The Menlo Way

Menlo Country Club is a family-friendly, non-business social club that fosters a level of formality, decorum, club etiquette, friendliness, and respect for its members, their families, guests, and staff. We call this The Menlo Way.  As a member of Menlo Country Club, you agree to and help us uphold The Menlo Way by being aware of and adhering to the club culture, rules, and policies.  Please take a moment to review the Club Culture, Rules, and Policies Summary and Documents below (scroll down).  For any feedback, needs, or questions, please contact Menlo Country Club by phone at 650-366-5751 or by email at [email protected].

Culture, Rules & Policies Summary

The speed limit on the small road between Woodside Road and the clubhouse is 15 miles per hour at all times. Please watch for golfers in both directions when approaching the section of road that crosses the golf course. All vehicles must be parked in designated areas.

Cell phones, laptops, iPads, or any other electronic devices are not permitted, with a few exceptions noted below. There are three designated phone rooms in the clubhouse—two on the upper level and one on the lower level—for phone use. All phones should be on silent mode.

Speakers/amplified sound are not permitted.

✅ Permitted  ⛔ Not Permitted

 

Voice Calls

Texting & Data

Earpieces

Phone Photos 

Upper Level Clubhouse

Phone out of sight

Phone out of sight

⛔ 

✅ Taking photos  

Sharing photos

Lower Level Clubhouse

✅ 

✅ 

Clubhouse Phone Rooms

Golf Course

✅ 

✅ 

Court Pavillion

✅ 

Courts

✅ 

✅ 

Fitness Center

✅ 

Required when listening

Pool Area

✅  

Required when listening

Parking Lot

✅ 

✅ 

Car

✅ 

✅ 

✅ 

✅ 

Members and guests, walking age and older, are required to wear appropriate attire and footwear befitting the area.  All clothing should be in good condition—free of frays, rips, fading, holes, and tears.

Changing Clothes
Members and guests must change shoes and/or clothing in the locker rooms, not the parking lot. The golf locker rooms are accessed through the clubhouse breezeway next to the Golf Shop, down the stairs, and to the right. The Fitness Center locker rooms are accessed on the lower level of the Fitness Center near the pool area.


Permitted  Not Permitted

 

Tops Bottoms Shoes Hats Denim

Upper Level Clubhouse Attire

"Country Club Casual" – blouses, tops, golf tops
⛔ Workout, athletic attire, tennis and pickleball attire that resembles workout attire, swim attire, tank tops, halter tops, t-shirts, crop tops, tube tops, bra-type tops, bare midriff

"Country Club Casual" – slacks, dresses, skirts,  golf shorts/skirts (mid-thigh/fingertip length or longer)
⛔ Workout, athletic attire, tennis and pickleball attire that resembles workout attire, swim attire, leggings

 Close-toed shoes, sandals, or soft golf spikes

Terraces, forward-facing
⛔ Strongly discouraged inside

⛔ Blue denim attire

Lower Level Clubhouse Attire

Same as upper-level clubhouse attire

Same as upper-level clubhouse attire  Close-toed shoes, sandals, or soft golf spikes  Forward-facing ⛔ Blue denim attire
Golf Attire

 Collarless, sleeveless golf tops
Halter tops, scoop-necked, racerback tanks, bare midriff

 Golf slacks, skorts/skirts (mid-thigh/fingertip length or longer)
Leggings

 Soft spikes or flat soled shoes; closed-toed
Metal spikes

 Forward-facing ⛔ Denim attire
Racquet Sports Attire

 Athletic t-shirts/tops/tank tops required at all times
⛔ Bare midriff

 Athletic shorts, skorts/skirts, dresses, and pants/leggings designed for athletic use

 Court shoes with non-marking soles required
⛔ Running shoes, flip-flops, or sandals

 Forward-facing ⛔ Denim attire
Fitness Center Workout Attire

 Athletic t-shirts/tanks/tops; tops required at all times
 Bare midriff

 Athletic tights, leggings, exercise shorts, warm-up  Closed-toed athletic shoes required Forward-facing ⛔ Denim attire
Pool Area and Swim Attire

Swimsuits are required while swimming and in the hot tub; cover-ups are required in the pool dining area
Swimsuits in the Fitness Center main exercise room



 Forward-facing  All colors












 

Members and guests, walking age and older, are required to wear appropriate attire and footwear befitting the area.  All clothing should be in good condition—free of frays, rips, fading, holes, and tears.

Changing Clothes
Members and guests must change shoes and/or clothing in the locker rooms, not the parking lot. The golf locker rooms are accessed through the clubhouse breezeway next to the Golf Shop, down the stairs, and to the right. The Fitness Center locker rooms are accessed on the lower level of the Fitness Center near the pool area.

 Permitted  Not Permitted

 

Tops Bottoms Shoes Hats Denim

Upper Level Clubhouse Attire

 "Country Club Casual" – Tops with sleeves and collars or mock turtlenecks; tops must be tucked in at all times except for dress shirts designed to be worn outside of trousers
 Workout, athletic attire, tennis, and pickleball attire that resembles workout attire, swim attire, tank tops, and t-shirts

 "Country Club Casual" – slacks, golf shorts (at most 2-3 inches above the knee or longer)
 Workout, athletic attire, tennis, and pickleball attire that resembles workout attire, swim attire

 Close-toed shoes, sandals, or soft golf spikes

 Terraces, forward-facing 

 Inside

⛔ Blue denim attire

Lower Level Clubhouse Attire

Same as upper-level clubhouse attire

Same as upper-level clubhouse attire  Sandals and flip-flops  Forward-facing ⛔ Blue denim attire
Golf Attire

 Golf top with collar and sleeves required; golf tops must remain tucked in
 Tank shirts

 Golf slacks, shorts (at most 2-3 inches above the knee or longer); belt required
⛔ Cargo shorts

 Soft spikes or flat soled shoes; closed-toed
 Metal spikes

 Forward-facing ⛔ Denim attire
Racquet Sports Attire

 Athletic t-shirts/tops/tank tops required at all times
⛔ Bare midriff

 Athletic shorts, skorts/skirts, dresses, and pants/leggings designed for athletic use

 Court shoes with non-marking soles required
 Running shoes, flip-flops, or sandals

 Forward-facing ⛔ Denim attire
Fitness Center Workout Attire

 Athletic t-shirts; shirts required at all times

 Athletic pants, exercise shorts  Closed-toed athletic shoes required  Forward-facing ⛔ Denim attire
Pool Area and Swim Attire

Swimsuits are required while swimming and in the hot tub; cover-ups are required in the pool dining area
 Swimsuits in the Fitness Center main exercise room



 Forward-facing  All colors

  Reservations/Check-in/Registration Cancellation Policy

Dining

Grill Room
Grill Terrace
Menlo Room
Library (upon request)
Pool (seasonal)

Reservations are required via the Menlo App or the front desk; they are preferred several days in advance, otherwise seating at discretion of staff.  For reservations after 3pm on the same day, reservations should be made through the front desk.

For dinner reservations for a party of 4 or fewer, cancel by noon on the day of the reservation to avoid a charge of  50% of the average price per person.
For dinner reservations for parties larger than 4, cancel before 4:30 pm the day before the reservation to avoid a charge of 100% of the average price per person.

To-Go Food and Beverage Order

To-Go Ordering for delivery via the Menlo App or the front desk.

N/A
Golf No tee times are required for regular daily play; check-in with the Golf Shop or professional staff before play. N/A
Golf Tournaments Sign-up is required via the Golf Shop or the Golf Genius Link. 72-hour cancellation policy (unless otherwise noted) to avoid being charged.
Golf Instruction Sign-up through via website. Per golf instructor.
Racquet Sports Facilities Court reservations required via the Menlo App; members may book a maximum of 2 pickleball courts for 30-90 minutes each; for pickleball reservations, please reserve  3A or 3B first; if neither is available, reserve 4A or 4B. If there is a no-show after 30 minutes of the reservation start time, professional staff will cancel the reservation. 
Racquet Sports Clinics/Lessons Request lessons or sign-up for clinics via the Menlo App or email. 48-hour cancellation policy to avoid being charged.
Racquet Sports Catered Events Sign-up is required via the Menlo App or the front desk.

A minimum of 16 registered members is required to proceed with catering services at the racquet sports facility. In cases where fewer than 16 members are expected to attend an event, the Director of Racquet Sports will contact the group at least 72 hours prior to the event to offer alternative arrangements.
72-hour cancellation policy to avoid being charged.

Pool/Hot Tub 
Fitness Center

Check-in is required before use; scan the QR code via the Menlo App or use the manual sign-up sheet. N/A
Fitness Classes

Sign-up is required via the Menlo App. 

24-hour cancellation policy to avoid being charged.
Private Swim Lessons Sign-up directly with the instructor. 24-hour cancellation policy to avoid being charged.
Personal Training Sign-up directly with the trainer. 24-hour cancellation policy to avoid being charged.
Social Events Sign-up via the Menlo App or with the front desk. 72-hour cancellation policy to avoid being charged
Cottages Request a cottage reservation via the Menlo App or with the front desk. 72-hour cancellation policy to avoid being charged.
Please help guests feel comfortable visiting the club by sharing our public-facing Guest Information Summary.  Members can also access this page in the Menlo App and share it via email or text. Members are responsible for all obligations incurred by their guests and for the conduct of their family and guests.
 
  Policy
General

Guest cards may be applied for by a proprietary member only by submitting a request to the General Manager.  Only one guest card may be issued to the guest of a proprietary member at a time, except with Board approval.

Cards may not be issued to persons residing within the nine Bay Area counties of Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, Napa, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Solano, and Sonoma.

Guests holding guest cards or staying in the cottages may not invite additional guests.

Members and their spouses are permitted the same number of guests throughout the year.

Guests shall incur established fees for golf, swimming, tennis, and other goods and services provided by the club, all of which shall be charged to and paid by the sponsoring member.

Members are responsible for all obligations incurred by their guests and for their guests’ conduct.

Dining

Guests may dine an unlimited number of times.

Golf

Guests must be registered with the Golf Shop prior to playing.

A member must play with his/her guest(s), except those holding a guest card or staying in the cottages.

The same guest may not be invited more than twice in any calendar month or twelve times in one calendar year, regardless of sponsorship.

Up to 3 guests per member and spouse are permitted on any day of the week.

Green fees for guests apply on any day of the week, including weekends and holidays. This also applies to guests staying in the cottages or those holding guest cards.

Pool Fitness Center

Guests must be registered on the Menlo App prior to use.

The same guest may be invited an unlimited number of times for recreational swimming.

In the main exercise room, the same guest may not be invited more than twice in any calendar month or twelve times in one calendar year, regardless of sponsorship.

Fitness classes are restricted to members only.

Racquet Sports Facilities

Guests must be registered on the Menlo App prior to making a court reservation.

Up to 3 guests per member and spouse are permitted to play at a time.

The same guest may not be invited more than twice in any calendar month or more than twelve times in one calendar year, regardless of sponsorship.

Cottages

Guests may stay in the cottages.  Guests will receive a document at check-in with wi-fi, policies, and after-hours information. In addition, please share the Guest Information Summary with cottage guests.  All charges will be billed directly to the Member's account.

Golf Course

  • Bag and personal pull/push cart drop-off is available in the circle drive at the front of the clubhouse.
  • Golfers must check in with a member of the professional golf staff at the Golf Shop or in the cart barn before teeing off.
  • Electric carts and pull/push carts are available upon request at check-in. Personal electric pull/push carts are allowed.  
  • The putting green opposite 1904 is for putting practice only. The putting green between the driving range and 1904 can be used for putting and chipping practice.
  • All rounds should begin on hole #1 unless otherwise approved by a member of the professional golf staff.
  • Approval from the Golf Shop is required for groups of more than four players.
  • When the Golf Shop is managing play off the first tee from a list, half the group must be present to be added to the list.
  • Playing music or using earbuds on the golf course, driving range, or practice facilities is not permitted.
  • Golfers must replace all divots with the provided sand, repair ball marks on greens, rake each sand trap after use, and return the rake to the trap.  After raking, ensure the entire rake, including the handle, is placed back in the trap with the handle positioned on the edge in the direction the ball would enter during play.  Leave all tee boxes, fairways, greens, and sand traps in better condition than you found them.
  • Keep the pace of play. The expectation is 4 hours or less for 18 holes. Be mindful of the gap between you and the group ahead.  Play ready golf and allow fellow golfers to play through when the next hole is open. 
  • Electric carts may not be parked or driven within 50 feet of greens or tees unless designated by cart paths or in areas otherwise marked.  Carts may be driven on the fairways but not in the rough or native grass areas.
  • Pull/push carts should be kept off tees, greens, and green aprons (the two-foot area immediately adjacent to the green cut a bit longer than the green).

Driving Range, Putting Green, Short Game Area (SGA) 

  • When using the driving range, please implement the “divot strip” method.
  • The putting green opposite 1904 is to be used for putting practice only. The putting green between the driving range and 1904 can be used for putting and chipping practice.  Putting, chipping, and pitching are permitted in the SGA.
  • Golfers in the SGA must know that the SGA is adjacent to the 3rd fairway.  Please listen and watch for balls.
  • Shag bags, divot repair devices, and bunker rakes are available in the SGA.  Golfers using the SGA are responsible for:
    • Retrieving all balls used during the practice session, including those in bunkers.
    • Repairing all ball marks made during the practice session.
    • Replace any flags that were removed.

Racquet Sports Pavilion & Courts

  • Water is the only drink allowed on the courts.  Food and beverages may be consumed in and around the Court Pavilion. Glass containers are not permitted.
  • After playing on the clay courts (#1, #2), please use drag brushes (located on the chain-link fence) to sweep the playing surface, restoring it for future use. When exiting the gates, kindly clean the soles of your shoes using the footbaths provided.
  • After pickleball play, please return the pickleball nets courtside.

Fitness Center

  • Lockers are for day use only. No personal items should be left overnight.
  • Boys ages 13 and under should use the boys’ locker room. Girls ages 13 and under should use the girls’ locker room. Girls 14 and older should use the women’s locker room, and boys 14 and older should use the men’s locker room. Boys and girls 13 and under who are accompanied by an adult can use the men’s and women’s locker rooms, respectively.
  • Children should never play on the outside retaining wall above the ADA parking area, near the fitness center.

Fitness Center Main Exercise Room

  • Children 13 and under are not allowed upstairs in the main exercise room unless they are participating in a scheduled private session.
  • There is a 30-minute limit on cardio equipment when others are waiting.  Please be considerate of others, use equipment as intended, and wipe down after use.
  • Replace and/or rack weights after use.  Do not intentionally drop weights on the floor.
  • Alcohol and personal trainers are not permitted.

Pool Area & Hot Tub

  • An adult must accompany children 13 and under.
  • Food in the pool or the hot tub is not permitted.
  • No glass containers are permitted in the area. 
  • Please ask the staff for assistance with rearranging tables, adjusting umbrellas, or moving items. Please do not enter the kitchen area or go behind the bar at any time.
  • Refrain from yelling/screaming, running, and horseplay.  Children should be supervised accordingly.
  • Please dry off before entering the fitness center lobby from the pool area, locker rooms, or hot tub.
  • For health standards, children in diapers must wear both a swim diaper and a liner diaper in the water.
  • Please shower before using the hot tub.
  • The hot tub is limited to up to 11 people at a time.
  • Floaties, fins, kickboards, or other pool equipment are not permitted in the hot tub.
  • Elderly persons, pregnant women, infants, and those with health conditions requiring medical care should consult a physician before entering the hot tub.

Any babysitter or nanny must be registered with the General Manager prior to supervising children in the pool area or anywhere else on the property.

Pets are not permitted on club property except inside your vehicle.
Smoking (cigarettes and cigars) on the course and in practice facilities is permitted, provided that: 
  • Any member may request that smoking not occur in their presence. 
  • Appropriate measures are taken to ensure that no damage to the course (including teeing grounds and greens) occurs as a result of smoking. 
  • Ashes, used cigarettes, and cigars are disposed of properly. 
Smoking in all other club areas is prohibited. 
Tipping of employees is not permitted.  There are no cash sale transactions on the club property.

Club Culture, Rules, & Policies Documents