TPC Harding Park

On a foggy San Francisco morning in 1998, TPC Harding Park looked more like a weed patch than a golf course. TPC Harding Park’s fairways were even used as a parking lot for the U.S. Open at the nearby Olympic Club. It was a sad state of affairs for a course once graced by legends like Byron Nelson and Ken Venturi. TPC Harding Park, a municipal course owned by the city and county of San Francisco, first opened in 1925. Designed by William Watson and Sam Whiting, the same architects behind the Olympic Club’s courses, it was originally intended to be called Lake Merced Municipal Links. However, it was named to honor President Warren G. Harding, a keen golfer who died in San Francisco in 1923. TPC Harding Park quickly became a renowned championship course, hosting the USGA’s Amateur Public Links Championship in 1937 and 1956. The PGA Tour also visited in 1944, with Byron Nelson winning both the Victory Open and the San Francisco Open. During the 1960s, TPC Harding Park hosted a PGA Tour event sponsored by Lucky Stores, with winners including Gary Player, Gene Littler, Billy Casper, and local hero Ken Venturi. Venturi also played in the 1956 San Francisco City Amateur Championship at TPC Harding Park. He defeated Harvie Ward, the reigning U.S. and British Amateur champion, in front of a massive crowd of 10,000 fans. This event cemented TPC Harding Park’s place in San Francisco golfing history. Sadly, from the 1970s onwards, TPC Harding Park fell into disrepair due to budget cuts. The course was in such bad shape that during one tournament, 17 temporary greens had to be used. It was barely recognizable as a golf course. Then came Sandy Tatum Jr., a prominent figure in Bay Area golf and former USGA president. Tatum, horrified by TPC Harding Park’s decline, spearheaded a revival. He envisioned a collaborative effort with the PGA Tour, which would bring much-needed funds and prestige. Despite initial setbacks, including a failed deal with Arnold Palmer Golf Management, Tatum persisted. Along with others, he secured funding and convinced the PGA Tour to host events at TPC Harding Park. A $16 million renovation in 2002-2003 restored TPC Harding Park to its former glory, even extending the course to nearly 7,200 yards. It was rebranded as a TPC facility in 2010. Since then, it has hosted numerous prestigious events, including World Golf Championships, the Presidents Cup, and the PGA Championship. TPC Harding Park, once a forgotten gem, has reclaimed its place as one of America’s great municipal golf courses. This is a testament to the vision and dedication of Sandy Tatum Jr., whose love for public golf and TPC Harding Park ensured its survival.