Harding Park Golf: A San Francisco Gem

where is harding park golf

TPC Harding Park is a municipal golf course located on the west side of San Francisco, California. The course is owned by the city and county of San Francisco and is part of the PGA Tour's Tournament Players Club (TPC) network of courses. It was designed by Willie Watson and Sam Whiting and opened in 1925. Harding Park has been ranked highly by Golfweek Magazine and Golf Digest Magazine and has hosted several notable tournaments, including the PGA Championship in 2020. The course underwent a major renovation in 2002-2003 and has since hosted events such as the WGC-American Express Championship and the Presidents Cup.

Characteristics Values
Location San Francisco, California
Address Harding Road, Southwest San Francisco, CA
Year opened 1925
Owner City and County of San Francisco
Course designer Willie Watson and Sam Whiting
Named after President Warren G. Harding
Number of holes 27 (18-hole Harding Park Course and 9-hole Fleming Course)
Area 163 acres
Renovation 2002-2003
Nearby attractions Lake Merced, San Francisco Zoo, Golden Gate Park
Notable events WGC-American Express Championship (2005), Presidents Cup (2009), PGA Championship (2020)

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TPC Harding Park is in San Francisco, California

TPC Harding Park is a municipal golf course located in San Francisco, California. Formerly known as Harding Park Golf Club, it is now a part of the PGA Tour's Tournament Players Club (TPC) network of courses. The golf course is owned by the city and county of San Francisco and is located on the west side of the city, surrounded by Lake Merced on three sides.

Harding Park was designed by Willie Watson (who also designed the nearby Olympic Club) and opened in 1925. It was named after President Warren G. Harding, an avid golfer who had died in office while visiting San Francisco two years earlier. The course covers 163 acres and features 27 holes of championship golf, including the 18-hole Harding Park Course and the 9-hole Fleming Course.

TPC Harding Park has a rich history and has hosted many important golf tournaments over the years. It was a regular stop on the PGA Tour in the 1960s and has been honoured as the "#13 Municipal Golf Course in the United States" and the "#24 Best Course to Play in California" by Golfweek Magazine. The course underwent a major renovation in 2002-2003 and has since hosted notable events such as the WGC-American Express Championship in 2005 and the Presidents Cup in 2009.

Located just 20 minutes from San Francisco's financial district, TPC Harding Park offers a unique golf experience in the heart of the city. The course is known for its challenging layout, with soft bunkers and undulating fairways set against the picturesque backdrop of Lake Merced. The clubhouse also features a restaurant and a full-sized practice range, making it a popular destination for golfers and events alike.

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The course is owned by the city and county of San Francisco

TPC Harding Park, formerly known as Harding Park Golf Club, is a municipal golf course owned by the city and county of San Francisco. It is located on the west side of San Francisco State University, surrounded by Lake Merced on three sides. The course covers 163 acres along the shores of Lake Merced in the city's southwest corner and is named after President Warren G. Harding, an avid golfer who passed away while visiting San Francisco.

The golf course was designed by Willie Watson, who also designed the nearby Olympic Club, and it first opened in 1925. Over the years, it has undergone several renovations to improve its facilities and maintain its status as a world-class golf destination. Harding Park has hosted numerous important tournaments, including the U.S. Amateur Public Links Championship in 1937 and 1956, and it became a regular stop for the PGA Tour in the 1960s.

Despite facing opposition from advocacy groups who believed that the renovation of the golf course was not a priority for the city, the San Francisco Board of Supervisors unanimously passed a resolution in 2001 to use Prop. 12 money for the project, citing the potential revenue for the city if Harding became a regular host of professional golf events. The renovation project expanded the course, upgraded the driving range and clubhouse to PGA Tour standards, and improved the nine-hole layout, now known as The Fleming 9.

The course is now part of the PGA Tour's Tournament Players Club (TPC) network of courses following an agreement between the tour and the city in 2010. The TPC Harding Park offers a flexible greens fee pricing program, providing fair and equal access to all golf enthusiasts. The fees include a substantial discount for San Francisco city residents and a smaller discount for residents of Bay Area counties.

Harding Park is conveniently located just 20 minutes from San Francisco's financial district and is known for its rich history and challenging course design. It has been recognised as one of the best municipal golf courses in the United States and has hosted legendary golfers such as Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson.

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It was designed by Willie Watson and opened in 1925

TPC Harding Park, formerly known as Harding Park Golf Club, is a municipal golf course located on the west side of San Francisco, California. It was designed by Willie Watson (who also designed the nearby Olympic Club's Lake Course, along with Sam Whiting) and opened on July 18, 1925. The golf course is owned by the city and county of San Francisco and is named after President Warren G. Harding, an avid golfer who had died in office while visiting San Francisco two years earlier.

The course covers 163 acres (0.66 km2) along the shores of Lake Merced in the southwest corner of the city. The entrance is at Harding Road, which connects to Skyline Boulevard on the east. The golf course has undergone several renovations and expansions over the years, including a major $24 million restoration project in 2002-2003 that expanded the course from 6,743 yards (6,166 m) to nearly 7,200 yards (6,580 m). The course conditions had worsened during the 1970s and 1980s due to city budget cuts affecting maintenance. In 1998, the low point came when Harding was used as a parking lot during the U.S. Open.

However, thanks to the efforts of prominent San Francisco attorney, champion golfer, and former USGA president Sandy Tatum, who led a campaign to restore Harding Park, the course was revived. The renovation project included upgrades to the driving range and clubhouse to PGA Tour standards, and the addition of a modern clubhouse and restaurant capable of hosting special events. Today, TPC Harding Park features 27 holes of championship golf, including the 18-hole Harding Park Course and the 9-hole Fleming Course. It has been recognised as one of the top municipal golf courses in California and the United States, hosting several prestigious tournaments such as the PGA Championship, the WGC-American Express Championship, and the Presidents Cup.

TPC Harding Park has a rich history, serving as a frequent PGA Tour stop in the 1960s and hosting tournaments won by golf legends Ken Venturi, Billy Casper, and Gary Player. The course became a member of the TPC network in 2010, joining the PGA Tour's Tournament Players Club (TPC) network of courses. This partnership elevated the course's status and helped secure its future as a major championship venue. Today, it continues to be a popular destination for golfers and hosts various events, including charity tournaments, business meetings, and vacations with friends and family.

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It has been renovated several times since 2002

TPC Harding Park, formerly known as Harding Park Golf Club, is a municipal golf course located in San Francisco, California. The course is owned by the city and county of San Francisco and is named after President Warren G. Harding, an avid golfer who died in office while visiting the city.

Harding Park has undergone several renovations since 2002, with the most recent improvements including a cutting-edge driving range. The course first opened in 1925 and has a storied history, hosting notable tournaments such as the US Amateur Public Links Championship in 1937 and 1956, and becoming a regular stop for the PGA Tour in the 1960s. However, due to budgetary cuts and maintenance issues, the course conditions deteriorated in the 1970s and 1980s.

In 2001, there was a plan to have Arnold Palmer Golf Management renovate and operate the park, but this idea was opposed by the San Francisco Board of Supervisors, who feared the privatisation of a municipally-owned golf course. Despite this setback, renovation efforts pushed through in 2002, with a $16 million restoration project taking place from 2002 to 2003. The 15-month project expanded the course from 6,743 yards to nearly 7,200 yards in length, enhanced the driving range and clubhouse, and upgraded the nine-hole layout of Fleming.

After the renovations, Harding Park once again hosted major golf events, including the WGC-American Express Championship in 2005, where Tiger Woods defeated John Daly in a memorable playoff. The course also hosted the President's Cup in 2009 and the Charles Schwab Cup Championship in 2010, 2011, and 2013. In 2010, Harding Park became a member of the PGA Tour's Tournament Players Club (TPC) network of courses, further elevating its status.

Today, TPC Harding Park continues to be a sought-after destination for golfers and events, offering a rare experience as a PGA TOUR venue in San Francisco. The course features 27 holes of championship golf, including the 18-hole Harding Park Course and the 9-hole Fleming Course. It has received accolades from Golfweek Magazine and Golf Digest Magazine, solidifying its reputation as one of the top municipal golf courses in the United States.

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The course is surrounded by Lake Merced on three sides

TPC Harding Park, formerly known as Harding Park Golf Club, is a municipal golf course located in San Francisco, California. The course is owned by the city and county of San Francisco and is part of the PGA Tour's Tournament Players Club (TPC) network of courses. Harding Park is located on the west side of San Francisco State University and is surrounded by Lake Merced on three sides. The course covers 163 acres along the shores of Lake Merced, in the southwest corner of the city.

The golf course was designed by Willie Watson, who also designed the nearby Olympic Club Lake Course, and opened in 1925. Harding Park is named after President Warren G. Harding, an avid golfer who died in office while visiting San Francisco in 1923. The course features 27 holes of championship golf, including the 18-hole Harding Park Course and the 9-hole Fleming Course.

Harding Park has undergone several renovations over the years, including a major renovation in 2002-2003 that expanded the course and upgraded the facilities to PGA Tour standards. The course has hosted several prestigious golf tournaments, including the PGA Championship in 2020 and the Presidents Cup in 2009 and 2025. It has been recognised as one of the best municipal golf courses in the United States and has been praised for its challenging layout and picturesque setting.

The final five holes of the Harding Park Course play adjacent to Lake Merced and offer outstanding views. The course is characterised by its soft bunkers, undulating fairways, and mature cypress trees. The lake comes into play on several holes, providing a strategic challenge for golfers. The surrounding lake and tree-lined fairways create a unique and memorable golfing experience, making Harding Park a favourite among players and spectators alike.

Frequently asked questions

Harding Park Golf Course is located in San Francisco, California.

The golf course is owned by the city and county of San Francisco.

The golf course was designed by Willie Watson and opened in 1925. It is named after President Warren G. Harding, an avid golfer who died in office while visiting San Francisco two years before the course opened.

Yes, Harding Park has hosted several important tournaments, including the U.S. Amateur Public Links Championship in 1937 and 1956, and the PGA Championship in 2020. It has also been a regular stop for the PGA Tour and was the venue for Tiger Woods' memorable playoff victory at the 2005 WGC-American Express Championship.

Absolutely! Harding Park Golf Course is located just 20 minutes from San Francisco's financial district and offers stunning views of Lake Merced. Visitors can enjoy the bar, which offers a casual atmosphere and a variety of excellent beers on tap. The golf course also has a restaurant that hosts special events, such as monthly Prime Rib dinners.

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