The Blue Rock Springs Golf Club in Vallejo has seen a resurgence in membership and community support, marking its status as a beloved local destination. General Manager Brent Cornelius, who first played at the club at the age of 11, is now focused on nurturing new members rather than competing in tournaments.
Cornelius fondly recalls the course where he won a youth title in 1986. “It’s a good course to learn the game on,” he remarked. “I love the design and it’s not overly challenging but also not easy. Over the years, people took very good care of it.” Currently, the club boasts around 265 members, with expectations to reach nearly 300 by the end of the year. The club was recently voted Solano County’s Favorite Thing to Do, reflecting its prominent place in the local community.
Rich History and Course Features
Opened in 1941 by founders Jack Fleming and Joe Mortora, Blue Rock Springs has evolved significantly over the decades. The club expanded in 1993 with the addition of the East Course, which offers stunning views of the North Bay and Mt. Tamalpais in Marin County. The course underwent enhancements in 2006 under the direction of designer Robert Muir Graves.
According to the club’s website, the West Course is “very playable and well-suited for every level of player,” while the East Course presents a more challenging experience with elevation changes and sand bunkers. Together, the two courses provide a total of 36 holes for golfers of all skill levels. The club also features a full driving range with 32 practice stalls, along with two putting greens and a chipping green, ensuring ample practice facilities.
Open seven days a week and only closed on Christmas Day, Blue Rock Springs caters to both local residents and out-of-town visitors. The general manager noted that weekends draw larger crowds, but weekday play remains steady, contributing to the club’s vibrant atmosphere.
Recognition and Community Engagement
Blue Rock Springs has garnered significant accolades, including recognition from the U.S. Commerce Association as the “best of” in the public golf courses category for 2022. It has also been identified as one of the top facilities in Solano County from 2015 to 2025.
Cornelius takes pride in fostering a welcoming environment for all members. “I love trying to keep all the members of the club happy, and some of them go back to being here since I first started playing here,” he said. “But one of my biggest joys is seeing the growth of the club. I love seeing new members enjoy the course for the first time and in time, become members.”
When asked about his favorite holes on the course, Cornelius mentioned the 11th hole on the East Course and the 14th hole on the West Course as standout favorites.
For those interested in becoming a member of Blue Rock Springs Golf Club, inquiries can be directed to Nikki Short at [email protected] or Ashley Thomas at [email protected]. Members enjoy priority tee times, discounted rates, and exclusive offers in the pro shop.
As Blue Rock Springs continues to thrive, it stands as a testament to both its rich history and its commitment to cultivating a passionate golfing community.
