Control distance precisely, for a 3-handicap player, ~10 minutes.
Practice Programs
Complete Golf Practice Blueprint for The Olympic Club
Discover tailored practice programs for this course.
Total Programs
17
17 complete programs built for this course
Unique Drills
92
Total unique drills across all programs
Skill Pillars
12
Accuracy · Aim · Alignment · Dispersion · Distance Control · Green Reading
Session Durations
7
3 days , 4 days , 5 days , 6 days , 7 days , 8 days , 9 days
Cliffs Practice Profile
We've mapped a comprehensive practice profile for Cliffs, identifying the specific skills this course demands most. The skill distribution below shows which areas of your game will be tested most frequently based on the hole-by-hole analysis (hole handicaps, stroke index, yardage, etc.), while the handicap ranges indicate the typical player profiles who perform well here.
Focus your practice on these key skills to maximize improvement and lower your scores. Check the practice programs below for targeted drills that address these specific skills.
Skill Distribution
Handicap Performance Insights
The handicap ranges shown represent the typical performance levels for this course. Players within these ranges can expect competitive scores, while those outside may yield benefits or may need additional practice in the highlighted skill areas to perform at their best.
Top Drills
Featured Drills for Cliffs
Most-used drills from for this course. Practice as standalone drills or scroll down for full programs.
Putting Aid: Alignment Sticks, Ball Gate, 50 in a Row
Make 50 putts in a row from in between two alignment sticks and through the ball gate.
Sand | Parallel Ball Lines | 9 Stop Zones
Align a bucket of balls in the sand (avg. bucket is 40 balls) into 2 parallel lines 20 balls per line and stop sand shots inside 9 Stop Zones. Count the number of successful stops.
Woods (Hy to 3W) | Y Area
Hit 15 balls to each Y area using woods only. Hit one bucket of ~50 balls. Count total number of successful shots.
Bump-n-Run | Parallel Ball Lines | Bullseye 2x
Up to 5 players compete to stop a bump-n-run shot in the bullseye. The best final score relative to PAR wins the challenge. Up to 80 balls are needed.
Chip | Parallel Ball Lines | Bullseye 2x
Align a bucket of balls (avg. bucket is 40 balls) into 2 parallel lines 20 balls per line and stop chip shots inside the Bullseye. Count the number of balls in the inner and outer Bullseye.

Around the Hole: 4 Ball Circle, 50 in a Row
Make 50 putts in a Row from [3 ft | 1 m].
Course Details
Everything you need to know about Cliffs.
Contact Information
Phone
+44 (0)1250 872622
Fax
+44 (0) 1250 872622
Giving lessons at The Olympic Club? Get featured here.
Facilities
Location
524 Post Street
Course Description
The Olympic Club, founded in 1860 in San Francisco, is the oldest athletic club in the United States. With over 10,000 adult members and 1,000 junior members, it offers a wide range of athletic programs across more than 16 sports, including golf, swimming, basketball, and boxing. The club operates two historic facilities: the City Clubhouse, which features a natatorium and fitness facilities, and the Lakeside complex, home to a championship golf course redesigned in 1922.The club is dedicated to fostering athletic excellence and community leadership. It has a rich history, including notable achievements in the early 20th century and a commitment to inclusivity since the inclusion of women members in 1990. The Olympic Club Foundation supports youth athletics and has contributed over $3 million to various initiatives. The club continues to host major golf tournaments and remains a significant part of the local community.
golf courses • san francisco golf • private athletic club • city clubhouse • lakeside clubhouse • golf championships • us open host • pga championship 2028 • ryder cup 2033 • clubhouse dining • weddings events • corporate events • handball courts • squash courts • tennis courts • fitness facilities • natatorium • historic club • membership process • athletic club • amateur sports • social community • dining • leisure activities • recreation
Course Information
Holes
45
Par
27
Type
Parkland
Architect
Jay Morrish/Tom Weiskopf
Opened
1994
Google Reviews
The Olympic Club Social Media Presence
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Programs
Skill-Based Practice Programs for Cliffs
We studied the course layout and prepared practice programs to lower your scores. The programs are purpose-built for each tee to align with the course strategy. Each program consists of curated drills, with pre-defined modules designed to deliver results.
Filter programs by category (select one)
Showing 17 Programs
% match to course practice profileFollow through fully, for a 2-handicap player, ~10 minutes.
Escape successfully, for a 5-handicap player, ~10 minutes.
Use a short swing, for a 35-handicap player, ~30 minutes.
11 Week Flagship Program for Cliffs
A complete and progressive long-term development curriculum mapped from easier to harder drills, specifically for Cliffs. Start with the basics and work your way towards more challenging drills. Commit to 11 weeks of training and get in proper shape. Four days counts as a week.
Putting · 9 ft (3m) only
Pace Putts To Hole
Difficulty: Intermediate · Program HCP 17.0
Short Game · Bump'n'Run
Bump'n'Run From 5–10 Yds
Difficulty: Beginner · Program HCP 35.0
Driving Range · Mid irons (7,6,5)
Improve Mid-Iron Accuracy
Difficulty: Beginner · Program HCP 35.0
Putting · 6 ft (2m) only
Sink More Putts Accurately
Difficulty: Expert · Program HCP 2.0
Short Game · Chip
Save Par with Clutch Chip
Difficulty: Beginner · Program HCP 26.0
Driving Range · Long irons (4,3,2)
Stop Missing Greens With Long Irons
Difficulty: Beginner · Program HCP 35.0
Putting · 3 ft (1m) only
Stop 3-Foot Misses On All Shots
Difficulty: Expert · Program HCP 2.0
Short Game · Sand
Set your sights on the flag: aim for a soft landing
Difficulty: Beginner · Program HCP 22.0
Driving Range · Driver
Tighten up: reduce your driver spread to a minimum
Difficulty: Intermediate · Program HCP 17.0
Precision 3-wood shots, for a 1-handicap player, ~10 minutes.
Advanced accuracy, for a 1-handicap player, ~10 minutes.
Practice uphill and downhill putts, for a 18-handicap player, ~15 minutes.
Unlock Your Golf Potential
Get personalized coaching and custom training programs tailored to your game.
Get StartedUp-and-down contest, for a 26-handicap player, ~20 minutes.
Stick approaches, for a 16-handicap player, ~15 minutes.
Chip from rough, for a 17-handicap player, ~15 minutes.
Fly out and stop close, for a 23-handicap player, ~20 minutes.
Land inside 2 feet, for a 21-handicap player, ~20 minutes.
Set up for high shot, for a 16-handicap player, ~15 minutes.
Hit within 10 yards, for a 18-handicap player, ~15 minutes.
Eliminate hooks, for a 35-handicap player, ~30 minutes.
Consistent long iron rollout, for a 7-handicap player, ~10 minutes.
Stop missing greens, for a 35-handicap player, ~30 minutes.
Prepare for Tournaments at Cliffs
Follow a complete multi-week structured practice program ahead of the upcoming events and arrive prepared.
No upcoming tournaments at this time.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions about Cliffs
Get answers to common questions about playing Cliffs and what to expect.
How difficult is Cliffs for mid-handicap golfers?
Cliffs presents a demanding test. With a slope of 120, it remains playable for a wide handicap range. The course rating of 70 reflects on scoring relative to par 27.
What tees should a 15 handicap play at Cliffs?
A 15 handicap golfer should consider tees closer to 6000 yards. The back tees extend to 6500 yards, which makes approach shots longer and scoring more challenging.
What is considered a good score at Cliffs?
With a course rating of 70 and par 27, a mid-handicap golfer would typically score in the mid to high 80s. Stronger players aiming to break 27 must manage approach shots and avoid penalty strokes.
How long is Cliffs and how does yardage affect play?
Measuring 6500 yards at maximum length, scoring depends more on placement than raw power.
What type of course is Cliffs and how should I play it?
Cliffs is designed as a Parkland layout. Overall, the setup will reward players who place the ball in safe positions far from hazards. Also, type of shot is more crucial rather than just trying to gain distance.
What features make Cliffs strategically challenging?
The combination of a slope rating of 120 and yardage reaching 6500 yards creates consistent pressure on approach shots. You will need to balance risk and reward, especially on longer par 4s and protected greens.
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Same Architect
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Cliffs
The Olympic Club
San Francisco, California

