Golden Gate Park Golf Course is a gem. Tucked into the western side of Golden Gate Park, near the northern Dutch Windmill, sits a serious 9-hole par 3 course. This is no pitch-and-putt. The holes range from 100 to 200 yards. Designed by Jack Fleming in 1951 as beginner friendly, but most of the hazards are up in the air, making it quite challenging and engaging for even the most experienced golfers. The course is very accessible and welcoming to beginners. Each hole is short enough, and greens wide enough to be friendly to players hoping to learn.
A beautiful course, built on existing dunes, only two blocks from the ocean, for the advanced player, elevation and wind are the primary challenge, followed by tee boxes that often force the player to move the ball around, or under, existing cypress trees to reach ideal positions on each green. The wind speed is often hidden from the player on the tee, so expert judgement is required to break par on a course may seem simple on paper.
The permanent clubhouse was lost to a fire in 2018, however, snacks and beverages are available in the existing, temporary clubhouse.
There is a warm-up netted area and putting green, where players loosen up or get lessons. Note: each player is required to have their own clubs, bag, and putter. Sharing of golf equipment is not allowed. These rules are enforced for pace of play reasons.