Lake Merced is among the latest clubs to undergo a transformative restoration led by Gil Hanse, Jim Wagner, and their team. In 1962, the construction of a freeway necessitated a significant redesign of the course, originally crafted by Alister MacKenzie in 1929-1930, altering its character and aesthetics. The deep barrancas, sandy waste areas, and MacKenzie's signature mounding and bunkering were lost in the process. Utilizing extensive research, including historical photographs and aerial imagery, Hanse meticulously restored these defining features. All 18 greens and tee complexes were reconstructed, while an impressive 150,000 square feet of bunkers were reshaped to reflect MacKenzie’s distinctive style. The result is a revitalized layout that honors the legacy of one of California’s premier courses, reinforcing both Hanse’s and MacKenzie’s influence as two of golf’s most celebrated architects.