We’re back at Harding on 12/19, this time for a round on the big boy course. I’ve played Harding about 10 times, and it’s always a fantastic round. Today was no different, Harding is in phenomenal shape after the recent PGA Championship. For those with the SF Resident Card, it’s an amazing value to play a PGA Major caliber course for $80. Highly recommend getting the resident card if you don’t already. Walk, don’t ride! This is a very flat,walkable course.
Course Conditions: TPC Harding Park is challenging, but fair. If you watched Colin Morikawa tear up the course, you’ll know you need to hit the fairways on this course. Each fairway is lined with beautiful cypress trees and some nasty rough. If you’re spraying it with the driver, you could have a tough time in the trees and rough. Stay on the fairway and you’ll be ok. Today, on 10, we had a rough go of it. It’s a long dog leg left par 5 and we were begging for mercy on the end of it.
On Course Amenities: The practice range is being rebuilt, unfortunately, but they have some great putting practice areas to roll a couple prior to teeing it up. Once again, similar to my pre-round drink at Fleming last week, they mixed up a nice little Bloody Mary to loosen the tension pre-match with my partner. The Cypress Grill has a full bar and a strong beer list, including some local craft brews if that’s your thing. My playing partner got a hot dog at the turn and gave it a thumbs up. Drink service drove by a few times during our round for drinks!
Bars/Restaurants nearby: Once again, I’ll plug Westlake Original Joe’s which is about a 5 minute drive away. It’s the best place nearby the course if you want to keep the fun going. Original Joe’s has a great counter to sit at, great cocktails and classic Italian dishes. Definitely a local joint, but a classic.
Overall: I love Harding and feel lucky that it’s in my backyard. It’s probably one of the best public courses you’ll ever play. It’s long, challenging and forces you to make good shots. For locals, I ask you, why haven’t you played this yet? For folks traveling in, definitely include it on your itinerary.
