with a special affinity that I was able to rekindle some memories, and update my acquaintance with the local golf scene. The truth is, much of
Marin—particularly the western portion—is still quite rural and agricultural, geographically dominated by undeveloped open space, forests, waterways, beaches, ranchlands and wetlands. Most of the action—and the population—is in the eastern part of the county in a string of small, upscale communities and cities running north-south along Highway 101. Near the middle of this stretch is the famed Marin Civic Center, the last major work of celebrated architect, Frank Lloyd Wright. Along with the futuristic-looking Eichler homes in nearby Terra Linda, it is emblematic of so much that is Marin—progressive, visually compelling, innova- tive, expensive, and clearly unique. The Civic Center has been used as a background setting in various science- fiction films, and for those who don’t know, the Eichler homes—built in the 1950s and ’60s—are reminiscent of something from “The Jetsons” animated TV series. Yet, for all of Marin’s
architecture, artists, singers, writers, ranchers, foodies, farmers, fishermen, blue collar tradesmen, upscale corporate types and new- agers, golf too, has long been a part of the fabric of the county, with a variety of six public options and two excel- lent private facilities. Before the concept of “executive course” ever existed, there was Mill Valley Municipal Golf Course, a nine-hole layout built in 1919. Situated in a prime residential area, it is very much a microcosm