Millionaires golf; had the whole course to ourselves. All aspects superb. Three holes plus par 3s are carts on paths due watering and terrain. Quiet day, no drinks cart but you pass the clubhouse 3 ti... Continue »

Millionaires golf; had the whole course to ourselves. All aspects superb. Three holes plus par 3s are carts on paths due watering and terrain. Quiet day, no drinks cart but you pass the clubhouse 3 times. Nil defects and worth a look.

Terrific golf experience all around. The layout is fun, yet challenging. Almost every hole has good risk/reward, such as 2 reachable par 4's: the one on the front has a creek just short of it, so yo... Continue »

Terrific golf experience all around. The layout is fun, yet challenging. Almost every hole has good risk/reward, such as 2 reachable par 4's: the one on the front has a creek just short of it, so you better make sure you can carry 280+; the one on the back is built on a ridge w/ fall off on both sides into dense woods and steep cliffs. The 2 short par 5s are reachable as well, but again, trouble abounds nearby. What I like most about this layout is that good shots are rewarded, so much so that if you are playing well, you may think the course easier than the high slope/rating, but if you are not precise w/ your long game, you will shoot 10 strokes above your hdcp in a blink of an eye.

Conditions are as good as any course I've ever played. In 2 words, well manicured. Greens roll true so there's no excuse for bad putting. Golfers could repair their divots a bit more diligently, but every course has this same complaint. Fairways are spongy, a hint of dampness so you should not expect much roll. The evenly cropped fairways allows your ball to sit up just the right amount, no lies too tight or too settled-down. Tee boxes were nice and flat, also evenly mowed. Even the traps were well manicured, with just the right amount of fluffiness and consistency, no hard pan underneath.

Staff was extremely accommodating, bringing us a new cart on our 2nd round when our battery ran low. We'd forgotten a few items in the exhausted cart and they ferried those items out to us as well. This is as close to country club experience as you can get.

I even liked the hitting bay (in lieu of a driving range). It's a large bay that can fit 6-7 golfers at a time. Right before a round, I only want to warm up, not try to fix any swing flaws. So being forced to hit into a net alleviates my tendency to 'fix' any ball flight problems. I'm way too mechanical and this was the perfect solution for me.

Pace of play was decent. They stagger teetimes 10+ min. Our 4some waived 3 groups by and still finished us 4.5 hrs eventhough it was our 1st time playing. The 2nd round, w/ just 2 golfers, we were on pace to finish 18 holes in 3 hrs.

Cons?
-The refreshment cart was manned by a guy. I'd prefer a member of the fairer sex.
-There are not attachments on cart for sand bottles to refill divots while playing. I was catapulting green scalps all over the place and felt guilty for not repairing them, esp. when the conditions are so pristine.
-I have a laser rangefinder so didn't need a GPS, but for those that don't, they should have Skycaddies for rent since cart didn't have them and the yardage on sprinkler heads were not easy to find when you need them.

In summary, the most important criteria for me when rating a course are:
-layout
-conditions
-staff
-pace of play
Stonetree exceeded my expectations in the top 3 categories. I usually play Presidio when I come to San Francisco, but from now on, I'll make the effort to drive 35min out to Stonetree. Head & shoulders better golfing experience.

8.18.08
StoneTree started to punch and sand their tee boxes today

8.18.08
StoneTree started to punch and sand their tee boxes today

This course Always presents well. It is a good lesson in golf.
No faults found at all.
Good staff and drinks cart very often.
Enough said.

This course Always presents well. It is a good lesson in golf.
No faults found at all.
Good staff and drinks cart very often.
Enough said.

Hot (85) dry breezy day. The course presents very well. Extremely lush all areas. Fairways are cut down and dry making the ball run, but sometimes into trouble. That is the beauty of the layout.
Gras... Continue »

Hot (85) dry breezy day. The course presents very well. Extremely lush all areas. Fairways are cut down and dry making the ball run, but sometimes into trouble. That is the beauty of the layout.
Grass in the rough thick and lush and difficult getting the ball out skillfully. Greens were a bit slow and being allowed to grow. Could be due to the heat, but held very well on approaches. Drinks cart around very frequently, and all staff were pleasant. Downside: only hitting nets for warmup, no water stations on course BUT free bottled water at clubhouse. Huge practice green.
First class clubhouse with great bar. Reasonable twilight rate $55.

StoneTree is in fantastic shape. This is a Johnny Miller design, which means you can expect a very challenging round of golf. Customer service in the pro shop, on the course, and in the bar/restaura... Continue »

StoneTree is in fantastic shape. This is a Johnny Miller design, which means you can expect a very challenging round of golf. Customer service in the pro shop, on the course, and in the bar/restaurant is excellent. My only complaint is the $120 cost of a weekend round. The carts do not have GPS, so plan to bring your SkyCaddie.

The back nine is the interesting golf on the course. The front is flat and boring. All $100+ course should have a driving range and more than 3 holes on the practice green.

The back nine is the interesting golf on the course. The front is flat and boring. All $100+ course should have a driving range and more than 3 holes on the practice green.

I finally got around to playing Stonetree, even though I live in the area. It was everything I had heard it was. Challenging and in terrific shape although a few of the greens had that mottled look ... Continue »

I finally got around to playing Stonetree, even though I live in the area. It was everything I had heard it was. Challenging and in terrific shape although a few of the greens had that mottled look and were a little bumpy. Those holes up in the hills are gorgeous. This course will test your game. I would not recommend it for occasional players - it will eat you up. They allow walking, but it's a strenuous hike up the elevations and between holes. Stonetree kicked my butt the first time and I can't wait to try it again. Courses like this make you a better golfer. Join the Player's Club and play for $59 Mon-Thur, an excellent value.

I would play this course again, because the second time around is bound to be better. It's hard to settle in the first time here. The $$$ is all about #15 &16, two of the most beautiful holes you wi... Continue »

I would play this course again, because the second time around is bound to be better. It's hard to settle in the first time here. The $$$ is all about #15 &16, two of the most beautiful holes you will ever play. On a sparkling fall afternoon one could hardly be in a more enchanting place than on the 15th tee, then slowly going down the fairway to the green, coming off the high of 15 and then following that up with 16. If only there was a course with 18 holes like these these 2! Course is in great shape, $120 is a bit much but twilight for $80 is more like it. Very friendly A+ staff, give StoneTree a try, just realize it's a Johnny Miller design . . .