The Olympic Club, situated on the western edge of San Francisco overlooking the Pacific Ocean and the stunning waters of the city’s reservoirs, is one of the oldest and most prestigious athletic clubs in the United States. While known for its extensive facilities, the club’s reputation among golfers rests on its three demanding, tree-lined courses that have hosted five U.S. Opens, showcasing a rugged, classic test of golf defined by subtle elevation changes and penal rough.
The Golf Courses
The Olympic Club features two 18-hole courses and a 9-hole course, all built on the historic property adjacent to the Pacific Ocean.
- The Lake Course (Championship Course): This course is the primary championship venue and is renowned for its narrow, sloping fairways and small, tightly guarded greens. Routed through massive cypress and redwood trees, the course places a premium on accuracy and strategy over sheer distance.
- The Ocean Course: Located closer to the Pacific, the Ocean Course is known for its dramatic changes in elevation and exposure to the famous San Francisco coastal winds, offering a different but equally challenging experience.
- The Cliffs Course: A picturesque 9-hole, par-3 course situated right on the cliffs overlooking the ocean, providing breathtaking views.
Major Championship History
The Olympic Club has a history rich with American major championships, primarily focused on the U.S. Open.
- U.S. Open: The Lake Course has hosted the U.S. Open five times: 1955, 1966, 1987, 1998, and 2012. These tournaments are famous for their dramatic conclusions and challenging conditions.
- Women’s U.S. Open: The club hosted its first Women’s U.S. Open in 2021.
- The Tour Championship: The Olympic Club hosted the season-ending Tour Championship in 1993 and 1994.
- PGA Championship: The club is scheduled to host the 2028 PGA Championship, marking a new chapter in its major history.
- Ryder Cup: The club is scheduled to host the 2033 Ryder Cup.
Club Overview
Established: 1860 (The main athletic club)
Location: San Francisco, California, USA
Course Architect: Lake Course redesigned by Sam Whiting
Address: 599 Skyline Blvd, San Francisco, CA 94132, USA
How to Get to The Olympic Club
The club is located southwest of downtown San Francisco, easily accessible from the area’s airports.
- By Air:
- San Francisco International Airport (SFO): The closest major international airport, located approximately a 15-20 minute drive south of the club.
- Oakland International Airport (OAK): Located across the bay, about a 45-minute drive, depending on traffic.
- By Car & Parking:
- The club is situated just off Skyline Boulevard.
- On-site parking is available for members and their invited guests.
Playing at The Olympic Club
The Olympic Club is one of the most exclusive and private golf clubs in the world.
- Visitor Tee Times: The club does not offer any public tee times, packages, or visitor green fees. Access to the golf courses is strictly limited to members and their accompanied guests.
- Green Fees: Green fees are not published, as access is restricted to members and their invited guests only.
- Note: If you are fortunate enough to be invited by a member, be prepared for a caddie requirement and a challenging walk on the hilly Lake Course.
Where to stay near The Olympic Club
As an exclusive private club, The Olympic Club does not offer on-site public accommodation.
- Nearby Areas:
- Daly City/Pacifica: Suburbs immediately south of the club offer more budget-friendly and convenient hotel options for visitors.
- Fisherman’s Wharf/Union Square (San Francisco): Staying in downtown San Francisco provides access to world-class hotels, dining, and attractions, though it requires a 20-30 minute drive to the club.
- The Sunset District: The residential neighborhood immediately surrounding the club offers limited but authentic local lodging options.
- Booking Tips:
- If you plan to tour San Francisco, staying in the downtown area is recommended.
- If your visit is strictly focused on the club, staying closer to the SFO airport area may be more time-efficient.
- Use well-known and trustworthy booking websites like TripAdvisor to find and compare accommodation options in the San Francisco Bay Area.
Helpful Links for Planning Your Visit to The Olympic Club
Last Updated on September 27, 2025 by Sports Tourist