
Common questions about Menlo
Ratings, design, and course details pulled from Course Vaults.
Menlo has a Course Vaults score of 8.1 out of 10 based on 17 logged golfers.
Menlo was designed by Tom Nicoll, Kyle Phillips, and Robert Trent Jones Sr..
Menlo is listed as private on Course Vaults; guest access is typically restricted.
Par at Menlo is 71.
Menlo plays 6,802 yards from the back tees on Course Vaults.
The slope rating at Menlo is 130.



