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The Olympic Club in San Francisco: An Exclusive Golfing Experience

Course of the Week: Inside The Olympic Club’s Lake and Ocean Courses

Course of the Week: The Olympic Club, San Francisco

Lake Course Par 3 8th Hole

The Olympic Club: A Golfer’s Dream in San Francisco

Last weekend, I had the opportunity to play at The Olympic Club in San Francisco, and it was an experience to remember. Known for its rich history and challenging courses, this club is a gem for any golf enthusiast. Here's a personal recount of my time at The Olympic Club.

The Courses

1. The Lake Course

  • Overview: The Lake Course is the crown jewel of The Olympic Club, famous for hosting major tournaments, including multiple U.S. Opens. It will also host the 2028 PGA Championship.

  • Challenge: With tight fairways, strategically placed bunkers, and small, undulating greens, this is one of the hardest courses I’ve ever played. Missing the fairway can severely punish your score.

  • Layout: It’s a long course with only three par 5s, appearing on holes 1, 16, and 17, offering limited scoring opportunities.

  • Access: The course is private, limited to members and their guests. Thanks to my buddy Delge, I was able to get out on the course. The guest rate was around $200, which was a great deal in my opinion.

Ocean Course 18th Hole
Photo Credit: Evan Schiller

2. Cliffs Par 3 course

  • Overview: We also had the chance to play the Cliffs Par 3 Course, known for its beautiful views of the Pacific Ocean.

  • Experience: This course offers a more relaxed game compared to the Lake Course, making it perfect for practicing your short game.

  • Scenery: It features some of the nicest views I’ve seen on a golf course, making the experience both scenic and enjoyable.

The Experience

We were lucky to catch great weather, sunny with clear skies, which is a rarity in San Francisco due to the famous fog. The clubhouse is something to behold, providing a perfect end to a tough day on the course. And let’s not forget the famous burger dogs – which we had a few.

Cliffs Par 3 course

Highlights

  • Toughest Holes: The tight fairways and small greens of the Lake Course make every hole a challenge.

  • Memorable Views: The Cliffs Par 3 Course and its stunning coastal views are a golfer’s paradise.

  • Exclusive Access: Playing here feels like a privilege, thanks to the club's exclusivity. It will also make watching the 2028 PGA Championship that much more exciting.

Special Thanks A big shoutout to our buddy Delge for getting us out there and showing us a great experience.

1st tee on the Cliffs Par 3 course

Summary

The Olympic Club is a must-play for any serious golfer. Whether you’re tackling the formidable Lake Course or enjoying a relaxing round on the Cliffs Par 3 Course, the club offers an exceptional golfing experience. The combination of history, challenge, and beauty makes it a standout destination.

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