A National Historic Landmark Since 1962

1895

One of the oldest courses on the West coast, the Presidio Golf Course has a storied history

It was built in 1895 when Colonel William M. Graham, the Presidio’s commander at the time, allowed a group of businessmen known as the San Francisco Golf and Country Club to create a nine-hole course within the post. Greens fees were just 50 cents. The Presidio’s signature trees were at first absent, since the huge stands of eucalyptus and Monterey pine had not fully grown in.

1903 - 1906

Called Into Service

Sometimes the course was called into service for non-recreational purposes. President Theodore Roosevelt reviewed the troops on the links in May 1903. Three years later, the course was used as a refugee camp for survivors of the 1906 earthquake.

1910

The Course was expanded to a full 18 holes

The founders hoped for a quick expansion, which the Army did not immediately approve. Many of the original members thus left the Presidio for a new course near Lake Merced. The remainder formed the private Presidio Golf Club (PGC), whose members were allowed the same “courtesies and privileges” that officers enjoyed. Though no one knows for certain what these privileges were, it is clear the relationship was amiable. The course was ultimately expanded to a full 18 holes in 1910.

1913 -1930

PGC Took Over the Course

In 1913, the PGC took responsibility for course maintenance and management. Dues collected from both the PGC and the United Service Golf Club, whose members consisted of commissioned officers of various branches of the Armed Forces, helped to fund the total cost of operation. The club continued to grow, and so did the course. In 1920, the London golf architectural firm of Fowler & Simpson enlarged the course and installed a watering system. Thousands more trees were planted along the course in the 1930s when the Works Progress Administration built a tree nursery in the Presidio.

1956 - 1970

Commitment to Membership Always Prevailed

In 1956, the need arose for an automatic sprinkler system that would cost $100,000. The Army funded the repairs, but required that the PCG transfer operational responsibility for the course to the Army. Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, attempts were made to reduce or eliminate civilian membership. However, the spirit of unity and commitment to an agreement made decades before between the two organizations always prevailed.

1996

Presidio Trust is Created

In 1996 Congress created the Presidio Trust – a new federal agency unique in government – with the authority to be adaptable and entrepreneurial to save the Presidio. Our founding legislation charged us with revitalizing and running the Presidio by bringing together support from government, business, and the community, ultimately operating without annual taxpayer support.

1999

New Clubhouse Built

When the Presidio became a national park site, the course was opened to the community, and a new public clubhouse was built in 1999. However, the private Presidio Golf Club still exists and operates its own clubhouse just outside the park. The building is so close that the awning over the front walkway hangs over the boundary, and a final step out places one on Presidio grounds.