Courtesy of Mayacama GC
Courtesy of Mayacama GC
Courtesy of Mayacama GC
Mayacama Golf Club
Santa Rosa, CA • Private
Mayacama Golf Club
1240 Mayacama Club Dr
Santa Rosa, CA 95403-8251
United States
Overview
As Jack Nicklaus wound down his competitive career, his empathy for average golfers rose, and rather than continue to build back-breaking championship-length courses, he began to tailor some of his designs toward the average golfers who foot the bill. Thus, Mayacama is less than 6,800 yards and is routed to be a very comfortable walk, essential since the club has no golf carts. A bold design, it explores every facet of the oak-dotted hillsides above Santa Rosa. Watersheds and gulches figure prominently in the layout, which has some dramatically elevated tees and four stunning, gambling par-5s.
About
Awards
Ranking history:
Second 100 Greatest: Ranked 2015-'16 and 2021-'26.
Previous ranking: 137th.
2025-'26 ranking: 147th.
100 Greatest: Ranked for 14 years from 2005-'14 and 2017-'20.
Highest ranking: No. 66, 2007-'08.
Best in State: Ranked inside the top 10, 2005-'07. Ranked 10th, 2013-'14. Ranked 11th, 2011-'12. Ranked 12th, 2015-'18. Ranked 13th, 2019-'20. Ranked inside the top 15, 2003, 2009-'10. Ranked 16th, 2021-'22.
2025-'26 ranking (and previous): 19th.
Panelists
Ratings from our panel of 1,900 course-ranking panelists
100 GREATEST/BEST IN STATE SCORES
Shot Options
Character
Challenge
Layout Variety
Fun
Aesthetics
Conditioning
Reviews
Review
“A very nice course, but has design weaknesses. Has drama with many forced carries, but they become redundant. I like how Nicklaus used a winding creek as a design feature, but again and again? This makes the course challenging for a weaker player. The par-5's, as a group, could be stronger. Only one offers a go-no go scenario. Mostly, they're lay-ups. Who wants to hit a 5, 6, or even a 9 iron as a second shot on a par-5? 16th, a short par-4, is a weird hole. No risk to justify such a short hole."
Read More2023
Review
“Played Mayacama for the 3rd time with a member / friend in the middle of July. A very hot day and we walked the course. Mayacama is one of Jack's premier courses on the West Course. His use of the land is evident when looking at the layout while trucking up and down the various hills / valleys around the course. This course is in wonderful condition and shows off the beauty / aesthetics of the Santa Rosa mountains. Shot options are very fun and challenging especially from the Member tee's. Not that it was necessary, but Jack's use of strategic bunkering make the risk/reward on numerous holes a worthy challenge. This "members only" course does not receive the credit that it should (in my opinion) likely due to the routing on the back nine. That being said, Jack DID use the natural landscaping and chose NOT to move a bunch of dirt to reduce the walk / climb. I found Mayacama to score well enough to secure its spot within the Top 100. A fun golf course with wonderful greens and true / fast / firm fairways."
Read More2023
Review
“Spectacular experience. I always love being at Mayacama. No other course I've played is so scorable for a low handicap player versus penal for a higher handicapper. If you're on your game, you can aim to break par. If you're struggling, breaking 100 is more of a challenge. Best caddies outside of Seminole. Locker room, food, atmosphere are all top notch."
Read More2018
Review
“Good Nicklaus design and a fun walk. The caddy only experience is fun. Great clubhouse."
Read More2018
Review
“here were a couple of notable shots that exemplified shot values, such as the approaches on 12 and 13. or a hilly course, I found there to be so many great vistas and interesting looks at holes that made me want to summon my best shot. The highlights was the third hole, including the surprising walk in the woods to the green, and perhaps the country's smallest waterfall"
Read More2018
