San Francisco is the place for great golf and great meals. With over 3000 restaurants, it is billed as "foodie" heaven. Two long time treasures in "the city by the bay" are Harding Park Golf course and nearby Scoma's restaurant on famous Fisherman's Wharf.
Harding Park was established in 1925 and designed by Willie Watson and Sam Whiting. They also crafted the famous Lake course at the nearby Olympic Club that held the 2012 US Open. It was named after Warren Harding, 29th President of the United States. President Harding was an avid golfer and died in a San Francisco hotel in 1923.
Harding Park has a rich history of golf and was a normal PGA stop in the 60's producing winners like Gary Player and Billy Casper in the Lucky Invitational. It was also course played by local golfers and Hall Of Famers Johnny Miller and Ken Venturi. As young players, they honed their skills winning many junior golf tournaments on these hallowed grounds.
In 2002 the course underwent a major renovation under the guidance of Sandy Tatum who is a famous San Francisco attorney and former President of the United States Golf Association. The course was stretched to over 7000 yards and debuted to the world as the host of the AMEX World Golf Championship in 2005. Tiger Woods edged John Daly in an exciting playoff.
In 2009, the Americans led by Captain Fred Couples and team members Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson won the Presidents Cup. Tiger Woods led the team with a 5-0 match play record.
In 2010 and 2011 Harding Park was home for the year ending Champions Tour Charles Schwab Cup. The top 30 Champion Tour players compete for a million dollars. After a one year absence, the Charles Schwab Cub returned to Harding Park in 2013.
Personally, Harding Park is very special for our family as my son MJ won his first of 48 Special Olympics Gold Medals at this course. He was born with a walking disability and like Casey Martin played golf using a golf cart. His amazing 10 year career included winning 3 Special Olympics National Championships, 10 State Championships, participating in 3 Summer World Games in Ireland, China and Greece and being inducted into 3 Hall of Fames for his great accomplishments on and off the golf course. In 2010, we played in the Charles Schwab Cup Legends Pro-Am with Masters Champion and Hall Of Famer golfer Doug Ford. Doug also played on 4 Ryder Cup teams and had many interesting stories to share with us.
Although the golf course stretches over 7000 yards from the back tees, there are friendly tees for the higher handicap golfers and ladies who want to play this course. It is a heavenly experience as you walk thru the massive Cypress trees along Lake Merced with pristine views of the city. It is a must play course next time you are in San Francisco.
After your round of golf, a short drive to Scoma's at Pier 47 on famous Fisherman’s Wharf is a great place to discuss your great shots made at famous Harding Park and enjoy this long time food landmark. Valet parking is provided and the excitement of the wharf and fresh ocean air gives you the feeling that you are some place very, very special. Al Scoma established this restaurant in 1965 and has been a favorite of many locals, tourists, celebrities and golfers for almost 50 years. When you see the many pictures of the famous people that have been to this restaurant, you can imagine the interesting conversation that evolved after a few cocktails, some warm clam chowder and sour dough bread.
One of the favorite dishes of many patrons is the Cioppino.
The rich story of Cioppino goes like this. As Fisherman came in from their expeditions, they threw various kinds of fish or "chipped into" steaming pots on the wharf to make this fresh and famous San Francisco treat. Ala the name Cioppino. Scoma's continues this tradition serving "the best" Cioppino.
In addition to Cioppino, there is an extensive selection of fresh fish, pasta steak and appetizers.
After dinner, a walk on the wharf is a fun way to help your meal digest. There are lots of stores, street musicians, and views of the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz to add to the excitement. Of course a final stop is at the famous Buena Vista Bar just a few blocks away. In 1952, then owner Jack Koeppler challenged international travel writer Stanton Delaplane to help recreate the Irish Coffee recipe served at the Shannon Airport in Ireland. After much experimentation, success was achieved and a 6 ounce heat treated clear goblet was chosen to serve this famous Irish elixer.
It is a vibrant place with people from all over the world gathering here. Last year Arnold Palmer and his wife came into the bar during the US Open and sat with my son and me at our table. There are no reservations and you never know who may join your table for fun conversation and an Irish Coffee or two.
This will complete your "perfect" day in the great city by the bay.
