The Peninsula is famous for its private clubs — San Francisco Golf Club, Peninsula G&CC, Stanford and Menlo among them — which means public tee times are precious. But the daily-fee courses that do exist are outstanding, led by the clifftop drama of Half Moon Bay. Here are the best public golf courses on the Peninsula, from Pacifica's fog line down to Palo Alto.
What the Peninsula lacks in public volume it makes up for in quality and scenery: ocean bluffs, reservoir views and a genuine links on the bay.
Half Moon Bay Golf Links (Old Course) — The Peninsula's premier public course — an Arnold Palmer–Francis Duane design finishing along the Pacific cliffs, with the famous ocean-front 18th.
Half Moon Bay Golf Links (Ocean Course) — A true Scottish-style links hugging the coastline, more exposed and wind-battered than its sibling — pure seaside golf just south of the city.
Crystal Springs Golf Course — A hilly, tree-lined course overlooking the Crystal Springs Reservoir on the San Andreas fault line, with sweeping watershed views and lots of elevation change.
Poplar Creek Golf Course — San Mateo's tidy municipal is flat, walkable and welcoming — a great everyday round and an easy walk-on option mid-week.
Baylands Golf Links — Palo Alto's fully rebuilt course reopened as a firm, links-inspired layout on the bay, with reeds, wind and a modern practice facility.
Planning Your Round
Coastal courses live and die by the fog and wind — a calm, clear morning at Half Moon Bay is one of the best rounds in California, but afternoons can turn raw. Because public options are limited, book the marquee courses early.
Reserve Half Moon Bay's Old Course well ahead, especially for weekend afternoons on the ocean 18th.
Bring a windbreaker to the coast even in summer.
Mid-week mornings at Poplar Creek and Crystal Springs are the easiest walk-ons.
Many of the Peninsula's best courses are private — see our guide to Bay Area private clubs and the most exclusive clubs in the region.