Mayor Willie Brown Jr.: Look Out - Tiger Loose in the City?

Palmer, Tiger and Nicklaus, oh my! These are just a few of the golf legends that could soon be visiting San Francisco. Closed in June 2002 for a complete course overhaul, Harding Park Golf Course has reopened in grand fashion. From its new championship layout and reconfigured holes to brand new greens, Harding is set to reclaim its spot as the city's most beloved golf destination. 

After years of deferred maintenance, the San Francisco Recreation and Park Commission closed Harding Park last year to explore grant funding for renovations. Following 15 months and $16 million in upgrades, the fairways of one of San Francisco's most beautiful golf courses will once again welcome residents and golf devotees.  

Harding Park Golf Course is located along the shores of Lake Merced, near scenic Skyline Boulevard and the famed SF Zoo. Built in the '20s, the majestic, tree-lined Harding has played host to numerous professional and local tournaments over the years. 

The original championship-caliber layout at Harding was designed by world-renowned golf architect William Watson and later reworked by city golf caretaker Jack Fleming in the '30s.

Among the course's most notable improvements include Harding Park's lengthened greens which have been reconfigured to accommodate varying levels of playing abilities.

A brand new practice green has also been added and in place of the old driving range is The First Tee, a learning center for youth. A new driving range should be ready within a month.

The park's adjacent nine-hole Fleming Golf Course, which originally opened in 1961, was also overhauled in the same fashion as Harding. 

I'm happy to report that despite Harding Park's impressive new grounds and renovation costs, San Francisco Recreation and Park has managed to offer a sliding scale of affordable green fees for residents and seniors.  

For more information, contact the Harding Park Golf Course at (415) 664-4690 or e-mail info@harding-park.com.