Overview
TPC Harding Park is the rare tour-level course anyone can book. It belongs to the City of San Francisco, is managed by the PGA TOUR’s TPC network, and sits on a rolling peninsula by Lake Merced in the city’s southwest corner, lined with tall Monterey cypress trees.
The main 18-hole, par-72 Harding Park Course still follows the routing Willie Watson and Sam Whiting laid out in 1925; the same pair designed the Olympic Club’s Lake Course next door. A major renovation in 2005 added about 400 yards, softened the bunkers and reshaped the fairways for tour events, and the greens were rebuilt in 2013–14. Four sets of tees make it playable for beginners as well as low handicappers.
Inside the big course is the Fleming 9, a par-30 nine-hole course added in 1961 and named after the city’s former golf caretaker Jack Fleming. It measures 2,165 yards from the member tees and 1,865 from the forward tees, with six par 3s and three par 4s. It is the local home of The First Tee of San Francisco.
Prices & extras
- Green feeOn-demand pricing set by residency category and demand; San Francisco resident cardholders get the lowest rateVaries
- Golf cartPer golfer; the course is cart-path-only all year$25
- Accompanying rider$50
- Club rentalIncludes a sleeve of balls and tees; first come, first served$85
- Advance booking fee (8–30 days out)Per player, non-refundable, not credited toward the green fee$19
- SF resident cardBought through SF Rec and Park$136
Prices checked 21 October 2026 on the official website. Prices may change; confirm with the course before you book.
Facilities
Good to know
Fully public. Harding Park is a San Francisco municipal facility open every day, with tiered rates for city residents, Bay Area county residents and non-residents.
Individual tee times can be booked up to 90 days ahead. Walk-ons are welcome but not guaranteed, so booking is strongly advised. Check in 30 minutes before your tee time and be on the tee 10 minutes early. Official page ↗
Carts must stay on the paths all year. The course sits on a gently rolling peninsula, so walking is a comfortable option.
Harding Road, in the southwest corner of San Francisco on the shore of Lake Merced, less than a mile from the Pacific and close to Skyline Boulevard and the San Francisco Zoo.
History & highlights
Harding Park opened on July 18, 1925 and is named after President Warren G. Harding. It soon hosted big amateur events such as the USGA National Public Links and the San Francisco City Championship, and it welcomed the PGA TOUR from 1944 with the Victory Open.
Budget cuts later left the course in poor shape; by 1998 it was being used as a car park during the U.S. Open at the nearby Olympic Club. A campaign led by former USGA president Sandy Tatum brought in city leaders and the PGA TOUR, and the course was restored for its return to tournament golf.
The finishing hole runs beside Lake Merced. The Cypress Grill looks out over it, which makes it a good place to watch groups come in after your round.
The practice range uses Toptracer shot tracking, the same kind of technology seen on tour broadcasts, and opens at 6:30am.
- WGC-American Express Championship, 2005
- Presidents Cup, 2009
- Charles Schwab Cup Championship: 2010, 2011 and 2013
- WGC-Cadillac Match Play, 2015
- PGA Championship, 2020
Tips for first-timers
- Book online well ahead: advance times 8–30 days out carry a non-refundable fee per player, but individual times can be booked up to 90 days ahead.
- San Francisco residents should get the resident card from SF Rec and Park first; it guarantees the lowest rate.
- Arrive 30 minutes early to check in, or you may lose your tee time.
- New golfers or juniors can start on the Fleming 9, which rewards accurate iron play.
- Club rentals are first come, first served, so arrive early if you need a set.
Map & location
The course is at 99 Harding Road, off Skyline Boulevard on the shore of Lake Merced. The Olympic Club and San Francisco Golf Club are both within about 2 km.
FAQ
Is TPC Harding Park open to the public?
Yes. It is a San Francisco municipal course, open daily to everyone, with lower rates for city and Bay Area residents.
How much does it cost to play TPC Harding Park?
Green fees use on-demand pricing that changes with demand and your residency category, so check the live rate when you book. Carts are $25 per golfer and rental clubs $85. Prices may change; confirm with the course.
How far in advance can I book?
Individual tee times can be booked up to 90 days ahead. There is no cancellation fee, but advance booking fees are non-refundable.
How many holes are there?
27 in total: the 18-hole, par-72 Harding Park Course and the par-30 Fleming 9.
Which major events has Harding Park hosted?
Among others, the 2009 Presidents Cup, the 2015 WGC-Cadillac Match Play and the 2020 PGA Championship.
Is there a driving range?
Yes, a Toptracer range, plus chipping and putting areas.
Sources
Facts checked 21 October 2026. We only list details we could confirm on the sources above; anything else is left out.