Joel
Interesting take. Any Olympic-bias aside, the post-Hanse work (whether it’s a renovation or restoration is not important) puts the Lake’s back 9 as the best in the Bay Area w/ Pasatiempo #2 (is this the Bay Area still?). I know the Lake gets a lot of “hate”, but it really shouldn’t nowadays.
The Lake’s back 9 has a solid mix of short (hole #15, 17, 18), medium (10, 12, 14), and long (11, 13, 16). Some straight (11, 12, 17, 18), some doglegs (10, 14, 16). Some uphill (11, 17, 18), some flat or slightly downhill (12). Some flattish greens, and some with (mild) undulations. There is also an excellent mix a half pars… some half-par easier (15, 17, 18) and some half-par more difficult (11, 14, 16). The routing is solid with holes going in all directions, unlike Cal Club and SFGC which have too many back-n-forth in their inward nine. As for LMGC, its 16-18 are somewhat cramped, and 18 will be especially tight when the trees grow in on the right.
IMHO, SFGC gets a pass for its exclusivity and near flawless conditions (being that it gets 12 rounds a day!). Cal Club also for its access limitations and its unique turf/playing surface.
At the end of the day, all four courses are exceptional and must plays, and I’d certainly rank the Lake’s front 9 #4 among them. But for my money, the back, actually the last 10 holes to be frank, are best in SF.
WW