Best Golf Courses in San Francisco

The Pacific Coast Highway Travel guide to the best golf courses in San Francisco for all budgets and skill levels, including courses close to the city center.

The Golden Gate Park Golf Course in San Francisco

Welcome, fellow golf enthusiasts! Let's dive into the best golf courses in San Francisco, a city known for its cultural density and beautiful fairways. Ready to hit the greens? Let's tee off.

Best Golf Courses in San Francisco

TPC Harding Park Golf Course in San Francisco

Our first stop is the American classic, TPC Harding Park (99 Harding Rd, San Francisco, CA 94132, Phone: (415) 664-4690, Website: tpc.com). It's a par 72 championship golf course that hosted the PGA Championship in 2020. Sculpted from the Stewart's thick fog and city line is an expansive driving range and practice area - a real hole in one!

Our Pick of the Guides

Next up is the Presidio Golf Course (300 Finley Rd, San Francisco, CA 94129, Phone: (415) 561-4661, Website: presidiogolf.com). A lush course nestled within a national park, it offers a par 72 course from the back tees.

If you're looking for outdoor activities besides golfing, the surrounding parklands are worth a meander. Their clubhouse is top tier, featuring a pro shop that leaves no golfer wanting.

Lincoln Park Golf Course in San Francisco

Say hello to the Lincoln Park Golf Course (300 34th Ave, San Francisco, CA 94121, Phone: (415) 221-9911, Website: lincolnparkgc.com). Known for its stunning views of the Golden Gate Bridge and the Pacific Ocean, this par 68 course is a local favorite, providing beauty and challenge in equal measure.

The Remarkable Golden Gate Park Golf Course in San Francisco

Our list wouldn't be complete without San Francisco's oldest course, the Golden Gate Park Golf Course (970 47th Ave, San Francisco, CA 94122, Phone: (415) 751-8987, Website: goldengateparkgolf.com). A par 27, 9-hole course full of character and challenge that's perfect for players of all skill levels, especially if time matters.

Getting an eagle means something different at Gleneagles!

Next is the delightful Gleneagles GC at McLaren Park (2100 Sunnydale Ave, San Francisco, CA 94134, Phone: (415) 587-2425, Website: gleneaglesgolfsf.com). This par 72, 18-hole course is quite the hidden gem with a neighborhood bar feel. Be prepared for lots of rolling topography and not a flat lie in sight!

The Sharp Park Golf Course in Pacifica near San Francisco

The historic Sharp Park Golf Course (2600 Francisco Blvd, Pacifica, CA 94044, Phone: (650) 359-3381, Website: sfrecpark.org) is another must-visit. Created by renown golf architect Alister MacKenzie, this par 72 course is alive with wildlife, including the endangered San Francisco garter snake and red-legged frog.

This is in Pacifica, a 20-minute drive from downtown San Francisco, depending on traffic.

The Lake Merced Golf Club in San Francisco

A 15-minute drive from downtown San Francisco you’ll find Lake Merced Golf Club (2300 Junipero Serra Blvd, Daly City, CA 94015, Phone: (650) 755-2233, Website: lmgc.org). Although private, it's worth mentioning due to its top-notch, par 72 course, offering some of the most challenging holes around.

The Half Moon Bay Golf Links

While it's technically not in the city, Half Moon Bay Golf Links (Two Miramontes Point Rd, Half Moon Bay, CA 94019, Phone: (650) 726-1800, Website: halfmoonbaygolf.com) is just a scenic 30-minute drive away in Half Moon Bay. This dreamy golf spot offers two exceptional championship golf courses: The Old Course and the Ocean Course, both are par 72.

The Alister MacKenzie Golf Course at Haggin Oaks

For the budget-conscious golfer, there is the Alister MacKenzie at Haggin Oaks (3645 Fulton Ave, Sacramento, CA 95821, Phone: (916) 808-2526, Website: hagginoaks.com). Despite the 90-minute drive, this par 72, 18-hole course offers an incredible golf experience at a public course price.

We're focused on courses in and near San Francisco, but this is an exception. We'd be remiss not to let golfers know that it's there. Alister MacKenzie designed the course (one of two at Haggin Oaks) in 1932, and the course remains a testament to his expertise in golf course architecture, attracting golf enthusiasts of all levels.

The Ocean Course at Olympic Club in San Francisco

Let's not forget about the Olympic Club (599 Skyline Blvd, San Francisco, CA 94132, Phone: (415) 404-4300, Website: olyclub.com). As one of America's oldest athletic clubs, the Olympic Club thrills with its illustrious history and three impeccably designed courses, including two championship golf courses: the Lake Course and Ocean Course.

There you have it, an in-depth tour of the best golf courses in and near San Francisco. Whether you're seeking a high-end golf experience or looking for more affordable public courses, the City by the Bay has it all.

Spend a few days here, and you'll truly understand why it's a golfer's paradise. Grab your clubs and get ready to swing - San Francisco is waiting to amaze!

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