Lincoln Park Golf Course is an 18 hole public course, and one of the most scenic and historic municipal golf courses in the United States, located in the northwestern corner of San Francisco, California. Established in 1902, it is one of the oldest public courses west of the Mississippi River. The course was originally designed by Tom Bendelow and expanded by Jack Fleming to a full 18 holes by 1917.

Practice Facilities – IMPORTANT: Lincoln Park Golf Course does NOT have a driving range.​​

Available Practice Facilities:

• Practice Putting Green: Yes, available near clubhouse​

• Chipping/Sand Area: NO​

• Driving Range: NO​​

Alternative Practice Option – Trackman Simulator:
Lincoln Park has partnered with Dryvebox to offer indoor practice using state-of-the-art TrackMan golf simulators:​

• 95+ virtual courses available

• Swing analysis and lessons

• Multiple camera viewpoints

• Virtual or in-person coaching available

Review Highlights:

• “The crappiest course I can’t wait to play again”​

• “Awesome layout, incredible views. And one of the worst-maintained tracts I have ever played at”​

• “Love playing this course. Fun and challenging”​

• “You can’t beat the views on the 17th tee”​

• “Worth the value”​

Condition Ratings (18Birdies – 891 Reviews):​

• Value: 3.9/5

• Course Condition: 3.1/5

• Course Difficulty: Medium

• Green Speed: Medium

• Pace of Play: Medium

Common Issues:

• Tee boxes uneven and overgrown​

• Fairways patchy with brown areas and weeds (dandelions)​

• Greens slow and difficult to read​

• Course becomes very soft after rain​

• Pedestrians/walkers occasionally cross fairways

Course Layout

The course features only one par 5 (the 500-yard 13th hole) and five par 3s, creating a unique scoring opportunity for those who can navigate the challenging terrain. Despite its short yardage, Lincoln Park “plays much longer and more difficult due to its hilly terrain, strong ocean winds, and small undulating green complexes”.​

Course Difficulty Analysis

Hardest Aspects:

Extreme Elevation Changes: The course features constant ups and downs that significantly affect club selection and shot-making. Reviews consistently note “up and down, down and up” throughout all 18 holes.​

Narrow Cypress-Lined Fairways: The mature cypress and pine trees create narrow corridors that “place a premium on precision and strategic shot placement”. Many holes require “accurate tee shots on some drivable par 4’s”.​

Drivable Par 4s with Tree Obstacles: Holes like #2 (257 yards), #10 (268 yards), and #17 (240 yards) tempt golfers to hit driver, but trees block direct routes to greens, requiring left-to-right shot shapes. “A driver that doesn’t fade might end up lost or unplayable”.​

Hole #5 – #1 Handicap: At 359 yards, this par 4 “plays up hill the whole way” with the “fairway sloping pretty hard from right to left” and a tree overhanging the green.​​

Ocean Winds: The coastal location means afternoon winds can be “heavy” and significantly affect ball flight, especially on holes playing northward into the wind.​

Difficult Greens: The greens are described as “soft and slow” but “almost easier to just putt through breaks instead of trying to read them”. Recent reviews note greens are “unputtable” and “atrocious” after rain.​

Easiest Aspects:

Short Yardage: At just 5,146 yards, the course is accessible to golfers of all abilities.​

Only One Par 5: The single par 5 provides fewer opportunities for high scores, and the 500-yard 13th is reachable in two for longer hitters.​

Multiple Drivable Par 4s: Seven holes on the back nine measure between 200-299 yards, offering eagle and birdie opportunities for accurate ball-strikers.​

Hole #17 – The Signature Hole: While challenging, the 240-yard downhill par 3 with Golden Gate Bridge views is “the prettiest hole on the course” and a highlight regardless of score.​

Affordable Municipal Pricing: San Francisco residents can play for as low as $34 (seniors) making it accessible to budget-conscious golfers.

Professional Instruction

Lessons Available:​

• Playing lessons

• Short game lessons

• Swing lessons

• Putting lessons

• Trackman simulator lessons

Golf instruction is available through the pro shop and Dryvebox partnership.​

Pricing Structure (Current Rates)

Weekday Fees (Monday-Friday before 12pm):​

Weekend & Holiday Fees:​

Additional Fees:

• Golf Cart: $50.00 (1-2 riders)​​

• Club Rental: $50.00 per set​

• Advanced Booking Fee: $2.00 per player for reservations 8+ days in advance​

Note: Carts are “cart path only” and must return 45 minutes before sunset.