Montclair Golf Course, Oakland

Montclair golf course is one of those undiscovered places in Oakland that gives the city such charm. It isn't lavish, it isn't groomed, but it is relatively inexpensive and has the character and charm of the city itself. The facility is under construction right now, but I expect when its done the entire place will be a highly desireable place to improve one's game.

The Course: A pleasant experience for a simple pitch and putt course. A convenient local place to work the short game. The place is currently under heavy construction but still open. Can't wait to see what is coming. Pretty friendly operators. Driving Range: If you like hitting balls off a worn fake-grass mat (you will need to leave a $1 deposit for the rubber tees which apparently get stolen often)into a dry dust-blown gulch at a target which is a bad jury-riggged plastic bucket with balls that look like they were used for the past 20 years and pay $9.00 for a large bucket (credit card minimum conveniently starts at $10!)this is the place for you. Hopefully this is the primary target for the construction. The only saving grace is that it is open and convenient but I wonder as I leave whether it is helping or hurting my game each time I leave the driving range. I imaging money is tight and the construction costs are likely outrageous so perhaps the frequent users would kick in a donation in trade for a few free buckets once the construction is complete. I know I would to keep the facility open. Whatever you do Please Please Please replace the balls on a regular basis. There must be some kind of industry standard for these things.

If you live nearby, like I do, this place is a true gem. The family that runs it could not be any nicer, more knowledgable or more helpful. The driving range is well maintained, and the little pitch and put course is where you can truly improve your game. They have a full pro shop with great prices and all the personal attention you could ever hope for. I buy all my equipment here, and I am planning to continue doing so as long as I live in this area. Even though I'm a fairly serious golfer, I do not take this little place lightly, and I think I've seen my game improve more than it has anywhere else as a result. Enjoy!