Played here last month during my B-day trip to SF. This course is another gem. I am amazed that my two favorite courses from my SF trip were 9-hole courses (Aetna Springs being the other one). Built... Continue »

Played here last month during my B-day trip to SF. This course is another gem. I am amazed that my two favorite courses from my SF trip were 9-hole courses (Aetna Springs being the other one). Built in 1928 by Allister MacKenzie, this course has all the expected aspects of a MacKenzie course.

He even built his own "Little Amen Corner", an homage to Augusta National. The final three holes start with a long par-4 with a fairway that becomes more narrow as it approaches the green. You are advised to aim for the bears behind the green to safely make it on the green. The next hole is a short par 3 to a multi-tiered green that requires pinpoint accuracy or else you are looking at a multi-break putt up/down a tier trying to save par. The final hole is a brutally long par 5 that is rated one of the hardest par 5's on NorCal.

The course was busy that afternoon, but the pace of play was still quick. the man in the Pro Shop was very friendly and offered a yardage book for anyone that was new to the course. I would like a rematch with MacKenzie's green complexes. The course is a little off the beaten trail, but definitely worth the journey. A definite must play!