The U.S. Open Golf Championship will be held in San Francisco for the fifth time on June 11-17, 2012. Clearly, the United States Golf Association knows where to go to make the U.S. Open “the most rigorous, yet fair and complete examination of golf skills, testing all forms of shotmaking.” Yet San Francisco is perhaps the most unexpected great golf destination in the world. Nestled amongst a population of some 800,000 residents are six unique and outstanding golf courses, ranging in scale from executive to championship.

Olympic Club, San Francisco, site of the 2012 U.S. Open

What’s even more unexpected is the contrast in experiences available off the course. Most golf destinations offer dining, spas and shopping opportunities. San Francisco has famous icons like the Golden Gate Bridge, world class performing arts and museums, and cuisine that is some of the best anywhere.

Here are some examples of how far a day – and night – in San Francisco can take you.

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Tags: golf, San Francisco, US Open