ARCHITECTS
Course info
Score
Difficulty
Weather
Price
Course Report
The Lake Course has hosted five U.S. Opens and is famous for upsets, with no 54-hole leader ever winning the championship.
About
The Olympic Club’s Lake Course is a legendary, private championship venue known for its tree-lined fairways, dramatic elevation changes, and slick Poa Annua greens. Designed by Sam Whiting and Willie Watson in 1924, it has hosted multiple U.S. Opens and is renowned for its challenging layout and iconic finishes beside Lake Merced.
Caddie Tip
Keep your drives in the fairway, as the dense cypress trees and severe slopes penalize errant shots. Approaches play longer due to elevation changes and false fronts; aim for the middle of greens and take extra club uphill. Club selection and patience are crucial on this demanding layout.
The Main Challenge
The Lake Course tests players with tight, sloping fairways, thick rough, and heavily contoured Poa Annua greens. Errant shots meet dense tree lines, making recovery difficult. Elevation changes and small, fast greens demand strategic shotmaking, especially when the coastal winds pick up throughout the day.
The Good
Golfers praise the Lake Course’s history, major championship pedigree, and thrilling finishing stretch. The challenging layout, dramatic scenery by Lake Merced, and perfectly conditioned greens create an unforgettable and quintessentially ‘San Francisco’ golf experience that tests every aspect of a player’s game.
The Not So Good
Some find the tree density overly punitive, especially as tall cypress and pines squeeze the fairways and restrict recovery options. Fog and wind can make rounds unpredictable, and the hilly terrain may challenge some walkers more than others. Accessibility for non-members is extremely limited.
Signature Hole:
#
18
The 18th hole, a famous par 4, requires a precise tee shot to a narrow, bending fairway with dense trees left and right, followed by a long approach to a raised, well-guarded green. The challenging finish has made or broken many championship dreams at The Olympic Club.
Clubhouse
Members enjoy an expansive, historic clubhouse with locker rooms, fine dining, multiple bars and lounges, fitness center, steam rooms, and hotel accommodations. Guest facilities are first-class, matching the club's prestigious standing.
Practice Facilities
The Olympic Club offers a full grass driving range, short game area with multiple bunkers, and large putting greens. Guests and members benefit from high-quality range balls and well-maintained practice grounds to mirror course conditions.
Dress Code:
Prestigious
No dress code enforced. All attire is permitted.
Collared shirts not required. Clean, athletic or golf-appropriate casual wear is acceptable.
Collared shirts required. No denim, gym wear, or overly casual clothing.
Collared shirts must be tucked in; no cargo or athletic shorts. No hats indoors.
Elite club standards; jackets required indoors, no changing shoes in the parking lot, and specific attire rules based on the area of the facility.
.avif)
%202.webp)
.png)
%205%20KM.webp)
.png)
