For my final photoshoot of 2022 I traveled to San Francisco for some undercover business. However, it wasn’t official undercover business, it was more like under the radar business. The Alister Mackenzie designed Green Hills Country Club has somehow managed to go largely unrecognized as one of the bay area’s premier golf courses. My task was to uncover the greatness beyond the gates.
Green Hills originally opened in 1930 under the name Union League Golf and Country Club. The Great Depression and WWII took its toll on the finances of the club and the golf course was forced to reorganize several times. After a stint as Milbrae Country Club, the Green Hills name took over in 1945. Minor changes have been consistent over the years but most of the original Mackenzie routing remains.
The good news is that an official proposal for restoration is on the table. The plan is to expand the greens and restore all of the original Mackenzie bunkers back to their original scale and grandeur. While the vision for the future of Green Hills is exciting, the golf course as it exists today is fun, scenic and has plenty of interesting golf holes. Please enjoy my official exploration guide for all 18 holes at Green Hills Country Club.
Hole #1 - 348 yards - Par 4
Green Hills opens up with perhaps the most striking view on the entire golf course. As with most of the par 4’s on the golf course this one doesn’t exceed 400 yards from the back tees. This opening tee shot sets the vibe for the tone for the round… fun, fun and more fun.
Hole #2 - 508 yards - Par 5
The first of back to back par 5’s plays at a reachable 508 yards and curves gently from right to left around a line of trees. An early chance for a birdie awaits those that hit a solid drive and a strong approach shot.
Hole #3 - 509 yards - Par 5
The 3rd hole presents another early opportunity to get on the right side of par. The 3rd plays slightly more difficult than the previous par 5 and the fun starts as you plan your approach to this well protected green.
Hole #4 - 178 yards - Par 3
The first par 3 on the golf course is an up hill beauty that plays to a two tiered green nestled into a hillside. Distance control and judgement of the uphill approach is of premium importance.
Hole #5 - 410 yards - Par 4
This sweeping dog leg right begins from an elevated tee box and plummets down the hillside into a generous fairway. An accurate approach is required for those looking to score.
Hole #6 - 400 Yards - Par 4
After a blind tee shot cresting the hill, the golfer is treated to a unique view of the nearby SFO airport. This straightaway hole provides little room to the left and a tricky approach to a green tucked into the very corner of the property.
Hole #7 - 146 yards - Par 3
This slightly uphill and straightforward par 3 runs along the edge of the property. The original Mackenzie design had a par 4 on this piece of land but the necessity of a parking lot has changed the current configuration.
Hole #8 - 381 Yards - Par 4
Tucked into the far end of the property is the 8th green. Feel free to blade your approach shot as there is a giant fence on the property line designed to protect the homes behind it.
Hole #9 - Par 4 - 364 Yards
The home hole on the outward nine finishes with a bang right next to the clubhouse. The uphill approach shot requires the proper adjustments to an elevated green. Those that miscalculate their distances are likely to face a difficult par save depending on the pin location.
Hole #10 - Par 4 - 347 Yards
The back nine opens up with a short par 4 and another chance for birdie. The creek fronting the green shouldn’t come into play, but can pose an issue to those who do not find the fairway with their tee shot.
Hole #11 - Par 4 - 353 Yards
The fantastic fairway swale on the 11th hole immediately grabs your attention. Reminiscent of the 14th fairway at Pasatiempo, this feature adds some interest to an otherwise straightforward golf hole.
Hole #12 - Par 4 - 364 Yards
The often overlooked 12th hole presents some surprise bunkers from behind the green. At only 364 yards a well placed wedge is the ticket for birdie here.
Hole #13 - Par 3 - 166 Yards
The reverse redan hole is my favorite of the par 3 holes at Green Hills. A well placed tee shot will trickle right off of the slope and towards the pin. A poorly struck tee shot will face difficult odds at a par save. The sunsets on 13 are guaranteed to be killer.
Hole #14 - 370 yards - Par 4
One of the most sheltered golf holes at Green Hills requires accuracy off the tee and punishes the errant tee shot with trees left and a massive creek to the right. The sun setting behind the trees guarding the green was one of my favorite scenes on the golf course.
Hole #15 - Par 3 - 171 Yards
Tucked into a secluded grove on the far end of the golf course is Green Hills’ final par 3. The double tiered green provides plenty of challenge even after your tee shot finds the green.
Hole #16 - Par 5 - 540 Yards
With a tee shot that plays downhill and through a chute of trees, the 16th provides plenty of excitement. For those that thread the needle off of the tee successfully, a chance to carry the water hazard and reach the green in two awaits. Most golfers will choose to lay up and play a short iron or wedge into this green.
Hole #17 - Par 4 - 364 yards
The 17th might look short on the scorecard but this beauty provides plenty of challenge. The well bunkered approach shot will make golfers think twice before firing one towards the flag. One can imagine what a restoration of these Mackenzie bunkers would look like. I envision beauty measurements rising by 75% and intimidation levels increasing by 56%.
Hole #18 - Par 4 - 432 Yards
We had a discussion on the tee box regarding the large cart path that bisects the middle of the 18th fairway. “It certainly provides a ton of functionality.” says Director of Golf, Morgan Davies. We went on to mention other notable golf clubs with paths and access roads that bisect fairways. Shinnecock Hils, Cypress Point, and White Bear Yacht Club all play over roads to great success. The term “lovable quirk” was the final group consensus.
In addition to being a fun and very playable golf course, the atmosphere surrounding the club is inviting and filled with positive energy. The membership is tremendously proud of their golf course and it makes a big impact on the guest experience. Every one of us has been to a club where a stuffy vibe hangs in the air and Green Hills provides the opposite experience.
After filing my official “Under the Radar Report,” it is my pleasure to officially confirm that the essence of Alister Mackenzie lives on at Green Hills CC.
Thanks to everyone who followed along this year on the golf blog. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year… you filthy animals.