San Francisco Golf Club
San Francisco, CA • Private

Courtesy of San Francisco GC

LC Lambrecht

LC Lambrecht

LC Lambrecht
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.
2023-'24 ranking: 33rd.
Previous ranking: 36th.
Highest ranking: 18th, 1999-2002.
Best in State: Ranked fifth, 2011-'14, 2023-'24. Ranked sixth, 2015-'22.
Current ranking: Fifth.
Previous ranking: Sixth.
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
“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
Review
“If you can get an invite to play here, don't pass it up. Awesome course, great locker room and clubhouse. Very traditional club - you must take a caddie, may not use range finders, and the sprinkler heads don't even have yardages! Also, the famous Duel Hole, #7, has a plaque and there are monuments to commemorate the exact location of this historic act."
Read More2018
Review
“Great course great condition"
Read More2018
Readers
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