Golden Gate Park
“I grew up playing public golf and believe that exposing kids to great architecture will fuel their love for the game. For all that golf has given me, I consider Golden Gate Park my gift to the game I love”
– JAY BLASI –
Peak public golf
DATE
Opened 2023
LOCATION
San Francisco, California
AWARDS
Best Renovated Short Course — Sports Illustrated
When Jay first moved to California in 2001 he went around and visited as many courses as he could. At Golden Gate Park he found an overgrown facility that was soft and squishy with small circle greens. But he also noted the beautiful terrain and the proximity to the beach and dreamt of what could be.
Fast forward to 2019 while working with The First Tee of San Francisco at Harding Park and a visit with Dan Burke. It was there that Jay and Dan first discussed a possible transformation of the beloved community course. After lots of planning and private fundraising through The First Tee, the transformation unfolded in 2023. Blasi recruited a team of world-class shapers and builders to bring out the natural beauty of the site. They removed the soil sitting on top of the sand dunes below allowing for a true links layout to be crafted. They opened up the corridors and views to the City and the Pacific and they sculpted greens that captivate any and all.
The new layout is fun and playable for kids from age 5-95 and the natural sandscapes that Blasi re-established offer a hint of Cypress Point in San Francisco. His work ensures the course remains a beloved public asset for generations to come.
