Where to Golf in San Francisco
Hit the links in and around San Francisco at any of these amazing public and private courses.
For a city that’s easy to navigate without a car, there’s a lot of driving—and putting—in San Francisco. Here's our round-up of great golf courses both public and private, within and beyond San Francisco city limits, as well as a few more fun-focused golf activities in the Bay Area.
San Francisco's Long History of Golf
The city has been home to the oldest municipal city golf tournament in the world, the 2009 PGA Tour Presidents Cup, and the 2020 PGA Championship.
The oldest golf course in the city dates back to 1895. The San Francisco Golf Club was a nine-hole course in the Presidio that moved to Junipero Serra Blvd. in the Sunset District in 1905.
Lincoln Park opened as a six-hole course in 1909 and expanded to 18 holes in 1913.
Lincoln Park and Harding Park have been home to the San Francisco City Golf Championship, the oldest and largest municipal city golf tournament, since 1917. Former champion Ken Venturi won the tournament in 1950, 1953 and 1957 before he went on to win 14 PGA Tour events, including the 1964 U.S. Open.
Public Golf Courses in San Francisco
Harding Park and Fleming Golf Courses
99 Harding Park Rd.
Harding, an 18-hole championship golf course, and Fleming, a nine-hole executive course, include practice areas and a full-service clubhouse available for banquets, weddings and events. Harding Park features a driving range and practice area featuring Toptracer technology that allows you to compete against friends and receive instant shot feedback. Set against the cypress tree-lined Lake Merced, Harding Park features soft bunkers and graceful undulating fairways.
Gleneagles Golf Course
2100 Sunnydale Ave.
This challenging course, designed by John Fleming and opened in 1962, is 3,195 yards long. Gleneagles Golf Course is a hidden jewel located in the southern part of the city, with beautiful vistas. This nine-hole course can be played as 18 holes from different tee and pin locations that challenge even the best golfers.
Golden Gate Park Golf Course
Golden Gate Park
This scenic course provides a relaxed golf experience at the western edge of Golden Gate Park. Built in 1951, the Golden Gate Park Golf Course is known for its undulating terrain, crisp ocean breezes, and tranquil setting. After playing all nine holes, you can go for a walk along Ocean Beach!
Lincoln Park Golf Course
34th Ave. at Clement St.
This 18-hole course, designed by Tom Bendelow and opened in 1928, is 5,149 yards long and offers magnificent views of San Francisco and the Golden Gate Bridge. Lincoln Park is also one of the courses used for the annual San Francisco City Golf Championship.
Presidio Golf Course
Presidio
A superior 18-hole public course 10 minutes from downtown San Francisco, the Presidio Golf Course is managed by Touchstone. A restaurant, meeting space, golf shop, practice center and rental equipment are all available to you. Make your group booking up to one year in advance.
Private Golf Courses in San Francisco
The Olympic Club
599 Skyline Dr.
The oldest athletic club in America, The Olympic Club features three courses: the Lake Course, the Ocean Course, and the Cliffs Course. The last one is only nine holes, but given its exposure to oceanside winds, it may be the most challenging.
Public Golf Courses Around the Bay Area
Eagle Vines Golf Club
580 South Kelly Rd., Napa
The beautiful landscape of Napa Valley blends with a great championship golf course designed by Johnny Miller. Open to the public and tournament groups, Eagle Vines Golf Club is less than an hour from downtown San Francisco.
Franklin Canyon Golf Course
Highway 4, Hercules
Franklin Canyon Golf Course is an 18-hole course laid out amid gently rolling hillsides, mature oaks, and majestic gum trees. Two ponds, several tight doglegs, and large undulating greens are some obstacles that require precise tee shots and will test golfers’ skills.
Half Moon Bay Golf Links
2 Miramontes Point Rd., Half Moon Bay
Two 18-hole championship golf courses, the Links Course and the Ocean Course, at the Half Moon Bay Golf Links, allow visitors to play along the ocean.
Sharp Park Golf Course
Sharp Park Road, Pacifica
The 18-hole course, opened in 1931, was originally designed by famed architect Alister Mackenzie and landscaped by John McLaren, one of the key developers of San Francisco's Golden Gate Park. The course is 6,299 yards long and offers fabulous views of the Pacific Ocean.
StoneTree Golf Club
9 StoneTree Lane, Novato
One of the Bay Area's premier golf clubs, this classic 18-hole championship layout plays across meadowlands, oak-covered hills and valleys. The course satisfies players requiring the finest playing surfaces and the highest level of personal service.
Private Golf Courses Around the Bay Area
The Chardonnay Golf Club
2555 Jameson Canyon Rd., Napa
The Lakes, Meadows and Vineyard Courses offer challenges for players of all skill levels. All three 9-hole courses meander through 150 acres of Chardonnay and Merlot vineyards and feature numerous lakes, creek crossings, and a wide variety of flora and fauna.
Mini-Golf in the Bay Area
If you're looking for a golfing experience that's got a bit more of San Francisco's unique flavor to it, try these three local mini-golf courses.
Subpar Miniature Golf
Ghirardelli Square
Subpar is an indoor mini-golf course located among the shops and restaurants of Ghirardelli Square. Celebrate your hole-in-one by grabbing a sundae upstairs. You'll feel like a kid again!
Stagecoach Greens
1379 Fourth St.
Putt your way through this custom-built course, where each hole represents a unique San Francisco experience. In addition to the 18-hole course, Stagecoach Greens features food trucks, a beer garden and cabanas to keep warm on foggy nights.
Holey Moley Golf Club
1096 South Van Ness Ave.
Holey Moley Golf Club has landed in San Francisco! Forget (nearly) everything you’ve ever known about traditional mini-golf because Holey Moley puts a whole new spin on putt putt. This indoor course is perfect for kooky night out with quirky friends, as Holey Moley encourages you let our your inner (wild) child.
Golf in Monterey
Less than three hours from San Francisco lies Pebble Beach, a golfer's paradise. Learn about the incredible courses and everything else that nearby Monterey County has to offer.
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