Where to Golf in San Francisco

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 later 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 was recently host to the 2020 PGA Championship, making it only the second municipally owned course in PGA history to do so. Harding Park features a brand-new 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. For more information or to book a tee time, click here

Gleneagles Golf Course (2100 Sunnydale Ave.)

This challenging course, designed by John Fleming and opened in 1962, is 3,195 yards long. It’s 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 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.

Presidio Golf Club (Presidio)

One of the three oldest courses in continuous operation west of the Mississippi, the Presidio Golf Club is a private golf and city club organized in 1905. Members gather and dine in the Tudor-style clubhouse, built in 1897, which is considered one of the best examples of early clubhouse architecture. 

Public Golf Courses Around the Bay Area

Eagle Vines Golf Club (580 South Kelly Rd., Napa) 

The beautiful landscape of the Napa Valley blends with a great championship golf course designed by Johnny Miller. Open to the public and tournament groups, it’s less than an hour from downtown San Francisco.

Franklin Canyon Golf Course (Highway 4, Hercules)

Franklin Canyon Golf Course is a 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 of the 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, both 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.

Urban Putt (1096 South Van Ness Ave.)

San Francisco’s original indoor mini-golf course has14 handmade holes that emphasize the fun and quirky San Francisco experience. Don’t miss their mouthwatering fried chicken and waffle skewers. Not to worry; munchies on the course are encouraged!