Half Moon Bay Golf - Ocean Course

Arthur Hills designed the Ocean Course in the traditional links style and opened it in 1997, two decades after the Old Course first appeared at the property. Where the Old Course is a parkland layout that winds through a residential development for most of its length, the Ocean Course was built on open bluffs to the south — largely clear of housing — and the Pacific is part of the visual experience from the first tee. Wide, firm fairways bordered by wispy native grasses and shared bunker complexes between opposing holes give the course the aesthetic and feel it was going for. The elevation changes add drama. The onshore wind adds difficulty.

The course builds toward its finish. The 16th tee sits on an elevated perch where views open in every direction, beginning a three-hole oceanside run that has drawn comparisons to other famous coastal closes in California. The 17th, a bluff-top par 3, is frequently mentioned alongside Pebble Beach's 7th by golfers who've played both. The 18th brings it home along the cliffs with the Pacific crashing below. This is the stretch people travel for. In 2008, the course hosted the LPGA Samsung World Championship — Paula Creamer won by one shot with a 279 aggregate. PGA Tour professional Arron Oberholser holds the course record at 64.

There is no driving range at the property, which is worth knowing before you arrive. The Ritz-Carlton Half Moon Bay sits adjacent and resort guests receive preferred access, but the course is available for public play. Green fees are dynamic and typically range from around $150 to $250 depending on day and time. Book well in advance on weekends — this is one of the more in-demand tee sheets on the Peninsula, and for good reason.