San Francisco’s cool coastal air, iconic skyline, and rolling landscapes make it one of the most unforgettable golf destinations in California. From historic greens to modern layouts with sweeping bay views, the city offers something for every player. Whether you’re after legendary private clubs or well-kept San Francisco public golf courses, the variety is as unique as the city itself. Below is a guide to some of the most famous San Francisco golf courses where challenging play meets unforgettable scenery.
Presidio Golf Course – A Historic Gem in the City
Tucked inside the Presidio National Park, this course has been welcoming golfers since 1895. The tall eucalyptus and Monterey pine trees create a peaceful escape, while the layout keeps you on your toes with its undulating fairways and sloped greens. Despite being one of the oldest California golf courses, it remains in excellent condition and is open to the public. Players here often comment on the tricky lies, unpredictable breezes, and the occasional fog rolling in from the Golden Gate.
TPC Harding Park – A PGA Tour Favorite
TPC Harding Park is easily one of the most famous San Francisco golf courses thanks to its history with major tournaments, including the PGA Championship. The course sits along Lake Merced and is known for its championship-level conditions. Tall cypress trees line the fairways, and the greens roll fast and true. While it’s a municipal course, the design and upkeep rival many private clubs. This makes it one of the top San Francisco public golf courses for golfers who want to test their game where the pros have played.
Lincoln Park Golf Course – Scenic Play with City Views
If you want a round of golf with some of the best views in the Bay Area, Lincoln Park Golf Course delivers. It’s not as long as some other California golf courses, but what it lacks in distance, it makes up for with charm. The Pacific Ocean serves as a backdrop on several holes, and the 17th tee offers a postcard view of the Golden Gate Bridge. This course rewards accuracy over power, with tight fairways and small greens that make every approach shot matter.
Looking for A Stay & Play Deal?
If you wish to enjoy scenic desert views in the Arizona-Nevada area, make sure to check out Laughlin Ranch Golf Club's stay and play partners for the one of the best accommodation and golf experiences.
The Olympic Club – Championship Prestige
Though private, The Olympic Club is often mentioned in conversations about the most famous San Francisco golf courses. Host to multiple U.S. Opens, it features challenging layouts, quick greens, and punishing rough. The Lake Course is the crown jewel, known for its elevation changes and strategically placed bunkers. While gaining access may require a connection, many golfers dream of walking these storied fairways at least once in their lifetime.
Gleneagles Golf Course – A Hidden Challenge
Gleneagles Golf Course in McLaren Park is one of the city’s more rugged and challenging tracks. Its narrow fairways, tough rough, and small greens demand precise shot-making. Local golfers love it for its laid-back vibe, reasonable rates, and the feeling that you’re far from the city, even though you’re still within San Francisco. For those looking to sharpen their skills without the formality of larger courses, Gleneagles offers a refreshing alternative.
Sharp Park Golf Course – Alister MacKenzie’s Coastal Design
Located just south of San Francisco in Pacifica, Sharp Park Golf Course is worth the short drive. Designed by legendary architect Alister MacKenzie, it blends coastal beauty with clever hole layouts. The course runs along the ocean, giving you fresh sea air and stunning views throughout your round. Golfers here appreciate the old-school design, where strategy and accuracy matter more than distance.
Why San Francisco Golf Stands Out
Part of the charm of these famous San Francisco golf courses is the variety of experiences they offer. You can play a tournament-tested track like TPC Harding Park in the morning and then tee off at a historic city course like Lincoln Park in the afternoon. The coastal climate keeps temperatures mild year-round, so you’re never far from a perfect golfing day.
The public golf scene here is also strong. Several San Francisco public golf courses provide conditions and layouts that rival top-tier California golf courses without the hefty membership fees. That makes the city a dream for both locals and visiting golfers.
Tips for Playing Golf in San Francisco
- Dress in layers. The city’s microclimates can bring sun, fog, and wind in a single round.
- Book early. Popular courses like Presidio and TPC Harding Park often fill up weeks in advance.
- Walk if you can. Many of these courses offer stunning scenery that’s better appreciated on foot.
- Don’t skip the short courses. Compact layouts like Lincoln Park can be just as challenging as longer ones.
San Francisco’s golf culture is as diverse as its neighborhoods. From parkland classics shaded by towering trees to seaside layouts kissed by ocean breezes, these famous San Francisco golf courses reflect the city’s love for the game. Whether you’re chasing a bucket-list round or just enjoying a casual day on the fairways, you’ll find no shortage of reasons to tee it up in the City by the Bay. And for those willing to explore beyond California, Laughlin Ranch in the Nevada-Arizona area offers a warm-weather escape that blends championship golf with first-class amenities. Whether your tee time is set along the Pacific or in the desert, you’ll find no shortage of reasons to pick up your clubs and play.