California Golf Club

The California Golf Club of San Francisco (Cal Club) has undergone a remarkable transformation, earning its place among the region’s elite courses. Originally featuring Alister MacKenzie’s signature bunkers, added two years after it first opened, the course struggled to match the prestige of nearby Olympic (Lake) and San Francisco Golf Club. Its reputation was hampered by a cramped layout, with dense trees and a compromised front nine reconfigured in the 1960s by Trent Jones after a road expansion eliminated two holes.

Architect Kyle Phillips revitalized Cal Club, clearing the dense tree cover and introducing five new holes that significantly enhanced its playability and aesthetics. These additions include the par-4 second, situated on the former practice range, and the dogleg-right par-4 seventh, perched on a previously unused mesa. Most notably, Phillips brought back the grandeur of MacKenzie’s bunkers, re-establishing their elegance and strategic importance.

Today, Cal Club stands as a shining example of thoughtful restoration and innovation, putting it on par with its esteemed neighbors in both challenge and charm.