San Francisco Course
San Francisco, CA, USA


San Francisco Golf Club guards its privacy as fiercely as it protects its hallowed turf. Nestled in the city's southwestern hills near Lake Merced, this course remains a haven for its tight-knit membership. Designed in the Golden Age by A.W. Tillinghast, the course presents a unique challenge. The rolling, windswept terrain demands strategic shot-making. Instead of brute force, the course favors players who can expertly navigate its contours and deceptive greens. While not overly long, the layout features demanding approach shots and subtly undulating putting surfaces. San Francisco Golf Club has hosted its share of prestigious events. Most recently, the 2021 U.S. Girls' Junior Championship graced its fairways. While not often in the national spotlight, its demanding layout and storied history endear it to those fortunate enough to experience it. Beyond the course, the club is known for its understated elegance and commitment to tradition. Members often speak of the club’s camaraderie and the generations of families who have called it their golfing home. The clubhouse’s famous clam chowder is a post-round ritual, a symbol of the club's enduring appeal.
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
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Best in USA
All courses
Best in CA
All courses
Golfers say this is a truly special experience that leaves a lasting impression, with reviewers describing it as "one of the greatest walks on earth" and a round they'll never forget. Most praise the exceptional hospitality, noting that staff make visitors feel like members for the day with red-carpet treatment. The course maintains an exclusive, traditional atmosphere with limited tee times and a dress code requiring pants, which reviewers suggest signals the quality of the experience to come. The lack of a driving range is noted but doesn't detract from what golfers consistently describe as a memorable and privileged round.
9.1
117 players
No phones allowed
Anytime you get told “pants only and they don’t have a range” it’s usually going to be a sweet experience.
Was lukcy enough to go off in the first group, on a Friday, in the fog, at 7am. I'll never forget that day as long as I live. Course was special.
One of the greatest walks on earth. Maybe 10 tee times a day. Staff rolled out the red carpet for us and made us feel like members for the day. Blessed to have experienced it.
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FAQ
Ratings, design, and course details pulled from Course Vaults.
San Francisco has a Course Vaults score of 9.1 out of 10 based on 73 explicit golfer ratings.
San Francisco was designed by A .W. Tillinghast, Jack Neville, and Tom Doak.
San Francisco is listed as private on Course Vaults; guest access is typically restricted.
Par at San Francisco is 71.
San Francisco plays 6,828 yards from the back tees on Course Vaults.
The slope rating at San Francisco is 135.