By Jessie Garten and Ella Chakarian By Jessie Garten and Ella Chakarian | August 14, 2023 | Lifestyle Feature Guides
It's time to hit the links— our guide to the six best golf courses in San Francisco is here to help you find the perfect hole-in-one.
For Bay Area golfers, there are various excellent courses to choose from in the area. Our guide has narrowed down the six best golf courses in San Francisco, with parks that have hosted prestigious tournaments and courses with some seriously impeccable views.
TPC Harding Park
TPC Harding Park also referred to as "Harding Park Golf Club" is a municipal golf course with 27 holes—the 18-hole Harding Park Course and Fleming 9 course are surrounded by the beautiful shores and cypress trees of Lake Merced. Harding Park was designed by world-renowned golf architects Willie Watson and Sam Whiting in 1925, a design that was maintained and restored in 2005. This park creates a perfect destination for prestigious golf tournaments such as the San Francisco Open and the Lucky International Professional Golf Championship. With levels of play for every skill level, the park is the ideal spot for both beginners and professionals alike. 99 Harding Road, 415.664.4690, tpc.com/hardingpark
Presidio Golf Course
The 18-hole golf course of Presidio Golf Courses is known for its 6,500 yards of San Francisco's hills. As one of the top public golf courses in the U.S., the course features the Eucalyptus and Monterey Pine trees and opportunities for a fantastic game. The course also has a tucked-away charm called the Clubhouse, where golfers can enjoy daily lunch, weekend brunch, private banquets, receptions and a blissful atmosphere. 300 Finley Road., 415.561.4661, presidiogolf.com
Lincoln Park Course
Take a trip to the northwestern corner of the San Francisco Peninsula to the iconic 1902-originated golf course featuring views of the Golden Gate Bridge, Pacific Ocean, SF Cityscape and Legion of Honor Museum. The public course is accessible to all, offering amenities like golf lessons, camps, tournaments and a golf simulator. 300 34th Ave., 415.221.9911, lincolnparkgolfcourse.com
The Olympic Club
Originally the "San Francisco Olympic Club," the private social and athletic club serves as the oldest athletic club in the United States. The 45-hole Olympic Club hosts multiple National Championships, numerous prestigious competitions and U.S. Open Championships. With a lake course, ocean course and cliffs course with seriously stunning views, the club offers a rewarding, memorable and breathtaking golfing experience. 599 Skyline Blvd., 415.404.4300, olyclub.com
Gleneagles GC at McLaren Park
Gleneagles Golf Course has hosted San Francisco mayors and country club members on the nine greens of bentgrass and same grass varietal used by The Olympic Club, Harding Park and most private clubs. Celebrating its 59th anniversary in 2021, the Gleneagles Golf Course was originally the most expensive 9-hole course ever built. For an unforgettable golfing experience and a layout that will test your strengths, Gleneagles GC is well worth the visit. 2100 Sunnydale Ave., 415.587.2425, gleneaglesgolfsf.com
Golden Gate Park Golf Course
Dating back to 1951, the nine-hole public course Golden Gate Park Golf Course was initially constructed as a “Pitch and Putt” course close to 1,400 yards long situated at the west end. The Golden Gate Park Golf Course is located near the edge of the Pacific Ocean and was influenced by the natural rolling sand dunes surrounding property. With something to offer for all sorts of players, the course is a welcoming and tranquil environment sure to leave you wanting to return. 970 47th Ave., 415.751.8987, goldengateparkgolf.com
Photography by: Markus Spiske/Unsplash
