TPC Harding Park

TPC Harding Park opened on July 18, 1925, named after President Warren G. Harding, an avid golfer who had died in San Francisco two years earlier. The original 18-hole course was designed by Sam Whiting and Willie Watson, the same duo responsible for the nearby Olympic Club Lake Course. Set along the shores of Lake Merced on the west side of San Francisco, Harding Park quickly became one of the most popular public courses in the city.

The course fell into disrepair during the 1990s but was dramatically restored in 2003 with help from architect Sandy Tatum and PGA Tour Design Services. This renovation returned championship caliber to the layout and attracted major professional events. The 2005 WGC-American Express Championship marked Harding Park's arrival on the world stage, followed by the 2009 Presidents Cup, the 2015 WGC-Match Play, and most notably the 2020 PGA Championship, won by Collin Morikawa.

In 2025, TPC Harding Park celebrated its centennial, cementing its status as one of the most storied municipal courses in America. The course joined the TPC network and continues to host PGA Tour events while remaining accessible to public golfers.

TPC Harding Park delivers a championship-caliber experience at municipal pricing. The course is beautifully conditioned and stretches to over 7,100 yards from the back tees, testing every club in the bag. Expect firm, well-maintained fairways lined with mature Monterey cypress and eucalyptus trees, with Lake Merced providing a scenic backdrop on several holes.

The marine layer and fog common to this part of San Francisco create cool, often breezy conditions that add challenge. Green fees are tiered, with San Francisco residents receiving discounted rates. Walking is permitted and the relatively flat terrain makes it manageable.

Accuracy is paramount at TPC Harding Park. The tree-lined fairways punish wayward drives, and the firm, well-bunkered greens demand precise iron play. Take one extra club on approach shots when the wind is blowing in off the Pacific, which is most afternoons.

Book your tee time well in advance, especially on weekends, as demand is high. San Francisco residents can access reduced rates by showing valid ID. Dress in layers, as morning fog often burns off by midday, and the temperature can swing significantly during a round.