If you love golf, TPC Harding Park is a must-visit course when you're in San Francisco.

"Can regular people play on a course where professionals compete?" I was quite surprised when I first learned this.

There are many great golf courses in the U.S., but not many allow anyone to book a round on a course that has hosted major tournaments.

Harding Park is located next to Lake Merced in San Francisco. Opened in 1925, it has a rich history and, after a period of neglect, underwent a major renovation in the 2000s, transforming it completely. It is now recognized as a prestigious public course within the TPC (Tournament Players Club) network.

The course gained worldwide recognition when Collin Morikawa won the PGA Championship held without spectators during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. It has also hosted WGC events and the Presidents Cup, making it an exciting experience for golf fans to walk the fairways they've seen on TV.

The course features 18 holes with a par of 72. While the length is challenging, the real adversary is the wind. The breeze from the Pacific Ocean combined with San Francisco's unique fog can completely alter your distance calculations. You might think, "I'm hitting my driver well today!" only to find that a headwind can cause your ball to land much shorter than expected. Therefore, course management is often considered more important than sheer power here.

The scenery is truly beautiful. The lush trees and Lake Merced create a stunning backdrop, making it hard to believe you're in the middle of a city. There's not a single hole that feels empty in photos, and the round itself feels like a journey.

What about the prices? For general visitors, weekday green fees typically range from $250 to $300, and on weekends or during peak season, it can exceed $300.

Carts are optional, and using a caddy incurs additional costs. San Francisco residents can take advantage of city-operated discounts, making it much more affordable, but for tourists, it is on the pricier side compared to other public courses in the U.S.

Still, I felt that it was worth it rather than just being "expensive."

With the course's excellent maintenance, comparable to that of famous resort courses, and the satisfaction of experiencing a major tournament venue firsthand, I believe creating such memories is meaningful, especially when golf enthusiasts often spend thousands on equipment.

If you're short on time or want a more relaxed experience, the nearby Fleming Course is also a great option. It operates as a 9-hole course with green fees around $50 to $80, making it a good place to warm up.

One tip: it's best to make reservations as early as possible. This course is very popular, and weekend tee times fill up quickly. If you have travel plans, I recommend checking reservation schedules a few weeks in advance.

Ultimately, golf is a sport where "where, with whom, and on what course you played" leaves lasting memories. For me, TPC Harding Park is not just a place to record scores; it created a special memory of walking the PGA stage I had only seen on TV. If you truly love golf, I highly recommend including this course in your San Francisco travel itinerary.