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California Golf Club of San Francisco

3.5 star rating
based on 7 reviews

Categories: Golf, Hotels  [Edit]

844 W Orange Ave
South San Francisco, CA 94080
(650) 588-9021
Price Range:
$$$$
Good for Kids:
No
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7 reviews for California Golf Club of San Francisco

Sort by: Yelp Sort | Date | Rating | Elites'
Photo of Joel V.

Elite '09

24

311

Joel V.

San Jose, CA

5 star rating
10/11/2009

My pop is a member here - so I've gotten a chance to play it several times prior to the re-design of the course, and twice since then.  I love when I get to play here because it is the closest that I'll ever feel to being a member at a hot shot golf club.  I grab some lunch and a drink, my dad just signs the chit.  The endless pyramid of practice balls at the driving range - and every one greets you with a smile and they remember your name.  The club house is magnificent.  They have a gorgeous mens bar, green carpets and walls with rich oak molding.  

The course is awesome.  It is very, very difficult.  From the tips the new "Ken Venturi Tees" play into a slope into the high 140's.  The course is very narrow, and it feels like every shot is a bad lye.  It is also really hilly and lined with trees.  They removed their two man-made lakes in an effort to restore the course to a more natural design.  All putts break to "Old South City," it takes a while to get it down.

I can also report with pride that the last time I played here, I beat the old man for the first time ever.  Maybe that is why I haven't been invited back!

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Photo of Eric M.

 

10

40

Eric M.

Los Gatos, CA

5 star rating
11/16/2008

This is a fantastic track and a truly special place.  I only played once about 15 years ago as a junior golfer competing in the NCGA Jr. Qualifier for the State Championships.  From what I remember the course was immaculate, pristine, magestic and special.  

I guess I can't really recommend a place you can't get into unless you are invited.  But I can say the people who decided to support junior golf at no cost are simply incredible and we all thank you.

I hope there is continued commitment to growing the game and I would use the California Club as a shining example for all private clubs.  It does help that I holed out for eagle on the 18th hole to qualify by a shot, but hey, it's what keeps us coming back!

Photo of James C.

 

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3

James C.

Burlingame, CA

5 star rating
3/22/2009

California Golf Club of San Francisco  was recently added to Golf Week's Top 100 Classic Courses in USA, at #60.  

This after an extensive renovation by Kyle Philips (2007), to restore the course to the original Vernon Macan; Alister MacKenzie design.

Ultra private!

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Photo of Robert M.

 

10

102

Robert M.

Redwood City, CA

4 star rating
2/25/2007

Note: PRIVATE CLUB

Let's start off with the fact that this is a private club.  The entire premise of Yelp is to review a facility based on its condition, service and amenities.  Flaming a private club because they are private is, well, idiotic.  California Club is for men looking for a club which caters to male clientele.  This is the entire premise of opening and operating a private facility.  You get to make your own rules.  There is a fantastic women-only gym a few blocks from my house, but I'm not going to flame them simply because I'm not allowed to join.  

Let me add that the statements made by Mi M. are wildly, wildly inaccurate and untrue.  Please call the club directly if you are interested in a membership and would like to know the actual rules regarding women and families.  The suggestion that women are forced to pee in a tent outside is a flat-out lie and deplorable.

This is a great course that winds through the hills of South San Francisco.  At a slope of 136/139 from Front/Back, it is not an easy trek.  The course is also fairly hilly which makes it a little too strenuous for an older golfer to walk.  However, since the complete course remodel, everyone must walk the first 6 holes unless you are handicapped.  The course actually parallels the highway at one point, but the large and thick trees give the impression that you are deep in a wooded forest.  Fairways and greens are typical of a country club in that they are in fantastic condition at all times of the year.  They have a nice driving range and a number of putting greens.  

Depending on the time of year, fog and wind can become serious impediments to your game, especially later in the afternoon.  Additionally, you should bring layered clothing.  I've probably put on and taken off my windbreaker 6 times during a round.  However, all of this is negated by the beautiful scenery and incredibly uncrowded conditions even early on a Saturday morning.  Pace of play can be brisk, so keep up or let others play through.

If you are interested in a private club and you prefer the old fashioned men's club format, this is an excellent choice.  The average age of a member is most likely well into the 60's, and I'm certain the club would enjoy admitting some new younger members.  If you are looking for a family-centric facility, this is the wrong place.  Try Sharon Heights or Los Altos Country Club further down the peninsula.

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Photo of herm p.

 

9

62

herm p.

San Francisco, CA

4 star rating
1/8/2007 3 photos

wow!!! is this exclusive or what? I feel like i'm in the Hamptons in Long Island,  with all the crushed velvet, wood paneling, fireplaces and sofas!!! Lots of views through the windows overlooking the lush landscaping and golf course.

Of course, i waZ invited to mY friend's Christmas wedding and I had a blast here!!! I didn't even know this place existed!!! Anyway, it's exclusive and U have to be invited. There's a nice fully stocked bar and very tasty food here. Of course, this review is based on a wedding and not the Golf course itself becuZ i  don't play golf!@

Update: Women are also allowed too. 20 years ago, this was exclusively for men.

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Photo of Mi M.

Elite '09

45

232

Mi M.

San Francisco, CA

1 star rating
4/7/2006

Himself and I were invited there by a member and his wife and it was only until I got there I realized it's a MEN's club! NO women members allowed and women are only allowed in on Sundays and Wednesdays - any women who golf are not allowed inside the club house until after 3 pm and have to pee in a tent at the 9th hole!!! I felt like yelling - this is 2006 for gawd's sake!!!! Himself was snickering as I was obviously conflicted by my principles of feminism vs. my principles of being polite - the member thought we'd be pleased...(needless to say, the entire dining room was filled with crumblies). Still, the food was good, which is why I give it 1 star...

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Photo of Valerie T.

 

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9

Valerie T.

Burlingame, CA

1 star rating
4/17/2008

Mysogyny is alive and well in California. It is disgusting in this day and age that a men's only club exists outside of Augusta Georgia. What woman would want her significant other to contribute to this.

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