Best public golf courses in the San Francisco, California area

Welcome to the green oasis of San Francisco, where the rolling fog meets manicured fairways and the Pacific breeze whispers through the towering eucalyptus. Here, the golf courses are as diverse as the city itself, offering a blend of challenging play and breathtaking scenery. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a casual golfer, the public courses in the Bay Area promise an unforgettable experience that marries the sport with the unique, laid-back Northern California vibe. So grab your clubs, and let's tee off into the heart of San Francisco's golfing landscape.

Presidio Golf Course 300 Finley Road, San Francisco, California Set amidst the urban landscape, this golf course boasts stunning views and well-maintained fairways, offering a challenging play with narrow paths and tough roughs. The walkable course is complemented by a good pace of play and complete facilities, including a driving range and a restaurant, making it an enjoyable experience for both seasoned golfers and novices alike. It's particularly recommended to visit on weekdays for better rates and tee time availability.

Mariners Point Golf Center 2401 East 3rd Avenue, Foster City, California Mariners Point Golf Course in Foster City, California, is a public 9-hole course known for its well-maintained greens and scenic views of the San Francisco Bay. It features a 64-stall driving range equipped with Toptracer launch monitors and areas for short game practice, including large greens and bunkers. Praised for its affordability and suitability for all skill levels, the course is particularly appreciated for its conducive environment for both learning and improving one's golf game.

The Bridges Golf Club 9000 South Gale Ridge Road, San Ramon, California

TPC Harding Park 99 Harding Road, San Francisco, California Harding Park offers a public golfing experience that impresses with well-maintained fairways and greens, and a pace of play that is fast and efficient. The course features top tracer technology at the practice areas and provides ample parking for visitors. While some operational disorganization has been noted, the overall quality of the course and the option to play a 9-hole or 18-hole round make it a favored destination for golfers of all levels.

Paradise Valley Golf Course 3950 Paradise Valley Drive, Fairfield, California

Spring Valley Golf Course 3441 East Calaveras Boulevard, Milpitas, California This golf course is known for its efficient starter operation and punctuality in tee times, alongside well-maintained greens and fairways. The course offers a mix of terrain, providing a challenging yet enjoyable experience, and is complemented by a bar/grill for post-game refreshments. Players appreciate the great conditions, helpful staff, and the overall value for money, though some note that tee times can be too close, leading to occasional on-course traffic.

Hiddenbrooke Golf Club 1095 Hiddenbrooke Parkway, Vallejo, California Hiddenbrooke Golf Course offers a fun yet challenging experience with rough terrain that lives up to its name. While the course design is well-received and the greens are well-maintained, some areas like the tee boxes and golf carts could benefit from improvements. Overall, golfers find value in the fair pricing and look forward to the course's potential, with many expressing a desire to return.

Lincoln Park Golf Course 300 34th Avenue, San Francisco, California

Poplar Creek Golf Course 1700 Coyote Point Drive, San Mateo, California

Canyon Lakes Golf Course 640 Bollinger Canyon Way, San Ramon, California

Franklin Canyon Golf Course Highway 4, Hercules, California This golf course is known for its fun layout, with a character that players appreciate, and it's particularly lush and appealing during the winter and spring seasons. The greens are well-maintained and offer a good variety in play, although the speed and breaks can be inconsistent. Staff are consistently praised for their helpfulness and the course offers good value, making it a popular choice for tournaments and regular play.

Mission Hills of Hayward 275 Industrial Parkway, Hayward, California