About Del Mar Country Club

The Del Mar Country Club is one of the premier country clubs in Southern California. The club is privately owned by Madeleine Ann Pickens whose passion for golf was instilled in her by her father, Bill Baker. Mr. Baker, an Englishman and renowned golf course architect, built his first golf course in Kirkuk, Iraq. It was there that he cut down his clubs to fit 5 year old Madeleine in order to teach her the game of golf. Mr. Baker’s legacy of developing stunning courses throughout Europe indelibly shaped his daughter, Madeleine, into the golf enthusiast, business woman and philanthropist she is today.

Madeleine bought the Del Mar Country Club in 1993 with her late husband, Gulfstream Aerospace founder and owner Allen Paulson. Drawing from her father's mentoring and her European influences, she developed the golf course and its magnificent landscaping surrounding a 55,000 square foot castle-like Clubhouse. The breathtaking property quickly turned it into one of the finest country clubs in the country.

Madeleine shares the joy of the Country Club with her twin sister, Christine Penrod, who serves as the Club’s General Manager. The Del Mar Country Club is as special as its legacy and will continue its world class reputation for years to come.