Courtesy of San Francisco GC
LC Lambrecht
LC Lambrecht
LC Lambrecht
San Francisco Golf Club
San Francisco, CA • Private
San Francisco Golf Club
1310 Junipero Serra Blvd
San Francisco, CA 94132-2995
United States
Overview
San Francisco Golf Club’s original routing was done mostly by a trio of club members, who first staked out the course in 1918. A.W. Tillinghast remodeled the course in 1923, establishing its signature greens and bunkering. He also added the par-3 seventh, called the “Duel Hole,” because its location marks the spot of the last legal duel in America. Three holes were replaced in 1950 in anticipation of a street widening project that never happened. In 2006, the original holes were re-established by Tom Doak and his then-associate Jim Urbina.
About
Awards
Ranking history:
100 Greatest: Ranked since 1971.
Highest ranking: 18th, 1999-2002.
2025-'26 ranking (and previous): 33rd.
Best in State: Ranked fifth, 2011-'14, 2023 to current. Ranked sixth, 2015-'22.
2025-'26 ranking (and previous): 5th.
Panelists
Ratings from our panel of 1,900 course-ranking panelists
100 GREATEST/BEST IN STATE SCORES
Shot Options
Character
Challenge
Layout Variety
Fun
Aesthetics
Conditioning
Reviews
Review
“This A.W. Tillinghast course is definitely a thinking man's course with well-placed bunkering throughout. Great green complexes are difficult, yet fair. Beautiful Cypress trees frame the holes of this Golden Age design. Beautiful views throughout! Do not pass up the opportunity to get in in a round here if offered the chance."
Read More2025
Review
“San Francisco Golf Club is one of those rare places where the history, architecture, and experience all match the hype. The routing makes excellent use of the terrain, and the subtle elevation changes add constant interest. There’s nothing flashy, but every hole feels intentional. The course has a timeless feel and rewards thoughtful play. Greens are well protected, bunkering is smart, and the whole experience is incredibly polished without ever trying too hard. You walk off remembering not just a few standout holes, but the overall flow of the round. It’s one of the most complete and enjoyable classic courses I’ve played. On the par‑3 11th there’s a lone bunker shot away from the play, but it’s clear why it’s there—subtle framing and visual cohesion for the closing stretch. Small touches like that highlight the level of architectural care and reinforce why the routing feels so tight and intentional."
Read More2025
Review
“San Francisco Golf Club is a masterpiece of design, blending strategic shot options with exceptional character. The layout offers remarkable variety, challenging players to think their way around each hole with its mix of risk-reward opportunities. Immaculate conditioning, the course showcases undulating fairways, well-protected greens, and beautifully maintained bunkers. Its timeless routing provides a seamless balance of short and long holes, doglegs, and elevation changes, making every round a memorable test of skill and strategy."
Read More2024
Review
“A Tillinghast masterpiece that has all the character and lore you could expect from a top 40 course in the country. I wouldn’t be surprised to see this course rise the ranks with some of the course / tree maintenance they’re currently doing."
Read More2024
Review
“Historic course but not that much shotmaking variety"
Read More2022
Review
“Great golf course in impeccable condition. Very special treat to play here."
Read More2022
Review
“Beautiful Tillinghast bunkering and challenging yet fair green complexes. Dramatic elevation changes and majestic cypress trees that frame holes yet do not overburden corridors of play. Very unique experience that was seemingly warped back in time. No phones, no yardage books, no laser rangefinders allowed. Caddie was way off on yardage 2-3x so it would have been nice to know actual yardage on those holes. Duel hole is an interesting side story to hole 7."
Read More2022
Review
“Architect is asking you to work the ball in different directions off the tee. Amazing course 60 yards and in. More accuracy and finesse required than length."
Read More2022
Review
“A Tillinghast gem. You have to think your way around this course, not a bomb and gouger's layout. Bunkering and green complexes are incredible."
Read More2022
Review
“Great course, but even better club. A classic all around. Front nine is better than the back nine, but #12 might be the best hole on the property."
Read More2018
