Granite Bay Golf Club is one of Northern California’s most prestigious private golf clubs, located in Granite Bay, California, in the Sierra Foothills east of Roseville, near the western shore of Folsom Lake. Opened in 1994, this member-owned facility is managed by Invited Clubs (formerly ClubCorp), one of the nation’s premier private club operators.​

The course was designed by legendary golf architect Robert Trent Jones Jr. in collaboration with Kyle Phillips, who was Jones’s lead architect at the time. The design has earned widespread recognition, being listed in Golf Week Magazine’s Top 100 Modern Day Golf Courses in the United States.​

Course Design Philosophy

Granite Bay follows in the rich tradition of classic American golf design, inspired by legendary courses like Pine Valley, Cypress Point, Riviera, and San Francisco Golf Club—masterpieces designed by H.S. Colt, Alister Mackenzie, George Thomas, and A.W. Tillinghast. The result is what reviewers call a “contemporary classic” and a “thinking player’s golf course“.​

The natural setting features dramatic granite outcroppings, mature oak trees, and natural lakes—elements that give the club its name and character. Unlike many developments, there are no homes or commercial structures visible from the course, preserving its pristine natural atmosphere.

Practice Facilities

Granite Bay provides comprehensive practice amenities for members:​

Driving Range:

• 6 practice tees for comfortable practice sessions​

• Operating hours: Tuesday-Sunday, 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM​

• Closed on Mondays along with the rest of the club​

• Unlimited range access included with membership​

Short Game Areas:

• Dedicated putting green for pre-round preparation​

• Chipping green for short game practice​

• Operating hours: Tuesday-Sunday, 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM​

Professional Instruction

Granite Bay offers comprehensive golf instruction programs led by multiple PGA-certified professionals:​

Head Golf Professional – Michael Nicoletti:

• Extensive competitive playing background from age 9 through Division 1 college golf and professional golf

• 250+ students coached

• Specializes in player development for all skill levels

• Offers private lessons, group instruction, playing lessons, club fitting, and tournament preparation​

Additional Staff:

• Meredith A. Lobeck, PGA: Golf instruction specialist​

• Multiple teaching professionals for group and individual programs​

Instruction Programs:​

• Private Lessons: One-on-one customized coaching

• Group Classes: Fundamental through advanced techniques

• Junior Programs: Specialized training for young golfers

• Women’s Programs: Tailored instruction for female members

• Game On! Program: Structured curriculum for beginners and returning players

• Club Fitting: Professional custom club fitting services

• Playing Lessons: On-course instruction for real-world application

Membership Information

As a private club, Granite Bay operates on a membership model with various tiers and significant initiation fees:​

Historical Membership Costs (for reference):

• Initiation Fee: Reduced to approximately $24,000 in March 2012 (down from $33,000)​

• The club is near its 475-member cap, indicating high demand and limited availability​

• Monthly dues and assessments apply in addition to initiation fees​

Guest Policy: Closed to public—members and their guests only​

Membership Benefits Include:

• Unlimited golf access

• Unlimited practice facility use

• Dining privileges at multiple venues

• Social events and Member-led interest clubs

• Access to fitness center

• Tennis facilities

• Family programming​

Clubhouse and Dining

The clubhouse reflects traditional architecture from the timeless style of Stanford White, whose creations range from Shinnecock Hills to Madison Square Garden.​

Dining Options:​

• MacKenzie Grille & Terrace at the Tips: Upscale dining, Wed-Sat 11am-2pm, 5pm-8pm

• Tilly’s Pub: Casual dining and bar, Tue-Sun (hours vary)

• Cobble Cafe: Breakfast and lunch, Wed-Sun 8am-2:30pm

• Private event spaces for weddings, corporate events, and celebrations​​

Course Conditions and Reviews

Granite Bay consistently receives excellent reviews for maintenance and playing conditions:

• 4.7 out of 5 stars on 18Birdies with 103 reviews​

• 4.6 out of 5 stars on Yelp with 81 reviews​

• Course Condition rated 4.6/5 by golfers​

• Course Difficulty rated as Hard​

• Described as “Sacramento’s best golfing facility”​

• “Widely regarded as a modern classic, gaining widespread recognition and a plethora of awards for its greens, clubhouse and its course design”