Monarch Bay Golf Club - Tony Lema Course

I use to play a lot of golf, with a lot of connections that got me on a lot of really good courses (private and public), mostly when I lived in Southern California; but, then I got a corporate job 😳 which really cut into that playing time (from 2-3 times a week to maybe 8-10 times in the past 10+ yrs, if even that). Of course, I went from shooting in the mid to high 80s, to, right now hovering around 100. But man, I love playing golf, and I am hoping to start playing a lot more again.

And what does that have to do with the price of eggs, you ask? Well in reviewing this course, I just want to make it clear that it would be hard for me to give a perfect rating with the experiences I've had, however, that said, I am not a golf snob and this course is a really fun course to play on, it just doesn't look like the pictures (as is the case for many).

I played at this course probably 15 years ago, I'm guessing, and I don't know if it was brand new or remodeled, or just the right time of year, but it was in immaculate shape, and really did look like the pictures.

We had a 2:15 tee time which gave us about 3 hours of playing time before it would be too dark, we only made it to 13th hole, it was a Sunday and it was crowded, sucks, but to be expected. I am usually a fast golfer and play with others alike, so getting in 18 in 3 hours is/was the norm for me/us, although I know you probably need to consider 4 hours in most cases (I still don't think that would have been enough for us to complete the round).

The greens seemed in good shape, fairways were a little beat up, just a little; but aside from the condition and the traffic on the course, I'd still wholeheartedly recommend it.

I been playing here many times.I always injoy this course.The only problem in the afternoon is windy. Other than that it is very good Course. Couple of weeks ago I lost my 50 degrees wedge anybody who find this one Please return to the pro shop . This is my favorite wedge.I really appreciate this if you do return. Thank you..

This place rocks. Amazing experience, and beautiful views. Made 2 super super long puts, thanks to the amazingly kept greens. Best greens in the Bay IMO. Will come back

This really is a challenging course with lots of strategically placed sand traps and well groomed greens. If you’re a long ball hitter, this is a place for you to shine. However, after golfing here six times, I won’t be back. The pace of play is so slow that it took me six hours to finish 18 holes. The Marshal is not on top of it and the scheduler needs a basic lesson in pace of play. I’ve golfed all over the world for 20 years and it’s a shame that this course can’t seem to solve this problem. The people who work here are all very nice.

This course has always been one of my favorites in the Bay area. It's always a joy to play and remarkably stands up to the constant play it receives. I only hope the city and other government agencies involved fix the second bridge at some point that crosses over the tidal causeway. Seems like it been out of commission for at least two years now.

Course was terrible and they book way to many tee times

Friendly staff and good range. Construction going on around the clubhouse at the moment is a little annoying. A decent course of decent length. POP was a little slow but called the marshal and play sped up from that point. Fairways/greens in good shape!