Half Moon Bay (Ocean)

Designed by acclaimed architect Arthur Hills and opened in 1997, this 18-hole, par-72 layout channels the spirit of a traditional Scottish links, with firm, open fairways, wispy native grasses, and sweeping ocean views. A public resort course tied to the neighboring Ritz-Carlton, it delivers one of Northern California's most authentic links-style experiences.

Course History

The Ocean Course was designed by veteran architect Arthur Hills and opened in 1997 as the second 18 holes at Half Moon Bay Golf Links, complementing the original Old Course that had anchored the property since the early 1970s. Built on an exposed, treeless expanse of coastal bluff, the layout was conceived to bring a genuine links character to the Northern California coast.

Since its debut the Ocean Course has become the signature draw of the resort, closely associated with the adjacent Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay, and has continued to evolve as the ownership has embraced firmer, faster and more natural playing conditions in keeping with its links roots.

The Design & Architecture

Arthur Hills routed the Ocean Course as a tribute to traditional Scottish links, with wide, open fairways framed by wispy native grasses, seasonal wildflowers and dune-like contours rather than trees. The undulating greens place a premium on the short game, while the near-constant coastal wind is the course's chief defense. Every hole offers views of the Pacific, and recent tightening of the fairways and reduced irrigation have produced the firm, fast, running conditions the design was built to reward.

Playing the Course

Measuring 6,854 yards to a par of 72 with a course rating of 72.5 and a slope of 132, the Ocean Course is a fair but demanding test that rewards creative, ground-game golf. The wind can transform club selection from one round to the next, and the closing stretch along the cliff tops delivers a dramatic finish above the crashing surf. Firm fairways encourage the running shots and bump-and-runs that define authentic links play.

Know Before You Go

• Public resort course open to daily-fee play and to guests of the adjacent Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay; tee times can be booked online in advance.

• Coastal wind and cool, foggy marine conditions are common year-round, so pack layers and wind-friendly gear even on sunny days.

• Firm, fast links-style turf favors low, running shots; plan to play the ground game rather than fly everything to the greens.

• The property also features the older Old Course, so confirm you are booking the Ocean Course when reserving your round.