TPC Harding Park, San Francisco, CA

I played Harding in 1996 for the Advent Software annual tournament for employees. It was a respectable course in the renouned Sunset District of San Francisco. Very classy. Well established grounds with large trees and nicely planned fairways.

While growing up as a youth, 70's, 80's, in San Francisco, I learned to play golf, by playing the back nine, on the weekends, at Harding Park, for $10. Although the green fees have increased, it remains a great track, the back nine remains the "meat" of this course, and continues to be a great test of golf. The conditions have improved over the years, with more collaboration between the PGA and "the city" labor force, conditions can only get better. The thick shrubs are being thinned out, giving way to beautiful views, also allowing the wind off the ocean more play on every hole on the back, starting with the Par 4 12th. The only hole changed dramatically, over the years, the final hole, the 18th, the green now closer to the lake, even with the wind, provides for a very gutsy second shot, a very tough par 4. Harding Park Golf Course, is a great test of golf, period.

I played Harding on my recent trip to SF. The staff were very friendly and accomodating. The rental equipment was very tired and pricey. The course was in good, not great shape as they are doing some renovations getting ready for the Presidents Cup in Nov. 10. The course was beautiful in some areas with some great views. The rates for a non SF resident were a little pricey for the shape the course was in....