Harding Course
TPC Harding Park
Public: #832
Public: #645
Public: #59
About this course
TPC Harding Park, a stalwart of San Francisco's golfing landscape, stakes its reputation on raw power in a city known for nuanced beauty. Carved into the Monterey Cypress-lined shores of Lake Merced, its parkland terrain rewards bold play, demanding accuracy off the tee lest towering trees swallow errant drives. The prevailing winds demand thoughtful club selection; length and guts are just as important as course management. Willie Watson and Sam Whiting originally shaped Harding in the Golden Age, leaving behind a layout that tests even the modern player. Though a public course, Harding Park has hosted the 2009 Presidents Cup and the 2020 PGA Championship, moments that cemented its place as a stage for major championship golf, contrasting starkly with its accessible roots. While not typically mentioned among the nation's most hallowed grounds, Harding Park’s civic pride is undeniable. San Franciscans, from weekend warriors to city officials, see it as *their* course, a democratic golfing experience where everyone is welcome, if they can handle the challenge. Its affordable rates are one of the city's best kept secrets.
Quick facts
- Location
- San Francisco, CA, USA
- Access
- Public
- Year built
- 1925
- Holes
- 18
- Designer(s)
- Chris Gray, Sam Whiting
- Par
- 72
- Length
- 6,845 yards
- Difficulty
- 72.8/123
- Course Vaults score
- 7.6
Getting there
Most visitors arrive through San Francisco International Airport, a swift fifteen-minute drive north along the coast before cutting inland toward Lake Merced. The final approach threads through residential neighborhoods and eucalyptus-lined parkways, the Pacific fog often clinging to the treetops as you descend into Harding Park - a municipal treasure tucked against the southwestern edge of the city. What begins as urban sprawl quickly gives way to an unexpectedly serene landscape, where the roar of the ocean feels close and the towering cypress announce your arrival at one of America's most storied public championship venues.
FAQ
Common questions about Harding
Ratings, design, and course details pulled from Course Vaults.
Harding has a Course Vaults score of 7.6 out of 10 based on 215 logged golfers.
Harding was designed by Chris Gray and Sam Whiting.
Yes. Harding is listed as welcoming public or guest play on Course Vaults.
Par at Harding is 72.
Harding plays 6,845 yards from the back tees on Course Vaults.
The slope rating at Harding is 123.
