Monarch Bay Golf Club - Tony Lema Course

I've played Monarch a few times, and like Metropolitan in Oakland, it gets exceptionally windy in the afternoon. What makes Monarch even tougher is that the last four holes are usually directly INTO the wind, and it's hard to finish strong. The course layout is nice, and has some very interesting holes. As a muni, it's not in pristine shape and that's okay. But the pace of play, especially on weekends, is often really bad. The par-3 6th hole tends to be the biggest culprit - we had three foursomes waiting there -- it's a longer par-3 where the wind is WAY up, so most golfers are nowhere near the green off the tee, and it just takes so long for them to finish up that the pile up occurs.

That said, it's a good course with a driving range for practice, and well worth the price for the Bay Area.

If the tee time purchased is Golfnow Hot time deal, the invoice will show it includes a cart. However, when I check-in, the staff tells me otherwise, and it is not included, and Golfnow made a mistake. I ended up renting a pushcart for $7 dollars (power cart was $17) despite my protest to the shop manager. He was telling me it is Golfnow’s problem, and they have nothing to do with the cart issue. I need to call Golfnow to get a reimbursement was his message. At this point, I was disgusted with their attitude towards the tee time booked through Golfnow, so I paid and left the pro shop.

Monarch Bay is a fun course that is definitely challenging. Holes are long and the wind makes it difficult. The course is in good condition and pace of play was good even though the course was crowded.

Great golf course to play when the rest of east bay is dealing with the heat great water view and value little busy but the pace of play is good the greens are well kept and the fairways good , alway bring a windbreaker

Just played this course for the first time and it was great. Very good conditions, great greens. Somewhat challenging with a lot of thick grass outside the rough, but playable for most golfers. Wind picked up a lot around 2 pm which added to the challenge especially on a couple long par 3s. I would recommend playing earlier in the day. The one negative was that the bunkers were quite packed and wet. Overall a good course and one of the better cheap courses around.

Our tee time was on schedule, staff was friendly. The condition of the course was really good, the greens were receptive and in pretty good condition, with most courses ball marks on the green were not repaired, but I attribute that to , today’s players. The cost to play was exceptional, I’m sure that’s one reason it was so busy , when we finished. I always recommend to start early if at all possible

Monarch Bay is a challenging course with some difficult holes.

The wind was strong today which made it even tougher.

The course is well layed out.

We walked today but there was a closed bridge which made the walk much longer.

Had fun and course was in great condition. Very flat a bit windy but still would go back!

Played on a Monday around noon, so it was extremely cost effective. Rained the night before so it was a bit soggy but held up very well. For what you pay, this is one of the best golf values you will find in the Bay Area. It was my first time playing Monarch Bay and definitely won’t be my last. Also helps that I broke 90 for the first time!!

Monarch Bay is a fun course with a challenging layout.

It is situated on the bay so it gets a little windy in the afternoon. The greens are in good condition. The fairways were in fair condition. The pace of play was a bit slow as the course was crowded on a Thursday.

Best bunkers on a muni corse,excellent greens also.Fairways a little spotty,need to fill in a little better.

This course is an area gem and a must play! Links style, so if you are looking for something new and different, this is it.

Gorgeous views of the Bay, SF skyline, and Oakland Hills. 5 tee boxes to choose from for all skill levels. This course is as long or as short as you want to play.

Great practice facility including double decker driving range, putting green, chipping green, and sand trap.

Restaurant, separate bar with plenty of TV's, pro shop.

The only detractor was there were no restrooms on the course. You gotta hold it until the turn! :)