For a dense, hilly city, San Francisco offers a remarkable amount of public golf — including a genuine PGA Tour venue and an Alister MacKenzie municipal on the coast. Fog, wind and cypress trees define the experience. Here are the best public golf courses in San Francisco, ranked.
From championship 18s to a beloved clifftop nine, every course on this list is open to the public, and most are owned by the city — meaning great access and resident-friendly rates.
TPC Harding Park — A city-owned PGA Tour venue that has hosted the PGA Championship and Presidents Cup — big cypress trees, Lake Merced views and a championship pedigree at a public price.
TPC Harding Park (Fleming 9) — The charming 9-hole executive course alongside Harding, named for greenkeeper Jack Fleming — perfect for a quick walk or a warm-up.
Sharp Park Golf Course — An Alister MacKenzie–designed seaside municipal in Pacifica, owned by the City of San Francisco — a rare chance to play the great architect's work for muni money.
Presidio Golf Course — Once a private military course dating to 1895, the Presidio is now a public, tree-lined test winding through the national park — one of the city's most scenic rounds.
Lincoln Park Golf Course — A cliffside muni above Lands End with Golden Gate Bridge views from the 17th — short, quirky and utterly San Franciscan.
Gleneagles Golf Course — A rugged, Scottish-feeling 9-holer on McLaren Park's hills — small, tough greens and a cult following among locals.
Golden Gate Park Golf Course — A compact 9-hole par-3 course inside Golden Gate Park — the ideal spot to sharpen your short game or introduce a beginner to the game.
Planning Your Round
San Francisco's courses are famously foggy and cool; layers and a windbreaker are essential even in July. City residents receive discounted rates at Harding Park, Lincoln Park and Sharp Park.
Book TPC Harding Park early — it's the city's marquee round and fills fast.
Play Lincoln Park on a clear afternoon for the Golden Gate Bridge views.
Golden Gate Park and Gleneagles are the best quick, walkable options.
Rained (or fogged) out? See the best golf simulators in San Francisco, or plan a coastal trip with our Monterey golf travel guide.