Presidio Course
San Francisco, CA, USA
Few courses can claim a birthplace amidst active military operations, but Presidio Golf Course emerged from the former U.S. Army post in San Francisco, a testament to recreational ambition even during times of conflict. Initially designed in 1895 and expanded in 1910, this Golden Age layout winds through the eucalyptus and Monterey pine forests of the Presidio, offering both challenging play and stunning city vistas. Its tight fairways, framed by mature trees, place a premium on strategic shot-making and course management, making it play longer than its yardage suggests, especially when the coastal fog rolls in. Architect Robert Wood Johnstone, in collaboration with J. Lawson Johnston, crafted a course that demands both accuracy and creative shot-making. The relatively short but hilly par 72 layout, with several blind shots, rewards thoughtful approaches over raw power, demanding players adapt to shifting wind conditions and the unique breaks of the poa annua greens. While it may not host championships on the scale of some of its Californian brethren, Presidio has long been a cherished venue for amateur events and local competitions. More than just a challenging round, Presidio offers a tangible connection to San Francisco's past. Originally exclusive to military officers, the course has evolved into a public oasis, providing access to exceptional golf within a National Park setting. Players often share the fairways with deer and coyote, offering a blend of urban and natural experiences that are increasingly rare.
Ranked by CV ratings from golfers who've played this course. Positions are shown worldwide, by country, and by state; the Public column compares courses anyone can play.
Best in World
Unranked
Best in USA
Unranked
Best in CA
Public: #35
Golfers say Presidio offers a world-class municipal experience with stunning San Francisco scenery, including cypress trees, rolling hills, and Golden Gate Bridge views that make for a memorable round. Most praise the creative routing, unique bunkering, and solid fairway conditions, with several calling it the best public option in the city and excellent value around $120. However, many reviewers caught the course during periods of green issues—whether from disease, slow speeds, or recent aeration—which significantly affected their scores, though they acknowledge these were temporary conditions. Reviewers note the staff enforces a reasonable pace of play around 4:20, the food and beverage offerings are strong, and complimentary warm-up balls add value, making it a course most would eagerly return to under better conditions.
7.8
145 players
Super sweet course design and very unique bunker design. Unfortunately had hole 1 shut down and greens were slow. Would definitely go back.
Really good layout and fairway conditions. Stunning views and scenery throughout the course. The greens were in bad shape when we played, but apparently they were diseased recently. With solid greens I think it’s an 8.2
Could play here every day and never complain. One of the coolest settings for golf on the West Coast. Wish it drained better and they cleaned up the bunkers a bit more. Gets too much play!
#TLDR: Presidio is a world-class municipal course, but our overall experience left a lot to be desired. Scenery (4.5/5) The towering cypress trees, San Francisco Hills, and glimpses of the Golden Gate Bridge remind you you’re in a special city. Regardless of how you feel about SF today, Presidio still reflects the San Francisco that was - and what it can hopefully reclaim: a place full of promise, optimism, and delight. The Layout (3.5/5) When you hear a course is amazing, it’s easy to let course build up in your head. Presidio has some fun holes, but a lot that felt fairly straightforward without much to write home about. Again, the views were sensational on some and the bunkering was gorgeous as well. Conditions (2/5) We caught Presidio on a rough day. Hole #1 was being redone, so we opened on a makeshift 70-yard par 3 with what was essentially a 20×20 ft fairway-green. We were also told the greens had recently been diseased - and it showed. They were long, uncut, patchy, and rolling at maybe a 4 or 5. Pretty horrific. Service (2/5) On top of the greens, the entire course had a service outage. Anything we bought had to be written down manually so they could charge it later. Checking my statement afterward, there were multiple double-charges for the same purchases. Now I’ve got to get on the phone to reconcile. Bummer. Food (4.5/5) Honestly, the highlight of the day. Breakfast was great, the grilled hot dogs at the halfway house were exceptional, and the Bloody Marys were poured with a heavy hand. Zero complaints. Value (3.5/5) At around $120, Presidio is a solid value - and probably an even better one if you’re a local. But paying full price for greens in that condition was tough (I would’ve preferred aerated greens… they were that bad). We also ended up paying $90 for four beers and four shots (golf-trip birdie juice), thought it was a bit steep. All that said - Presidio on its best days is likely a terrific venue and still worth going to. We just happened to catch it on an off day.
Superb track, really enjoyed the course, exceeded most expectations. Unfortunately greens were long on the day and played super slow. Should they have been fair for the day, would score over an 8. All in all, highly recommend!
Great value public course in SF, would play here over any other public course in the city.
Presidio. My home away from home. Essential SF classic. Elevation changes, sloping greens, challenging bunkering. The best days start with fog and end in sunshine. Watch out for persistent wind and the occasional coyote. They enforce a ~4:20 pace pretty well, but don’t expect any shorter on a weekend. Staff is top notch, and rounds include warm-up balls. Bury me here when I die
Spectacular spot but have to ding it a few points for the conditty’s. Greens were punch 3-4 days ago so this score feels a bit unfair — I’ll be back and I’m sure it will be an 8.0 at minimum
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FAQ
Ratings, design, and course details pulled from Course Vaults.
Presidio has a Course Vaults score of 7.8 out of 10 based on 75 explicit golfer ratings.
Presidio was designed by Robert Johnstone, Tom Simpson, and William McEwan.
Yes. Presidio is listed as welcoming public or guest play on Course Vaults.
Par at Presidio is 72.
Presidio plays 6,422 yards from the back tees on Course Vaults.
The slope rating at Presidio is 135.
