The Olympic Club (Lake Course)
- Par
- 71
- Yardage
- 7,169yds
- Holes
- 18
- Opened
- 1927
- Access
- Private
- Design
- Classic
History
The Olympic Club's Lake Course, redesigned by Sam Whiting in 1927 on San Francisco's western hills, is one of the most treacherous U.S. Open venues in America — known for swallowing the apparent champion on the final day. Towering cypress and eucalyptus trees channel ocean breezes unpredictably. Its uphill finishing holes have claimed Ben Hogan in 1955, Arnold Palmer in 1966, and Tom Watson in 1987. Matt Fitzpatrick won the 2022 U.S. Open here. The course's narrow tree-lined fairways, sloping terrain, and deceptively difficult putting surfaces create a unique and unforgiving test.
Signature Hole
18th hole, par 4, 347 yards — a short steep uphill finisher where overconfidence invites disaster
Notable Tournaments
- 1955 U.S. Open
- 1966 U.S. Open
- 1987 U.S. Open
- 1998 U.S. Open
- 2012 U.S. Open
- 2022 U.S. Open
In the context of the top 100
Where this course sits against every ranked course on the list.
Frequently asked questions
Is The Olympic Club (Lake Course) public or private?
The Olympic Club (Lake Course) is a private club. Play is generally limited to members and their accompanied guests.
Who designed The Olympic Club (Lake Course)?
The Olympic Club (Lake Course) was designed by Sam Whiting (redesign 1927) and opened in 1927.
Where does The Olympic Club (Lake Course) rank among the top golf courses in America?
The Olympic Club (Lake Course) ranks #28 on our consensus ranking of America's 100 greatest golf courses, synthesized from Golf Digest, Golfweek, and GOLF Magazine.
What is the signature hole at The Olympic Club (Lake Course)?
The signature hole at The Olympic Club (Lake Course) is the 18th hole, par 4, 347 yards — a short steep uphill finisher where overconfidence invites disaster.