Bay Area tee time prices vary widely:

• Budget (9-hole courses): $20-35 - Sunken Gardens, Mill Valley, Golden Gate Park
• Mid-range (18 holes): $50-80 - Boundary Oak, Callippe Preserve, Poppy Ridge
• Premium: $100-250+ - TPC Harding Park, Pasatiempo, Half Moon Bay

Weekend rates are typically 20-40% higher than weekdays. Twilight rates offer significant savings.

Most Bay Area courses allow bookings 7-14 days in advance. Popular courses like TPC Harding Park may open bookings up to 30 days ahead. Municipal courses typically open 7 days in advance at midnight or 6am.

For weekend tee times at popular courses, book as early as possible - prime morning slots fill up within hours.

The cheapest tee times are:

• Twilight: 2-3 hours before sunset - often 40-50% off
• Weekday mornings: Significantly cheaper than weekends
• Monday deals: Many courses offer specials
• Winter months (Nov-Feb): Lower demand = lower prices

Most courses accept walk-ons when space is available, but booking in advance is strongly recommended, especially on weekends. Weekday afternoons typically have the best walk-on availability.

Some courses like Lincoln Park in San Francisco are more walk-on friendly. Call ahead to check availability.

Golf The Bay aggregates tee times from 100+ Bay Area courses. Browse available times on our homepage or use the search to filter by date, time, price, and location.

Click "Book Now" on any tee time to go directly to the course's booking system. We don't charge any fees - you book directly with the course.

Great beginner-friendly courses include:

• Golden Gate Park Golf Course - 9 holes, par 27, very short
• Sunken Gardens (Sunnyvale) - 9 holes, par 29, forgiving
• Mill Valley Golf Course - 9 holes, scenic and relaxed
• Palo Alto Golf Course - 18 holes, forgiving layout
• Sharp Park (Pacifica) - 18 holes, links-style, affordable

These courses have shorter yardages, fewer hazards, and welcoming atmospheres for new golfers.

The East Bay has the most public golf courses with 21 courses across Oakland, Livermore, Walnut Creek, and San Ramon.

The South Bay (Silicon Valley) follows with 19 courses in San Jose, Palo Alto, and Milpitas.

The Monterey Peninsula has 14 world-class courses, making it a top golf destination.

Courses with stunning views:

• Half Moon Bay - Ocean Course: Dramatic clifftop holes overlooking the Pacific
• Sharp Park (Pacifica): Affordable links course with ocean views
• The Links at Bodega Harbour: Sonoma Coast beauty
• Lincoln Park (San Francisco): Views of the Golden Gate Bridge
• Monarch Bay (San Leandro): Bay views

A 9-hole round takes about 2 hours and costs 40-60% less than 18 holes - perfect for beginners, lunch breaks, or when time is limited.

An 18-hole round takes 4-4.5 hours and provides the full golf experience.

Many 9-hole courses in the Bay Area are executive or par-3 courses with shorter holes, ideal for practicing short game.

Essential items: Golf clubs (rentals available), balls, tees, and a glove.

Bay Area specific:

• Layers for fog and wind (especially coastal courses)
• Sunscreen
• Light rain jacket

Dress code: Most courses require collared shirts and golf shorts/pants. Jeans and athletic shorts typically not allowed.

The Bay Area offers year-round golf, but conditions vary:

• Coastal courses (SF, Pacifica, Half Moon Bay): Often foggy mornings, windy afternoons. Dress in layers.
• Inland courses (East Bay, South Bay): Warmer and sunnier, especially in summer.
• Best weather: September-October ("Indian Summer") and April-May.
• Winter: Rainy season, but many playable days. Lower prices!