Presidio Golf Course

The Presidio Golf Course is one of the oldest golf courses west of the Mississippi, dating back to 1895 when it was established as a modest nine-hole layout within the active military post of the Presidio of San Francisco. The original course was designed by a group of San Francisco businessmen, with Robert Wood Johnstone credited as the primary architect. In those early days, green fees were just fifty cents.

The course was expanded to 18 holes in 1910 through a collaboration between Johnstone and William McEwan. For decades, the Presidio served as both a military recreation facility and a public golf course, hosting troop reviews for Theodore Roosevelt and serving as a gathering place for officers and civilians alike. The course was renovated and updated over the years, including work by Arnold Palmer Management Group after the Presidio was transferred from military to National Park Service control in 1994.

Today, the Presidio Golf Course operates as a public facility within the Presidio National Park, offering one of the most unique golf experiences in America. The towering eucalyptus and Monterey cypress trees create cathedral-like corridors, and several holes offer stunning views of the Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco Bay, and the Pacific Ocean.

The Presidio Golf Course provides a uniquely peaceful golf experience within a national park in the heart of San Francisco. The course is sheltered by towering eucalyptus and Monterey cypress trees that create a serene, almost forest-like atmosphere just minutes from downtown. On clear days, several holes offer breathtaking views of the Golden Gate Bridge.

The layout is not overly long but demands accuracy through its tree-lined corridors. Conditions can be cool and foggy, particularly in the summer months when the marine layer settles over the western part of the city. The course is well-maintained and offers a great value for the quality and setting.

Keeping the ball in the fairway is the primary challenge at the Presidio. The mature trees that line most holes will severely penalize errant drives, so leave the driver in the bag on tighter holes and prioritize position over distance.

The course is hilly in places, so be prepared for uneven lies. Club selection on approach shots should account for the cool, dense air that can reduce carry distance. Afternoon tee times often benefit from the fog burning off, providing clearer skies and warmer temperatures.