Discover The Top 10+ Best Golf Courses In The Bay Area

by Alvin Daniel
best golf course in bay area

Are you an avid or amateur golfer looking for world-class golf courses in the Bay Area? Look no further! This blog post has compiled some of the top 13 best golf courses in the area that will meet and exceed your expectations. From stunning landscapes and ocean views to professionally designed fairways, these golf courses provide an unbeatable experience like none other. Whether you’re new to golf or a professional player, there is something here for everyone, so come join us as we explore this incredible list!

 

1. TPC Harding Park

best golf course in the bay area

TPC Harding Park. Image Source: golf.com

TPC Harding Park is a world-class golf facility located in San Francisco that boasts a rich history and an exceptional course. This championship layout follows the 1925 original routing designed by Willie Watson and Sam Whiting and features contoured green complexes and four sets of tees that offer a challenge to players of all skill levels. With 27 holes to play and the scenic beauty of Monterey Cypress trees and Lake Merced, golfers are sure to have an unforgettable experience.

In addition to its exceptional course, TPC Harding Park boasts a rich tournament history, including two World Golf Championships, multiple Charles Schwab Cup Championships, and two Presidents Cups (with the next one scheduled for 2026). Not only that, but the facility has been recognized as one of the “Best Places to Play” by Golf Digest. With a 7,169-yard layout from the back tees and a $16 million restoration project in 2002-2003, TPC Harding Park provides both a challenge and an opportunity to enjoy a truly world-class golfing experience.

Location: 99 Harding Rd, San Francisco, CA 94132

Course Layout: 18-Hole Championship Course (7,169 yards, par 71)

Green Fees: $144 on Weekdays; $160 on Weekends

Clubhouse Amenities: Pro Shop, Dining Room and Bar

 

2. Presidio Golf Course

best golf course in bay area 2023

Presidio Golf Course. Image Source: presidiogolf.com

Presidio Golf Course is considered one of the best courses shorter than 6,500 yards worldwide and is renowned for its spectacular forest setting and demanding layout. Situated in the hilly Golden Gate National Recreation Area, the course meanders around Eucalyptus and Monterey Pine trees, strategically placing sand traps and demanding precise distance control off the tee and on approach. The average golfer can reach some par 5s in two shots, but accuracy is just as important as being a long hitter.

Presidio Golf Course is managed with a sensitivity towards the environment, earning it recognition for its environmentally conscious management practices. The award-winning golf shop offers state-of-the-art equipment and apparel. Additionally, the course has a practice area, driving range, six-hole putting/chipping green and a variety of terrains, obstacles, and levels of difficulty. Golfers of all levels will find Presidio challenging but rewarding.

Location: 300 Finley Road @ Arguello Gate

San Francisco 94129

Course Layout: 18-Hole Championship Course (6,411 yards, par 72)

Green Fees: $145 on Weekdays; $159 on Weekends

Clubhouse Amenities: Pro Shop, Dining Room and Bar, Practice Area.

 

3. Half Moon Bay Golf Links

top best golf course in bay area

Half Moon Bay Golf Links. Image Source: visithalfmoonbay.org

Half Moon Bay Golf Links has been internationally recognized as one of the world’s best golf resorts, boasting two championship courses with breathtaking coastal views. The first course, the 7,001-yard Old Course, was named America’s Golf Resort of the Year for 2014 by the Global Golf Tourism Organization and required supreme course management to navigate through the trees, bunkers, and water while taking the wind out of play. The 18th-hole finish with postcard-perfect views is an unforgettable experience.

The second course, the 6,854-yard Ocean Course, is an Arthur Hills-crafted layout that features links-style design and elevation changes that keep golfers guessing their club selections. With a constant threat of wind due to its proximity to the ocean, lower running shots are advisable to overcome the challenge. This course offers more scoring opportunities with its five par 5s and five par 3s, allowing moderate hitters to approach most of the par 4 greens with a mid-iron. However, players should beware of the fescue, the pot bunkers, and the often gloomy and breezy weather that can add more challenges to their game.

Plenty of famous players have tested their skills in Half Moon Bay Golf Links, with the 17th hole providing spectacular cliffside views of the ocean and the clubhouse in the back. In addition to its championship courses, the Half Moon Bay Golf Links is also home to one of the top luxury hotels in the Bay Area – the Ritz-Carlton. Whether you’re a seasoned golfer or a beginner looking for a challenging yet enjoyable round, Half Moon Bay Golf Links is definitely a must-visit destination for the avid golf enthusiast.

Location: 2 Miramontes Point Rd, Half Moon Bay, CA 94019

Course Layout: 18-Hole Championship Course (7,001 yards on Old Course; 6,854 yards on Ocean Course)

Green Fees: $230 – $275 on Weekdays; $320 – $360 on Weekends

Clubhouse Amenities: Pro Shop, Dining Room and Bar

 

4. Cinnabar Hills Golf Club

top golf course in bay area

Cinnabar Hills Golf Club. Image Source: cinnabarhills.com

Cinnabar Hills Golf Club is a golf lover’s paradise located in the south hills of San Jose, surrounded by popular resort destinations. This stunning facility boasts 27 holes, combining 6 different 18’s and an impressive 3 distinct nines that are known as the Lake, Canyon, and Mountain courses. The courses are creatively designed to maintain the natural slope of the hills and protect the resident wildlife, including foxes and turkeys.

Apart from offering picturesque golf courses, Cinnabar Hills Golf Club also provides fantastic amenities such as an exceptional grass-tee driving range, chipping area, and three-putting greens to ensure golfers of all skill levels can perfect their game. The club also places value on outstanding personalized customer service, providing winning golf experiences, impeccable dining, and complete event coordination.

Cinnabar Hills Golf Club is not just any golf club; it has a lot more to offer. The venue has an on-site grill and bar that overlooks beautiful surroundings, where visitors can enjoy meals or drinks. Additionally, it has a maximum capacity for weddings of approximately 200 people on its well-maintained dance floor. The club also features the Lee Brandenburg Historical Golf Museum, home to the largest collection of golf memorabilia west of the Mississippi.

Location: 23600 McKean Rd, San Jose, CA 95141

Course Layout: 27 Holes (Lake Course, Mountain Course, Canyon Course)

Green Fees: $49 – $69 on Weekdays; $65 – $99 on Weekends

Clubhouse Amenities: Pro Shop, Grill & Bar, Wedding Facility and Golf Museum.

 

5. Corica Park Golf Course

best golf in bay area

Corica Park Golf Course. Image Source: coricapark.com

Located near the Oakland International Airport, Corica Park Golf Course ranks among the top 15 par 3 golf courses in the United States, according to Golf Magazine. Designed as an eco-driven and socially inclusive destination, Corica Park offers a short yet deceptively challenging 27-par 6,874-yard course, ideal for golf enthusiasts of every level of expertise.

Corica Park Golf Course features extensive practice facilities, including an exceptional driving range to improve your swing. With over 110 bunkers, many of which are edged with shaggy grass, players navigate through the routing, aided by the quality of the greens and the course’s fast greens and swirling winds. As part of the renovation of the North Course at Corica Park, the back nine holes will be completed by 26/4/2023. Come and experience Corica Park, the winner among the shortest golf courses in the Bay Area, while playing in a beautiful and interesting location.

Location: 1 Clubhouse Memorial Rd, Alameda, CA 94502

Course Layout: 27-Par 6,874-Yard course

Green Fees: $25 – $60 on Weekdays; $30 – $70 on Weekends

Clubhouse Amenities: Pro Shop and Driving Range.

 

6. Baylands Golf Links, Palo Alto

best golf course in bay area

Baylands Golf Links. Image Source: baylandsgolflinks.com

Baylands Golf Links is a beautifully designed golf course in Palo Alto. It covers 55 acres of native Baylands vegetation and wetlands areas. This course stands out for its unique layout, with five par 5s and an equal number of par 3s. The course also has wide fairways, making it one of the best San Francisco golf courses for casual players.

Golfers can practice on a driving range with 26 hitting bays plus large chipping greens. The course plays to a par 72 and covers 6,680 yards off the back tees. A challenge specific to the course is the grabby style of grass, Seashore Paspalum, which can hold your ball up, requiring precise distance control on approach. The wind is also a constant factor affecting players’ rounds.

Location: 1875 Embarcadero Rd, Palo Alto, CA 94303

Course Layout: 18-Hole Par 72 Course

Green Fees: $25 – $60 on Weekdays; $30 – $70 on Weekends

Clubhouse Amenities: Pro Shop, Driving Range and Chipping Greens.

 

7. Peacock Gap Golf Club

best golf course in the bay area

Peacock Gap Golf Club. Image Source: peacockgapgolfclub.com

Peacock Gap Golf Club is a must-visit golf course for golf enthusiasts who appreciate challenging courses coupled with spectacular amenities. Situated in Marin, this semi-private facility boasts one of the most beautiful golf courses in the county. The course is a parkland layout, measuring 6,253 yards from the tips with four par 5s and five par 3s, which guarantee a superb golfing experience. Additionally, the club has four sets of tees beginning at 4,828 yards that accommodate golfers of all levels.

Peacock Gap Golf Club offers extraordinary facilities, ideal for perfecting one’s game. The golf club features a 30-player all-grass driving range, a chipping, pitching, and bunker play area, as well as practice putting greens for golfers to work on their short game. What’s more, the club offers both individual and group lessons that provide an excellent opportunity for golfers to improve their game. There is also a restaurant serving breakfast and lunch, making it ideal for spending hours on the golf course. Moreover, the banquet facility can accommodate up to 1,000 guests, making it ideal for private events as well.

Location: 333 Biscayne Dr, San Rafael, CA 94901

Course Layout: 18-Hole Par 71 Course

Green Fees: $22 – $60 on Weekdays; $25 – $70 on Weekends

Clubhouse Amenities: Pro Shop, Driving Range, Chipping Greens, Practice Putting Greens and Restaurant. 

 

8. Northwood Golf Club

best golf course in bay area 2023

Northwood Golf Club. Image Source: northwoodgolf.com

Northwood Golf Club has garnered worldwide recognition for its superior quality golfing experience. Located along the serene Russian River and surrounded by towering Redwood trees, the 2,893-yard nine-hole course is a true masterpiece that draws golf enthusiasts from far and wide. Golf Magazine’s Joe Passov raved about the course’s magnificence, putting it on his top-5 MacKenzie courses of the world list.

In addition to the impressive course design, Northwood boasts an excellent practice area that includes a putting area. The friendly staff is known for their warm reception, making visitors feel welcome and at ease. Though the course may be on the shorter side, the narrow fairways make for a challenging game. Undoubtedly, Northwood Golf Club is a must-play for golfers seeking a world-class experience.

Location: 19400 CA-116, Monte Rio, CA 95462

Course Layout: 9-Hole Par 35 Course

Green Fees: $25 – $45 on Weekdays; $30 – $50 on Weekends

Clubhouse Amenities: Pro Shop and Practice Putting Area. 

 

9. The Links at Bodega Harbor

top best golf course in bay area

The Links at Bodega Harbor. Image Source: bodegaharbourgolf.com

The Links at Bodega Harbor is a Scottish-style golf course designed by renowned architect Robert Trent Jones, Jr. Spread over hilly terrains; the course features nearly 100 strategically-placed bunkers. Measuring just 6,230 yards, the par 70 playing field provides a different level of challenge for golf enthusiasts.

The front nine of the course is particularly demanding, with multi-tiered greens and carefully placed pot bunkers. The back nine, in contrast, offers wider fairways and a dramatic three-hole finish, offering a delightful golfing experience. Golfers can enjoy spectacular views of the Sonoma County coastline and the Pacific Ocean, with three final holes near the edge of the ocean. The Links at Bodega Harbor also boasts several amenities, including a restaurant, snack shack, grill, and well-stocked pro shop.

Location: 21301 Heron Dr, Bodega Bay, CA 94923

Course Layout: 18-Hole Par 70 Course

Green Fees: $45 – $75 on Weekdays; $50 – $90 on Weekends

Clubhouse Amenities: Pro Shop, Restaurant, Snack Shack and Grill. 

 

10. Silverado Resort & Spa

top best golf course in bay area

Silverado Resort & Spa. Image Source: silveradoresort.com

Silverado Resort & Spa is a sprawling 300-acre property located amidst the picturesque golden hills of oak-lined fairways and surrounded by more than 400 wineries in California. With over 100 guest rooms, 225 plus suites, and 70,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor event and activity space, it is the perfect place for a luxurious and comfortable getaway. Additionally, the resort features two Championship golf courses, the 16,000 square-foot spas with a fitness center, the Grill restaurant, as well as the Mansion Bar.

Golf enthusiasts will marvel at the 36 holes of stunning courses, including the North Course, which hosts the annual PGA Tour Safeway Open. The 7,166-yard North Course is longer and more straightforward with fewer elevations. On the other hand, the 6,612-yard South Course is hilly, with more elevation changes and less room for error. Offering an all-grass driving range, putting green, and chipping green, the practice area is perfect for golfers to perfect their skills. And if you need a break, do not miss the famous “burger dog” available at the snack shack.

Named “Best Resort Courses” by Golfweek magazine in 2021, Silverado Resort & Spa offers the perfect blend of relaxation, recreation, and stunning views. Nestled between San Francisco and Sacramento, the resort exudes a tranquil ambiance, with nine recently resurfaced tennis courts, three outdoor swimming pools, and the 16,000-square-foot spa. With an abundance of water and large greens, the golf courses perfectly fit into the natural surroundings. Whether you are a golf enthusiast or not, Silverado Resort & Spa is an incredible destination to explore and enjoy.

Location: 1600 Atlas Peak Rd, Napa, CA 94558

Course Layout: 36-Hole Par 71 Course

Green Fees: $110 – $130 on Weekdays; $125 – $145 on Weekends

Clubhouse Amenities: Pro Shop, Driving Range, Putting Green and Chipping Green.  

 

11. Poppy Hills Golf Course

top golf course in bay area

Poppy Hills Golf Course. Image Source: poppyhillsgolf.com

Poppy Hills Golf Course is one of seven in Pebble Beach but, unlike the others, plays entirely in the forest. The course features bentgrass greens and no rough and is located in the center of California’s Monterey Peninsula, surrounded by pine and eucalyptus trees. Designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr, it is undoubtedly one of the most challenging courses in the Bay Area. The course layout is quite diverse, consisting of two separate nine-hole layouts winding through the trees and meadows. The front nine has a variety of water hazards, including ponds, creeks, and waterfalls, while the back nine features rolling hills and sweeping views of Monterey Bay. The course has five sets of tees for golfers to experience a unique challenge on each hole, with sand bunkers guarding every green and undulating fairways. Golfers of all levels can play and be challenged with the option of four tees on many holes.

Location: 3200 Lopez Road, Pebble Beach, CA. 93953

Course Layout: 18-Hole Par 72 Course

Green Fees: $50 – $90 on Weekdays; $60 – $110 on Weekends

Clubhouse Amenities: Pro Shop, Snack Bar and Putting Green.

 

12. Sharp Park Golf Course

best golf course in bay area

Sharp Park Golf Course. Image Source: Surya

Sharp Park Golf Course, located in Pacifica just 10 miles south of San Francisco, is a 6,382-yard muni catering to golfers looking for a reliable option on a budget. Characterized by water and trees, the course starts through a beautiful forest of native trees before running parallel to the Pacific. Despite its length, the course is designed to allow the average golfer to navigate with a fairway wood or hybrid off the tee while still having a shot at reaching longer holes on approach. For those who enjoy walking, Sharp Park is a great course as it features a walkable seaside and inland course with several holes that wrap around Laguna Salada, a natural lake.

Designed by Dr. Alister MacKenzie, the course offers a 72 par and stretches to a challenging 6300 yards. If you’re looking to maintain control and accuracy, incorporating course management skills will be essential in navigating the fairways. If you’re seeking to maintain your golf game’s performance and wish to practice course management skills, Sharp Park Golf Course is a must-visit.

Location: 1 Sharp Park Rd, Pacifica, CA 94044

Course Layout: 18-Hole Par 72 Course

Green Fees: $26 – $38 on Weekdays; $30 – $42 on Weekends

Clubhouse Amenities: Pro Shop and Putting Green.

 

13. The Olympic Club

best golf course in the bay area

The Olympic Club. Image Source: usga.org

The Olympic Club is a private social and athletic club located in San Francisco, California. It is the oldest athletic club in the United States and was initially known as the “San Francisco Olympic Club.” Since its inception, it has evolved into a distinguished institution offering its members access to several facilities and services.

The club boasts three golf courses – Lake, Ocean, and Cliffs – offering picturesque views of the Golden Gate Bridge and Golden Gate Park. Designed by Wilfrid Reid, the Lake Course spans 7,060 yards from the championship tees, with a course rating of 75.7 and a slope rating of 143. The Ocean Course spans 6,925 yards from the Black Championship tees, with a course rating of 73.6 and a slope rating of 136. The cliffs course is a 9-hole par-3 course set on the bluffs above the Pacific Ocean, with 1,800 yards and the most scenic views of all three courses.

Over the years, Lakeside has nurtured and fostered some of the most serious golf talents, with its fairways and greens featuring a combination of rye and poa annual grass. The clubhouse, located in the serene atmosphere of expansive wooded acres, serves as a haven for members to relax, socialize, and indulge in their favorite amenities. The Olympic Club’s rustic charm, breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean, and its mélange of sports and relaxation facilities make it an exclusive and ideal destination for the discerning individual.

Location: San Francisco, CA

City ClubHouse: 524 Post Street, San Francisco, CA 94102

Lakeside ClubHouse: 599 Skyline BLVD San Francisco, CA 94132

Course Layout: 3 Courses – Lake 18-Hole Par 72 Course; Ocean 18-Hole Par 72 Course; Cliffs 9-Hole Par 3 Course

Green Fees: By invitation only

Clubhouse Amenities: Pro Shop, Dining Room and Putting Green.

 

Conclusion

The Bay Area has some of the best golf courses in the world. From championship layouts to scenic views, each offers something unique that will make for an unforgettable round. These 13 courses have been chosen as some of the best in the area based on their design, amenities and location. Whether you’re looking for a challenging 18-hole championship course or a fun and relaxing 9-hole par 3 experience, the Bay Area offers something for every level of golfer. So take your game to the next level and visit one of these wonderful courses today!

Author

  • Alvin Daniel

    Hello everyone, I'm Alvin Daniel. I was born in the Philippines and came to the United States when I was 16 years old. I started playing golf at that age and have loved it ever since. I turned professional when I was 21 and have been working as a golf instructor and guide ever since. My goal is to help everyone know more about this great game of golf. And, hopefully, through my instruction, they can improve their skills and enjoy the game even more.

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