Located in the popular tourist city of San Fransisco, the Presidio Golf Course is quite well known. Built across 6500 yards, this 18 hole course encompasses eucalyptus and pine trees. A public course, it is known to be hilly and competitive. The practice center at the course is well equipped and is open throughout the week. Individual trainers too are available for private lessons. The quaint and comfortable clubhouse provides a welcome respite after a game of golf. The Presidio is truly a must visit golf course in San Francisco.

The Lincoln Park Golf Course has possibly the most beautiful views of any public golf course in the United States. Established in 1914, this par 68 course by the Golden Gate is on the short and hilly side. A bit of Scotland, perhaps with fresh ocean breezes and sometimes challenging greens. Tee times can be reserved up to a week in advance, a necessity on weekends.

At the western edge of Golden Gate Park, facing the Pacific, is this nine-hole, par three public course. Start at Beach Chalet, fill your lungs with fresh, salt air, and play your way towards the surf around the gnarled Monterey Pines. No advance reservations are available at this course, you get your tee times on a walk-up basis. If you have some time to spare before teeing off, visit the nearby Buffalo Paddock or Queen Wilhelmina's Tulip Garden.

A pretty, 18-hole, par 72 city-owned course around Lake Merced in the quiet Park Merced District, Harding is longer and flatter than other city courses. In recent years, the course has attracted big-name professional tours such as the 2005 World Golf Championship and the 2009 Presidents Cup. Tee times are usually available on a walk-up basis during the week; for weekend reservations, however, it is highly recommended to call a week in advance.

The Olympic Club is America's oldest athletic club with three golf courses namely Cliff, Lake and Ocean. This Lake course at Daly City is recognized by Golf Magazine as one of the Top 100 Courses in the United States. It is a venue for many big events and sports competitions. One of the most practiced sport in this club is cycling, apart from golf and other activities. There are around 5,000 members and counting.

A golf course located in the Bay Area, Mariners Point Golf Center is better known as a golf learning center. Separate lessons for beginners are provided on no less than 64 stalls exclusively for practicing this precision sport. The center has six professional instructors to bring the nuances of the game to those interested in learning. The nine-hole course has interesting challenges that will help beginners learn to maneuver the golf club in all possible ways. The center also provides event facilities.