Played here 8/14/15. First time here and will add this to my list of my all time favorites. As part of the Ritz Carlton Resort in Half Moon Bay. I took my family over to the Ritz for lunch on a perf... Continue »

Played here 8/14/15. First time here and will add this to my list of my all time favorites. As part of the Ritz Carlton Resort in Half Moon Bay. I took my family over to the Ritz for lunch on a perfect Wednesday afternoon and when I saw the Ocean, links style course from a nice walking path near the resort, decided I had to check into getting on to play on Friday morning. Talked to a very friendly staffer in the Pro Shop and she said many times available very early on Friday so I was ready to go. She then told me if I booked online on my own I'd get a discount. Who does that any more ? Her advice saved me $25 and I booked a 645am time for a very reasonable $125. Got out as a single with the blessing from another friendly starter who thought I might enjoy it more than to play with the elderly couple I was paired with. While I'd have been happy to play with the couple, was glad I got out on my own, played at my own pace, and got around in 3 hours. The couple I was paired with was nowhere in sight, when I finished...at least 3-4 holes back, so was a great decision. While course is typical in some ways as a resort venue, it can be challenging depending on conditions. I got a very calm and cool morning, and was perfect. I played a shorter set of tees (white at 6100 yards) due to unfamiliarity, but found it to still be decent challenge. There were a few holes on the front that felt like La Purisma. Rolling hills, scattered oaks and fescue. Other holes were wide open and from certain tee boxes, provided a clear view of 8-10 of the links style holes. Good variety, ocean view from just about every hole, and just a great Scottish feel all the way around. With the Ritz resort sitting above 18, from distance it almost looked like an old castle which added to the links feel. Loved it. Conditions were what you would expect from a links style course as well. I would not classify anything (fairways or greens) as lush. Very good overall, but a little on the thin side in spots, but again, what I would like a links style course to feel like. I think conditions were exactly what they should have been, if that makes any sense. Greens were above average, even if spotty, rolled well and true. No real mystery to breaks. Read it and roll it. Slightly on firm side, but again, good link style condition. Bunkers were filled nicely, with dense but not overly heavy sand. Very good. Good variety of holes, but again, nothing forced, and felt like the design fit the property and characteristics of the land. (Arthur Hills design). The final 3 holes are as spectacular as any I have played. Short downhill, Par 4 16th, short par 3, and a tough uphill par 5, with blind tee shot, dogleg right to left, well protected, and all on the edge of a bluff, above the Pacific Ocean. Great views and simply breathtaking scenery. I spent 45 minutes playing the last 3 holes, snapping dozens of pictures. The most spectacular final 3 holes I have played. I had so much fun here, just wish now that I had a group of buds with me to enjoy it with. Given this was just an unplanned visit while in the area with family, it could not have been any better. Great service inside and out. Good food at Mullins next to Pro Shop or sit out on the patio area at the Ritz, which looks out over the Pacific, and the 18th green of the Old Course. Only downside is lack of driving range, but a good short game (pitching and bunker area), and large putting green. Highly recommend, of course, and promise you will enjoy. Although I would imagine weather conditions could be quite different early and late in the year. I got very lucky and loved every minute of it.

While it's not the toughest course, the Half Moon Bay Ocean Course on the day I played it again last week was visually stunning and had the most perfect weather I've ever seen on the San Mateo coastli... Continue »

While it's not the toughest course, the Half Moon Bay Ocean Course on the day I played it again last week was visually stunning and had the most perfect weather I've ever seen on the San Mateo coastline. Played with a buddy and a single and got through 9 holes in an hour and a half. Back 9, which is more open with even better views, was about 2 hours. The greens were perfect and speedy. The ball actually rolled true & right where you aimed it - not always the case for public NorCal golf. Fairways were running nicely and looked great. Bunkers, tee boxes were 7.5 out of 10, but to be expected during this busy season. Not cheap, but worth it for a special occasion. Great customer service. A highlight was buddy snapped his tee ball on the 17th (short par three on a cliff high above the beach) onto the beach. Got to yell "fore" to people lazing on the sand who didn't know a nine iron from an iron door. A great day in Half Moon Bay. "Old Course" is next...

Wind was howling prefect tune up for trip to Scotland Staff could not be more helpful Fantastic views of the ocean and hotel A must play for anyone in the area

Wind was howling prefect tune up for trip to Scotland Staff could not be more helpful Fantastic views of the ocean and hotel A must play for anyone in the area

We played the Ocean on 6/29 at 2pm as a 2some. As a Links style course, Ocean has totally different feel than the Old. Ocean course starts off with nice ocean view holes on 1 to 3 and ends with grea... Continue »

We played the Ocean on 6/29 at 2pm as a 2some. As a Links style course, Ocean has totally different feel than the Old. Ocean course starts off with nice ocean view holes on 1 to 3 and ends with great ocean view from 16 to 18. There are no holes matching the awe of the 18th hole at the Old course but in general we enjoyed the view and the ambiance of the Ocean much more than the Old. I'm sure the weather has a lot to do with your enjoyment level as we had mostly sunny, 70 deg with light winds. I'm not a fan of the links style course as I have a hard time hitting irons off the hard turf but it also provides much roll off your shots. We also lost few balls we shouldn't have due to the roll but we certainly didn't let that spoil our day. Course was terrific but we did have problem getting there. Hwy 92 was jammed with people trying to get to HMB and it took us about 2 1/4 hrs to drive the 30 miles. I couldn't spend the $400/nt at Ritz Carlton so maybe I'll have to find some cheaper lodging at the HMB area if there is a next time. I never played Pebble so I can't compare. But if Pebble is much better than Ocean (not in reputation but the view and the ambiance) I would certainly like to play Pebble also. Highly recommended.

Played the Ocean Course this morning as the first part of my 36-hole day at HMB. It was really foggy out, so that obscured many of the great views this course is known for and made it play tougher tha... Continue »

Played the Ocean Course this morning as the first part of my 36-hole day at HMB. It was really foggy out, so that obscured many of the great views this course is known for and made it play tougher than I think it actually is because we could hardly see where we were hitting to half the time. I was in the first group off at 7:30, paired with another single and we enjoyed a nice pace in front of the pack.

The course was in decent shape. The fairways and greens are very firm and fast (even with the dampness this morning), which is what you should expect from a links style course like this. The fairways were nice overall, just a bit thin and patchy in some areas. The greens were fast and smooth. Great to putt on and challenging with plenty of undulation. The first cut of rough was nearly non-existent with a mix of thin areas and small clumps of grass to create some unfortunate lies. The longer fescue rough frames the holes and I was able to stay out of it for the most part. Some parts definitely were more punishing-looking than others. The sand was awesome. Nice and fluffy...some of the best sand traps I've played in all year.

I was a tiny bit disappointed with this course, though my experience was marred a lot by the fog. That definitely took away from the views and overall experience, though it did let up just enough to get some great views on the beautiful 17th hole. It is a nice seaside links course. Doesn't measure up to Bandon, Chambers Bay or Spanish Bay, but a better value. If you are thinking of playing here, take 2 seconds to sign up for their e-club (on their website). They send out good deals. I got a rate for $79 and it was definitely worth that. If I had paid the full rack rate ($160+) I would have been very disappointed. The last thing to note is that the staff was excellent and the service was great all around.

Half Moon Bay Golf Links Course Review
Northern California Golf Course Reviews

I played here on 01/01/12 from the back tees (72.9/131/6854). This course was on my “bucket list” of Northern California courses that I wanted to play and I caught it on a perfect day, it turned out t... Continue »

I played here on 01/01/12 from the back tees (72.9/131/6854). This course was on my “bucket list” of Northern California courses that I wanted to play and I caught it on a perfect day, it turned out to be ~65* without any wind. The starter was one of the friendliest I’ve met which made for a comfortable way to being the round. The course is billed as a “links” style course and the first hole greets you with a huge fairway with mounding on either side, so immediately you know this is true. From tee to green the course is in fantastic shape with true rolling greens. Views and sounds of the ocean can be had on most holes although #6 to #9 turn inland before an awesome back nine. While the course features wide fairways throughout, local knowledge would helpful to avoid fairway bunkers and slopes in the fairway. The fairways rolled out more than any other course in the Bay Area that I have played so that allowed the ball to roll into undesired spots if you were not careful. The greens were receptive, large and sloping, in fact, I found them very tricky to read. A couple holes had some minor elevation change which made the views of the ocean even better. I like 5 par 5s, 5 par 3s, and 8 par 4s and this course had it. All the par 3s were interesting to play and I hit 4 different clubs. As I am sure most will agree the finish of holes #16 to #18 were my favorite and ran very close to the ocean. There was something peaceful about teeing off on #17 listening to the waves crashing. While a picturesque setting for the course, the Ritz Carlton and a popular walking trail is located on the property allowing non golfers to access parts of the golf course which I thought was distracting. Thankfully I played it without any wind, but if the wind starts blowing it could be nasty to play. The rack rate is $185 on a weekend and I'd never pay that, but I found a time for $79 on golfnow which I could stomach, and it was well worth the $79. I highly recommend the place if the price is right.

Half Moon Bay Golf Links Review
San Jose California Golf Course Reviews

Played as part of a golf package with the Ritz Carlton. Course conditions were nearly perfect. I really liked the layout, which was fun and fair and not difficult but did present a few challenges main... Continue »

Played as part of a golf package with the Ritz Carlton. Course conditions were nearly perfect. I really liked the layout, which was fun and fair and not difficult but did present a few challenges mainly in the form of the wind coming off the ocean, but that’s not unexpected and can be compensated for. There are several blind tee shots, but you shouldn’t have too much trouble with a decent hit. Small number of divots in the fairways, which were otherwise pristine. Greens as well—medium fast to fast with no ball marks. Very true but tricky breaks. I don’t know what species of grass they are but it’s a tough one, ball marks were hard to fix. Bunkers were somewhat inconsistent ranging from okay to a bit fluffy. Areas around the green are well-shaved giving you a lot of options for chipping. Stray too far though and you’re in the really thick stuff and it will be bad. Rough was cut mercifully low making it easy to find your ball and hit from. Maybe that helps compensate for the ocean winds (‘breeze’ is too kind a word.) This does not refer to the fescue. Land in that and kiss your ball goodbye. If you find it, it’s just about impossible to hit from.

The only major complaint is with the maintenance schedule. Had the first tee time on a weekday and I was directly behind the grounds crew for most of the round. These guys must keep bankers’ hours. I was waiting on some holes in the fairway to hit my approach for 5+ minutes while the guy was hand-watering the green. On a lot of courses this is not a problem; they send grounds crew out early. At one point, I was waiting in the 13th fairway for the guy to finish watering the green; it was 9 am! Really?

The “Legends” package offered by the Ritz Carlton got me 1 night at the hotel and unlimited golf for $575 + tax and fees. It came out to $671. The unlimited golf starts at 2 pm on the day of your arrival and ends at 7 pm the next day. I was able to comfortably get in 3 rounds of golf. Assuming the hotel room is $395, it works out to 60 bucks a round. If you time it right and have the fortitude to play 3 rounds in one day you could get in 4 rounds. The staff was excellent and accommodating. Staying at the hotel was a treat. I recommend the organic chicken in the hotel’s Conservatory Lounge and the spicy black bean chili at Mulligan’s.

Half Moon Bay Golf Links Review
San Jose California Golf Course Reviews

Played HMB on 8/4/2011. It's a beautiful course perched on the coast just south of San Francisco. The day was overcast with marine layer and a steady mist, although not heavy enough to get us wet or... Continue »

Played HMB on 8/4/2011. It's a beautiful course perched on the coast just south of San Francisco. The day was overcast with marine layer and a steady mist, although not heavy enough to get us wet or bother our play. The course played great and the greens are perfect. Best greens I've seen in a long time. They were soft enough that you could firre at the flags and still rolled medium fast and true (9 or 10 I'm guessing). The bunkers surprisingly didn't have a lot of sand in them and they were a little wet but very playable. They fairways were firm and cut pretty tight. The finishing three holes are right on the coast and the signature 18th hole leads you to the Ritz Carlton which sits directly behind the green and is perched on the cliff overlooking the pacific. It's a very picturesque approach. This is a true links style course. Looks and feels like a british open type course. The rough is the same with tall grasses if you wander too far off the fairway. All in all it was a very enjoyable round on a great golf course. We had pretty calm conditions, but if the wind is blowing this course could be a beast. The staff was excellent (5 star). My only complaint about the course is that they don't have a driving range. Next time I'll see if there is something near by although I'm not sure there is. We played for $90 from golfnow.com otherwise the rack rate on the weekday is $165. It's a grreat course and will definetly play again.

Played 12-13 early, course almost empty. Great condition overall but a little soft as one would expect this time of year. Staff all were friendly and helpful, as always. Love this course, challengi... Continue »

Played 12-13 early, course almost empty. Great condition overall but a little soft as one would expect this time of year. Staff all were friendly and helpful, as always. Love this course, challenging but fair, no houses along the edges, some great views especially the last 3 along the bluffs.