California of San Francisco Course


Few clubs embody California golf history as completely as California Golf Club of San Francisco. Nestled into the hills of South San Francisco, the club's original course, conceived in the Golden Age of architecture, sprawls across a dramatic landscape characterized by rolling hills, steep ravines, and dense Cypress groves. The course demands strategic thinking as much as power, with approach shots into well-guarded greens the true test. It favors players who can navigate the sloping fairways and judge distances accurately, though a deft touch around the greens is paramount. The original design, attributed to A. Vernon Macan, has seen subtle but significant tweaks over the years, always respecting the integrity of Macan's vision. While Cal Club doesn’t boast a pedigree of hosting major championships, it has remained a stalwart of amateur golf and a respected proving ground for Northern California's finest players. Cal Club maintains a lower profile on the national stage. What it lacks in renown, it more than makes up for in character. The membership, comprised of successful professionals and avid golfers, cultivate a relaxed, convivial atmosphere, bound by a shared appreciation for classic golf. The club is known for its unpretentious atmosphere and commitment to the traditions of the game. And one must not forget the halfway house’s famous carne asada tacos: a culinary staple that fuels many a late afternoon round, solidifying Cal Club’s place as a true golfer's haven.
Ranked by CV ratings from golfers who've played this course. Positions are shown worldwide, by country, and by state; the Private column compares member-only and guest-restricted courses.
Best in World
All courses
Best in USA
All courses
Best in CA
All courses
The journey to California Golf Club of San Francisco begins at San Francisco International Airport, a mere fifteen minutes north along the Bayshore Freeway. The drive traces the eastern slope of the San Bruno Mountain range, where the urban density of the Peninsula quickly gives way to the fog-softened ridgelines that shelter the club from the bay below. As you turn west onto the club's approach, the landscape opens to reveal a secluded enclave perched above the valley floor, its entrance marked by understated elegance befitting one of the region's most historically significant and fiercely private golf sanctuaries.

FAQ
Ratings, design, and course details pulled from Course Vaults.
California of San Francisco at California Golf Club of San Francisco has a Course Vaults score of 9.1 out of 10 based on 111 logged golfers.
California of San Francisco was designed by Alister Mackenzie and Robert Hunter.
California of San Francisco at California Golf Club of San Francisco is listed as private on Course Vaults; guest access is typically restricted.
Par at California of San Francisco is 72.
California of San Francisco plays 7,216 yards from the back tees on Course Vaults.
The slope rating at California of San Francisco is 135.
California of San Francisco Course

Few clubs embody California golf history as completely as California Golf Club of San Francisco. Nestled into the hills of South San Francisco, the club's original course, conceived in the Golden Age of architecture, sprawls across a dramatic landscape characterized by rolling hills, steep ravines, and dense Cypress groves. The course demands strategic thinking as much as power, with approach shots into well-guarded greens the true test. It favors players who can navigate the sloping fairways and judge distances accurately, though a deft touch around the greens is paramount. The original design, attributed to A. Vernon Macan, has seen subtle but significant tweaks over the years, always respecting the integrity of Macan's vision. While Cal Club doesn’t boast a pedigree of hosting major championships, it has remained a stalwart of amateur golf and a respected proving ground for Northern California's finest players. Cal Club maintains a lower profile on the national stage. What it lacks in renown, it more than makes up for in character. The membership, comprised of successful professionals and avid golfers, cultivate a relaxed, convivial atmosphere, bound by a shared appreciation for classic golf. The club is known for its unpretentious atmosphere and commitment to the traditions of the game. And one must not forget the halfway house’s famous carne asada tacos: a culinary staple that fuels many a late afternoon round, solidifying Cal Club’s place as a true golfer's haven.
Ranked by CV ratings from golfers who've played this course. Positions are shown worldwide, by country, and by state; the Private column compares member-only and guest-restricted courses.
Best in World
All courses
Best in USA
All courses
Best in CA
All courses
Stunning layout and elevation changes. Hard to believe this course exists in downtown SF. 17 is a masterpiece.
Got to play this once with a good friend and had a great time. They play fast! And I love it. Shot okay, and loved the condition of the course. Want to play again soon.
Easily makes my top 5 list. Not a bad or iffy hole. Fantastic variety and scale. Conditioning is top notch and the club vibe is great. I feel very lucky to play here since this has been high on my wish list for a very long time and It exceeded my expectations. By the third hole I know this place was special. The front 9 is more of a trail walk and the back 9 is more open. It’s hard to pick favorite holes but 1 and 7 come to mind on the front and you can’t go wrong picking any of the closing holes 15-18 with 17 as the best of the par 5s.
The journey to California Golf Club of San Francisco begins at San Francisco International Airport, a mere fifteen minutes north along the Bayshore Freeway. The drive traces the eastern slope of the San Bruno Mountain range, where the urban density of the Peninsula quickly gives way to the fog-softened ridgelines that shelter the club from the bay below. As you turn west onto the club's approach, the landscape opens to reveal a secluded enclave perched above the valley floor, its entrance marked by understated elegance befitting one of the region's most historically significant and fiercely private golf sanctuaries.

FAQ
Ratings, design, and course details pulled from Course Vaults.
California of San Francisco at California Golf Club of San Francisco has a Course Vaults score of 9.1 out of 10 based on 111 logged golfers.
California of San Francisco was designed by Alister Mackenzie and Robert Hunter.
California of San Francisco at California Golf Club of San Francisco is listed as private on Course Vaults; guest access is typically restricted.
Par at California of San Francisco is 72.
California of San Francisco plays 7,216 yards from the back tees on Course Vaults.
The slope rating at California of San Francisco is 135.