Private

Lake Merced Course

Lake Merced Golf Club

Daly City, CA, USA
dk10
mirgolilucas0814
alexcassidy97
Sam Blackwood
rypell67
+81
18 holesPar 726,915 yds73.9/140

About this course

Lake Merced Golf Club, a storied fixture of the San Francisco peninsula, lives in the shadow of its famed neighbor Harding Park, but boasts a heritage equally rich in local lore. Carved into the rolling hills just south of the city, the course presents a challenging, strategic test heavily influenced by its location near the Pacific. Originally designed by William Locke, with later refinements by Robert Trent Jones Sr., Lake Merced presents a classic parkland layout, albeit one with prevailing coastal winds that often dictate club selection. Tree-lined fairways demand thoughtful positioning off the tee, while undulating greens reward precise approach shots. Known for its tight lies and strategic bunkering, the course plays longer than its yardage suggests, favoring players who can control their ball flight and navigate doglegs with savvy. The membership, many of whom have been associated with the club for decades, enjoy the challenging but playable layout that is often described as "windy," "demanding," and "a true test of golf." Lake Merced Golf Club hosted the LPGA's Mediheal Championship from 2018-2021, won by players such as Lydia Ko, Nelly Korda, and Sei Young Kim. This event showcased the course's ability to challenge the world's best female golfers, further cementing its place in the Bay Area golfing landscape. While not necessarily a household name on the national stage, Lake Merced holds significant regional prestige. The club maintains a dedicated membership base and prides itself on its commitment to preserving the traditions of the game. In addition to challenging golf, members gather in the clubhouse known for its clam chowder. It's a place where generations of golfers have honed their skills, made lasting memories, and enjoyed the camaraderie of the game.

Rankings

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.

382

Best in World

291

Best in USA

28

Best in CA

Quick facts

Location
Daly City, CA, USA
Access
Private
Year built
1922
Holes
18
Par
72
Length
6,915 yards
Difficulty
73.9/140
Course Vaults score
8.6

Getting there

Lake Merced Golf Club lies just minutes south of downtown San Francisco, most easily accessed via San Francisco International Airport - a short fifteen-mile drive north along Highway 280 or the coastal stretch of Skyline Boulevard. The approach transitions swiftly from urban density to the fog-draped western edge of the peninsula, where eucalyptus groves and the glint of Lake Merced itself signal arrival at one of the Bay Area's most storied and discreet private sanctuaries. Those arriving by private aircraft often touch down at SFO's general aviation facilities or San Carlos Airport to the south, both offering quick access to this historic enclave tucked between the Pacific and the city limits.

FAQ

Common questions about Lake Merced

Ratings, design, and course details pulled from Course Vaults.

Lake Merced has a Course Vaults score of 8.6 out of 10 based on 86 logged golfers.

Lake Merced was designed by Alister Mackenzie, Rees Jones, Robert Muir Graves, Steve Weisser, and William Lock.

Lake Merced is listed as private on Course Vaults; guest access is typically restricted.

Par at Lake Merced is 72.

Lake Merced plays 6,915 yards from the back tees on Course Vaults.

The slope rating at Lake Merced is 140.

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Course Reviews
+ 4.8
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