You’re standing on the first tee, looking out over the Dry Creek Valley. The morning mist is still clinging to the rows of vines in the distance. It’s quiet. Then you look at the fairway. It’s not just a fairway; it’s a topographical roller coaster. Welcome to Tayman Park.
Honestly, if you’ve spent any time in Sonoma County, you know Healdsburg is basically the land of $200 tasting menus and boutique hotels that cost a month's rent. But right there, barely a mile from the fancy downtown plaza, sits Tayman Park Golf Course, a place that feels like it’s holding onto a different era of California history.
It’s the oldest course in the county. It’s hilly as hell. And it’s probably one of the most misunderstood spots in the North Bay.
The Alister MacKenzie Mystery
There’s this rumor that always follows Tayman Park around. People say Alister MacKenzie—the legendary architect behind Augusta National and Cypress Point—had a hand in the design.
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Now, look. If you’re a golf history nerd, that’s a big deal. Most experts will tell you it’s "reportedly" or "attributed to" him, which is code for "we don't have the signed blueprints, but the vibes are there." The course opened in 1921 as a private club. When the Depression hit, things got bleak. The city of Healdsburg eventually stepped in and bought the place in 1935 for about $6,000. They named it after Colonel Charles Tayman, the club’s first president.
Whether MacKenzie actually walked these hills or just whispered advice over a gin and tonic, the layout is undeniably "Golden Age." It’s quirky. It’s tight. It doesn't rely on massive length to beat you up; it uses gravity and those tiny, undulating greens.
Don't Forget Your "Hill Legs"
If you think a 9-hole course is a walk in the park, Tayman will humble you. Fast.
Basically, there are only two holes on the entire property that aren't dealing with a significant elevation change. You are either hitting off a cliff or aiming for a green that feels like it’s perched on a skyscraper.
- Hole 2: Affectionately (or trauma-induced) known as "Cardiac Hill." You’re going up.
- The Greens: They’re small. They’re fast. And if you’re above the hole, good luck. You might end up back in the fairway.
- The Views: From the upper holes, you get a panorama of Fitch Mountain that makes you forget you just triple-bogeyed.
It’s a par 35 (or par 70 if you play the loop twice), and it only stretches to about 5,244 yards from the back tees. On paper, that sounds short. In reality, the side-hill lies make it feel like 7,000 yards. You’re rarely standing on flat ground. Your ankles will feel it tomorrow. Honestly, just rent a cart. Or better yet, try one of those "golf boards" they have—it’s like surfing the fairways.
The 2026 Renaissance
For a while there, Tayman Park was looking a little rough around the edges.
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But things have changed. The city and the Tayman Park Golf Group have pumped some real life back into the place. The clubhouse got a facelift. The entry road was rerouted. But the real game-changer? The driving range.
It’s a three-tiered, covered facility with Toptracer technology in the bays. It’s weirdly high-tech for such a historic, old-school course. You can sit there with a beer from the bar, watch the sunset over the valley, and track your ball flight on a screen. It’s become a local hangout as much as a practice spot. Even if you don't play a full round, people just show up to hit balls and hang out on the deck.
Why People Get Tayman Park Wrong
A lot of serious "scratch" golfers skip Tayman because it’s "just a muni 9-holer."
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That’s a mistake.
Yeah, it’s not Mayacama. It’s not a pristine, $500-a-round resort experience. It’s a community course. You’ll see seniors who have played there for 40 years, groups of teenagers learning the game, and tourists who need a break from wine tasting.
The charm is in the lack of pretension. You can wear a hoodie. You can laugh. You can actually afford the green fees (usually around $30-$40, which is a steal in Healdsburg).
Real-World Advice for Your Visit
- Bring Extra Balls: Those oak trees and steep drop-offs eat Pro-V1s for breakfast.
- The Deck is Mandatory: After the 9th hole, go to the clubhouse bar. Grab a local IPA or a glass of Sonoma Zin and sit on the back deck. It overlooks the course and the town. It’s one of the best views in the county, period.
- Book Ahead: Especially on weekends. Healdsburg is a destination now, and the secret about this "cheap" golf spot is out.
- Check the Weather: Since it’s hilly, drainage can be an issue in the peak of winter. If it’s been raining for three days, it’s going to be "mushy."
The Bottom Line
Tayman Park Golf Course isn't trying to be the next Pebble Beach. It knows exactly what it is: a rugged, historic, beautiful, and slightly exhausting piece of Healdsburg history. It’s where you go when you want to remember that golf is supposed to be fun, not just a status symbol.
Whether you're there for the MacKenzie history, the Toptracer range, or just to see if you can actually par Cardiac Hill, it’s worth the stop. Just don't say I didn't warn you about the hills.
How to Plan Your Round
To get the most out of Tayman, aim for a late afternoon tee time. The "golden hour" light hitting the vineyards across the valley is spectacular. You can book tee times directly through their website or call the pro shop at (707) 433-4275. If you're staying in downtown Healdsburg, it's a 5-minute Uber or a very brisk (and uphill) 20-minute walk. Pack a light bag, grab a chilled bottle of water, and prepare for some of the most interesting lies you’ll ever have to hit off of.