Ocean Course
San Francisco, CA, USA
The Olympic Club's Ocean Course is a testament to San Francisco's rugged coastal spirit, a defiant rebuke to the notion that beauty must come easily. Hewn into the bluffs south of the city overlooking the Pacific, this challenging layout, while overshadowed by its sibling, the Lake Course, still demands respect and strategic acumen. Originally crafted by Arthur Jack Snyder, the Ocean Course underwent a significant transformation by Bill Frisbie in the 1960s, hardening its challenge and amplifying the drama of its cliffside setting. This modernization pushed the layout closer to the coastline, and while its fairways are more generous than those on the Lake Course, wayward shots are severely punished by the capricious winds and dense cypress groves. Doglegs and cleverly placed bunkers demand thoughtful club selection, rewarding players who favor strategy over brute force. While it hasn't hosted events of the scale seen at the Lake Course, the Ocean Course has historically served as a stern test for members and a worthy host for various amateur competitions, often serving as a compelling companion course during larger championships held across the grounds. And though the Ocean Course lacks the global acclaim of the Lake, the post-round ritual of savoring the club's famed "burger dog" while overlooking the churning Pacific is a tradition cherished by members and visitors alike, a uniquely San Franciscan reward for conquering this challenging test of golf.
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
Unranked
Best in USA
Unranked
Best in CA
All courses
Golfers say this course occupies an exceptional piece of property and delivers a quality, challenging test of golf, though opinions vary on its current condition and character. Most praise the layout's difficulty and replayability, with some noting quirky features that add interest to the routing. Reviewers mention conditioning issues including Poa encroachment on greens and thick rough that can make play demanding, particularly when set up for tournament conditions. Some feel the course is slightly overrated in its present state, though many expect an upcoming renovation to elevate it further given the strength of the underlying land.
8.3
85 players
Touch overrated in its current state. Incredible piece of land - I think the renovation will make it more compelling than the Lake course given it sits on a better parcel of land
Played two weeks before us amateur, very difficult condition and crazy thick rough. Played very well though, quality track.
In my head the more replayable of the two, but has some quirkiness to it, as well as the Poa overtaking the greens.
Public courses closest to Ocean at The Olympic Club.
FAQ
Ratings, design, and course details pulled from Course Vaults.
Ocean at The Olympic Club has a Course Vaults score of 8.3 out of 10 based on 49 explicit golfer ratings.
Ocean was designed by Sam Whiting and Willie Watson.
Ocean at The Olympic Club is listed as private on Course Vaults; guest access is typically restricted.
Par at Ocean is 71.
Ocean plays 6,852 yards from the back tees on Course Vaults.
The slope rating at Ocean is 132.
