The World Series is in full swing as the Kansas City Royals take on the San Francisco Giants in the highly-anticipated Fall Classic. While we’re absolutely fans of baseball, our love surrounds the game of golf — and that, of course, got us thinking. How would these two teams fare in a battle of golf courses? More pointedly, how do the golf courses in the respective World Series cities compare?
Home to PGA Tour legend Tom Watson, Kansas City boasts its own flavor of courses. While it’s not necessarily known as a hotbed for golf, you can do well with the sticks if traveling to KC. Here’s a look at the top five courses in the Kansas City area:
The Kansas City Golf Club
Founded in 1896, The Kansas City Golf Club was originally designed by A.W. Tillinghast and later remodeled by Robert Trent Jones. Tom Watson calls himself a member of the prestigious club and holds the course record of 60.
Mission Hills Country Club
Originally opened in 1914, Mission Hills sits directly on the state line between Kansas and Missouri and holds a rich history in the game for both states.
Swope Memorial
A lesser-known A.W. Tillinghast design, here’s a park-style course open to the public. After your round, enjoy the park and zoo on the grounds.
Prairie Dunes Country Club
While it’s not technically in Kansas City, or even the same state as the Royals, Prairie Dunes is one of the nation’s best courses — and it’s only a few hours away.
Sand Creek Station
Here’s another one within driving distance to Kansas City if not solely for the fact that it’s simply worth the drive. Sand Creek recently held the U.S. Public Links Championship and is among the country’s top public courses in multiple annual rankings.
One of the nation’s earliest golf meccas, San Francisco is home to numerous courses — both public and private — that hold a large place in American golf history. Here’s a look at five of the top courses in the Bay Area:
The Olympic Club
Home to the city’s oldest men’s athletic club, the golf course(s) at The Olympic Club aren’t too shabby either. The Olympic Club has hosted five U.S. Open Championships and will play host to the inaugural U.S. Four-Ball Championship in May.
TPC Harding Park
One of the most accessible courses in the TPC network, Harding Park is owned by the city of San Francisco, making it a municipal. Nestled between San Francisco State University and Lake Merced, TPC Harding Park has hosted numerous professional events, including the WGC American Express Championship and the Presidents Cup. In 2020, the PGA Championship will be played at Harding Park.
Presidio Golf Course
Another well-known, public course in the San Francisco area is Presidio. The course and area surrounding it is managed and kept safe by the Presidio Trust Initiative, meaning that despite being just a few minutes away from the busy streets of downtown San Francisco, you’ll have a quiet and serene place to play golf while in town.
San Francisco Golf Club
A private course built by the legendary Tillinghast, San Francisco Golf Club is among the top traditional courses in the country and among the top five in the golf-centric state of California.
Lincoln Park
While it’s not as prestigious or refined as the others on this list, you don’t get closer to the heart of San Francisco and the Bay Area than Lincoln Park. With unobstructed views of the Golden Gate Bridge, the charming Lincoln Park is a must play if you’re in the area.
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