The Presidio Golf Course driving range is the most convenient serious practice facility in San Francisco proper — about 10 minutes from downtown, tucked inside the wooded Presidio national park, and open seven days a week. It’s the home range for SF golfers who don’t want to leave the city, attached to a historic 18-hole course that has been part of San Francisco since 1895.
The range setup
Recently renovated, the range now uses state-of-the-art mats and an automatic ball-teeing machine, so you’re not bending down between shots. Yardages are clearly marked, and a team of PGA professionals and instructors is on hand for lessons and clinics at every level, from first-timers to advanced players. It’s a popular spot, so the convenience comes with some company — but for in-city practice, nothing else is this close.
Short game and lessons
Alongside the range, Presidio has a six-hole practice putting green and a chipping green for your short game (the greens rotate to stay in good shape, so one is typically open sunrise to sunset, weather permitting). The instruction program is a real strength here — individual lessons with PGA pros plus a rotating slate of group clinics run right at the range, which makes Presidio one of the better places in the city to actually learn the game rather than just hit balls.
What to expect
Two things to plan around. First, the setting: you’re in a eucalyptus-and-Monterey-pine forest in the middle of the city, which is gorgeous but cool and often foggy — dress warmer than you think. Second, the hours: the range is open seven days but opens later one morning a week for maintenance and mowing, and seasonal hours shift, so it’s worth a quick call to the golf shop before a special trip. When you’re done, the Ironwoods Bar & Grill at the clubhouse serves lunch daily.
Who it’s best for
Anyone who lives or works in San Francisco and wants quality practice without a drive down the Peninsula. It’s especially strong for beginners and improvers thanks to the PGA instruction and clinics, and it’s the natural warm-up before a round on the Presidio’s historic, tree-lined course — one of the most scenic places to play in the city.
Hours and pricing change seasonally — confirm with the facility before you go. Spot an error? Let us know.