San Francisco
San Francisco
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Course Type
Private -
GOLF Top 100 U.S. Rank (2024-25)
22 -
Year
1918 -
Architects
A.W. Tillinghast -
Par
71 -
Yardage
6,828
Course Overview
A.W. Tillinghast built his most artistic collection of bunkers at this low-key Bay Area hideaway that avoids publicity as steadfastly as its neighbor the Olympic Club embraces it. Known as the Duel Hole, the drop-shot par-3 7th may be the course’s most famous hole, but its par-4s, including the 2nd, 3rd, 10th and 12th, are the real headliners. (Photo: Courtesy SFGC)
3 things to know
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Hole everyone talks about
No. 7, par-3, 189 yards: This hole plays straight downhill to a two-tiered green surrounded by bunkers on almost all sides. Nicknamed “The Duel Hole,” the 7th is famous for being the site of the last legal duel in the U.S. in 1859, in which Senator David Broderick lost to California Supreme Court Justice David Terry. -
Best non-golf amenity
The club’s locker room is an experience in itself. Visitors describe as akin to stepping back in time. The space includes a wood-burning fireplace and original wooden cubicles. -
Insider tip
San Francisco’s old-school vibe extends to the course setup, in which there are no yardage markers — and no rangefinders permitted. So if you have the chance to experience this gem, relax and trust your caddie.
