TPC Harding Park Commemorates 100 Years of Golfing Heritage

PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Fla. – TPC Harding Park, a historic golf course located in San Francisco, California, celebrates its centennial anniversary this year, marking 100 years since its opening on July 18, 1925. The course, which became part of the TPC Network in 2010, has announced a series of events and activities to commemorate this significant milestone, culminating in a grand celebration on July 18, 2025.

Originally named after President Warren Harding, an enthusiastic golfer, TPC Harding Park boasts a scenic location along the shores of Lake Merced. As the only city-owned public course in the PGA TOUR's TPC Network, the facility features 27 holes of championship golf and has played host to numerous prestigious events, including the 2020 PGA Championship, which was won by Collin Morikawa, and the 2009 Presidents Cup, where the U.S. Team triumphed over the International Team.

The centennial celebration promises to be a festive occasion, with the first 200 golfers receiving a limited-edition centennial print by artist Lee Wybranski, a custom challenge coin crafted from a storm-fallen cypress tree from the course, and opportunities to win prizes in closest-to-the-pin contests on each par 3. “Celebrating 100 years of Harding Park is a remarkable milestone and a testament to the rich history, enduring traditions, and resilience of this course and surrounding community,” remarked Tom Smith, General Manager of TPC Harding Park.

The course was designed in its original form by William Watson and Sam Whiting, who are also known for their work on the nearby Lake Course at The Olympic Club. TPC Harding Park quickly gained recognition as a leading venue for major amateur tournaments, hosting the U.S. Public Links Championships in 1937 and 1956, as well as the San Francisco City Championship, one of the oldest continuously played golf competitions in history.

In 1944, Harding Park began its journey into the world of professional golf by hosting the San Francisco Open. Throughout the 1960s, it became a regular stop on the PGA TOUR, attracting prominent players such as Billy Casper, Gary Player, and Chi-Chi Rodriguez.

However, the course faced challenges in the early 2000s, including budgetary constraints that led to a decline in conditions and even temporary repurposing as a parking lot during the 1998 U.S. Open. In response, a comprehensive renovation commenced in 2002, led by former USGA President Sandy Tatum, who played a pivotal role in securing the necessary political and financial support. This revitalization was achieved through a public-private partnership involving the San Francisco Recreation and Park Department and the PGA TOUR, preserving the original layout while modernizing the course to meet contemporary standards.

“Looking back, I’m so glad Sandy Tatum convinced me to get the TOUR involved. To see a historic course reclaim its former glory and become part of the TPC Network was such a satisfying result,” stated former PGA TOUR Commissioner Tim Finchem. The renovations not only restored the course's aesthetic appeal but also included enhancements for accessibility, ensuring that the venue serves golfers of all backgrounds.

Since its resurgence, TPC Harding Park has firmly established itself as a premier championship venue, hosting a variety of PGA TOUR events, including the World Golf Championships-American Express Championship and the Charles Schwab Cup Championship. The course’s significance was further underscored when it became the first TPC Network course to host a major championship in 2020.

As part of the centennial celebrations, the Sandy Tatum Clubhouse will feature curated displays and storytelling that highlight the course's storied history. Visitors will encounter memorabilia, including items from past tournaments and tributes to notable figures who have shaped the course's legacy. Phil Ginsburg, General Manager of the San Francisco Recreation and Park Department, emphasized the importance of Harding Park as a community resource, stating, “What makes Harding Park truly special is its ability to balance world-class quality with public accessibility, offering an exceptional experience at municipal golf course rates.”

As TPC Harding Park enters its second century, the legacy of this iconic course, which has witnessed countless historic moments and crowned legendary champions, continues to inspire golfers of all ages. The centennial celebration will not only honor the past but also look forward to the future, ensuring that Harding Park remains a cherished location for generations to come.