Sharp Park GC
Pacifica, CA
BACKGROUND
Named after 19th-century attorney George Sharp, Sharp Park opened in 1932 after famed architect Alister Mackenzie designed the oceanside 18-holer. Now in the latter half of its first century, there is increasing controversy surrounding the future of the Pacifica municipal. Conservationists have been fighting to close the course as it is located on wetlands home to native reptiles. As of now Sharp Park is still open and allows Northern California golfers a chance to play a course designed by one of golf's best.
LOCATION
Does it get much better than playing right beside the ocean? Sharp Park quite literally backs up to the Pacific Ocean. For the entire back nine, your round is accompanied by the sound of waves crashing up against the Coastal Trail. Sharp Park is in the San Francisco suburb of Pacifica, just south of the city.
At under 6,400 yards from the back tees, Sharp Park is accessible for golfers of all skill levels.
THE COURSE
Heading to Sharp Park, we had virtually no expectations of what we were going to see. A well-priced (especially for the expensive Bay Area) municipal course generally does not draw such strong emotions, but Sharp Park is just different. What about it is different? Maybe it's the crashing of waves from the Pacific Ocean a stone's throw away. Maybe it's the beautifully designed stretch of four holes on the front nine. Maybe it's the 19th hole filled with locals of all shapes and sizes (story to follow). I don't really know what it is that makes Sharp Park different, but whatever it is, I certainly loved it.
​
After a warm opener on the first three holes, you cross the Cabrillo Highway for a delightful four-hole stretch of golf that seems so different than the rest of your round. With major elevation changes and trees lining all sides of all four holes, this stretch challenges you in a different way than the rest of the course. A long par 4 leads you to the best par 3 on the golf course. Attacking an elevated green, your tee shot emerges from some overhanging trees to a simple, yet small green with a bunker located in the middle of the obvious bail out area left of the hole.
Once you finish the four-hole stretch with a pair of difficult par fours, you return seaside. Honestly, the back nine can run together for a stretch. However, that might be true for me because I was in awe of playing so close to the ocean. You do get a little back and forth to start the back nine, but the routing opens up a bit to round out your round with a couple of holes just steps from the ocean and a finishing par-5 that gives you a real chance of making birdie to finish off your round.
​
Once you finish your scenic walk around Sharp Park, find your way over to the 19th hole for a cold drink and an entertaining group of regulars. As we sat down at an empty table and began to take in the history of the course on the walls, our attention immediately shifted to the foursome at the table to our right passing around an eyeball. A real eyeball. Apparently one of the guys had a removable eye and was more than happy to let anyone and everyone see what it was like!
​
As we finished our drinks and reflected on a great walk by the ocean, it was clear that Shark Park is the kind of neighborhood course that every town should have. When I look back on Sharp Park a few holes might come to mind, but the overall experience certainly won't be forgotten.
The trees make it feel much tighter than it really is. It opens up quite a bit as you get closer to the green.
While the back nine is not tree-lined, native grasses and a few sprawling trees create plenty of challenges.
