Published September 15, 2005

The typically pristine and tranquil grounds of Sonoma Golf Club have been a bit disrupted as of late.

Brick, mortar and a general clutter of building supplies line the facility’s parking lot, a thin layer of dust cakes the asphalt and the steady sounds of construction provide an atypical soundtrack to an afternoon round of golf.

No need for members to worry however, the mess will soon be gone, with an even more professional and top-of-the-line facility in its place.

As part of a large overall renovation project, contractors and builders have been hard at work over the past year constructing a brand new clubhouse for the Arnold Drive golf club.

With an overhaul of the club’s grass and sprinkler systems already in the bag, the focus lately has been less on golf and more on the overall appeal of the club.
Central to this appeal will be a brand-new clubhouse.

Designed by prominent industry architects Marsh & Associates, the clubhouse will mix old with new as, traditional Sonoma Valley style meets modern amenities and conveniences.

Drawing on the influence of Sonoma’s Spanish past, the clubhouse was designed with more than comfort in mind.

“We looked at a couple of the local pieces down at the historic square, and researched various missions in California,” said project manager Bryan Webb, of Marsh & Associates. “We drew a lot of influence from Sonoma and some of the older [missions] in California.”
The design especially draws on the influences of the mission at San Juan Capistrano, said Webb.

This is best exemplified by the architect’s use of a Campanario wall, a traditional bell wall seen in many of the state’s missions.

Other mission-style features include: authentic building materials, three-coat stucco walls and an overall design situated around a central courtyard, a feature of nearly every mission.

The clubhouse’s interior will also draw on a Spanish style but aims to include some of the atmosphere only available in the Sonoma Valley.

“We also tried to bring in influences from the wine country,” said Webb. “Most notably, this will mean an old grape press, similar to the one you see coming into Napa, located in the clubhouse lobby.”

The press, which dates back to a simpler time in Sonoma history, was purchased at an antique store during construction and will be one of the first things visitors see upon entering the new structure.

Sticking with the Spanish theme, baked Saltillo clay tiles and hand-painted Tala Bera tiles will adorn the building’s interior.

Another major edition to the club will be a 75-yard, four-lane lap pool for adult members and a smaller wading pool for children.

Additional outdoor improvements include tennis courts, a new snack bar and a children’s playground complete with a play structure.

Such additions will help make the facility more family oriented and allow the club to take greater advantage of the ample outdoor space, said club general manager Mike Kosak.

Although the construction may attract a greater number of local members, club management may also be looking to impress a few bigger audiences: the Charles Schwab Cup and the Professional Golfers Association Tour (PGA Tour).

Currently in their third of a four-year contract to host the Charles Schwab Cup, improvements to club hospitality features may play a major role in determining whether or not the tour championship continues to make a stop at Sonoma Golf Club.

Due to ongoing construction at last year’s tournament, golfers were relegated to trailers when not in competition.

Thanks to the new structure, this year will be different.

“Logistically and operationally, [the new clubhouse] is much better for us,” said Schwab Cup Tour Director Chad Chatlos. “It will give the golfers somewhere to relax and interact with the fans.”

The Charles Schwab Cup Championship will take place October 25-30.
For more information contact the management offices at (707) 939-4131.
For information regarding Sonoma Golf Club facilities or membership call (707) 939-4100.