California Golf Club of San Francisco
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Course Type
Private -
GOLF Top 100 U.S. Rank (2024-25)
26 -
Year
1926 -
Architects
A.V. Macan, 1926 / Alister MacKenzie, 1928 / Kyle Phillips, 2007 -
Par
72 -
Yardage
7,216
Course Overview
For most of its 80-year history, the Cal Club, as locals call it, served up a tight though well-regarded course, enhanced by its association with Ken Venturi. Following a 2008 Kyle Phillips re-do that was part restoration and part redesign, many feel this private course is equal to any in California north of Cypress Point. Situated on the side of a hill, Cal Club is guaranteed to catch any wind that is about. Add in fescue fairways and the site’s broad slopes and you have a course whose asks change daily. Take note of the stretch from 9-11 and how each of these two-shotters falls across the land in a different manner: the 9th plays up and over a hill, the 10th fairway slopes right to left off the tee and then left to right closer to the green and the 12th fairway glides through its own lovely valley. Overall, the mix of short grass, sprawling bunkers and cypress trees provide constant photo opportunities. When you discover the design plays as good as it looks, you have something special. (Photo: Evan Schiller)
3 things to know
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Hole everyone talks about
No. 16, par 3, 133 yards: Don’t be fooled by this hole’s relatively short length. No. 16 is intimidating off the tee, with deep bunkers flanking the front and back. Precision is key, and wind adds yet another complication to the delightful puzzle you’ll face when it comes to club selection. -
Best non-golf amenity
You can’t beat the urban San Francisco views, from the backdrop behind the 1st green all the way to the beautiful cityscape on the 17th. It’s a treat to behold. -
Insider tip
Bay area temperatures are notoriously cool, even in the warmer summer months. With that in mind, previous visitors advise packing a jacket, even if you think you won’t need it. You’ll be glad you did.
