It's easy to forget you're in the bustling Bay Area while playing this secluded and distinct ocean-side course.
Overview
The Ocean Course is one of two courses at the Ritz Carlton Half Moon Bay, a gorgeous ocean-side hotel that (if you're old enough) might remind you of the movie American Wedding, which was partially filmed there.
Half Moon Bay is a quaint town about 30 minutes south of San Francisco, hugging the Pacific Coast off of Highway 1. Because it's on the Northern California coast, you might get sunshine, cloudy skies, or a mixture of both during your round. That, along with the dramatic coastal landscape and relative seclusion of the property, makes it feel especially well-suited for a links-style course, and that's what the Ocean Course largely offers.
I won't go as far to say that this course resembles those of Bandon Dunes Resort, but some of the holes – particularly on the back nine, which has more holes on or close to the coast – might trigger memories of the ocean-side holes of Bandon Dunes or Pacific Dunes. It also helps that the Ocean Course feels secluded, since relatively few homes are visible on the course once you get to the fourth hole. Considering Half Moon Bay's proximity to San Francisco, it's impressive how much playing this course feels like you're on a retreat.
The view from the tee shot on the first hole is one of the least inspiring of the course, but by the time you get to the 1st green, you'll start enjoying views of the ocean. That persists throughout most of the round, with the exception of a stretch of outward holes from the fourth to the ninth. The back nine is more memorable than the front, with the ocean visible on nearly every hole, and the course finishes with a bang, as the last four holes hug the dramatic coast to your left.
Highlights
Hole 13: Par 4, 431 Yards
This hole might be your first big "wow" moment of the round, as the ocean reveals itself from the tee box and you're able to see much of the course's open layout. Favor the left side on your tee shot, then prepare for a challenging approach to an elevated green with bunkers protecting the left and right sides. The green is dynamic, with two tiers (front and back) and a strong slope to the right.
Hole 17: Par 3, 184 Yards
Outside of landing the green, there's no safe shot on this stunning par three. From the tee box, you'll get a great view of the beach to your left and the large brush in front of you that must be carried to avoid a penalty. The green is mostly shaped by the rugged coastline, and a small bunker guards the front-right. Shots hit too far and to the right may land in a collection area, which for many golfers would be a satisfactory outcome on this hole.
Hole 18: Par 5, 533 Yards
A memorable finishing hole that plays to the Ritz Carlton hotel. This is another visually-intimidating tee shot, requiring a decent carry uphill to clear the gorge and get a friendly roll back downhill. But the fairway is generous and wide, so the tee shot plays easier than it looks. You may be able to reach the 18th green in two, but it's well-protected by bunkers on nearly all sides, so laying it up will be the much safer play. As you putt your final shots of the round, you might have some hotel guests watching you while sitting fireside from the hotel rooms' patios.
Verdict
A distinct course with dramatic ocean-side views and interesting challenges, made even better by its proximity to other Bay Area destinations.
Memorable3.5/5 | Replayable4/5 | Value3/5 |
About
LocationHalf Moon Bay, CA | Holes18 | Yardage6,854 | ArchitectArthur Hills |
Tips
There are two courses on property, the Ocean Course and the Old Course. I haven't yet played the Old Course (I hope to soon), but the regulars and the staff claim its very distinct.
You can find hole-by-hole flyovers posted on Vimeo, or click here to view the scorecard.
As with most Ritz Carltons, the hotel is beautiful, classy, and pricey. If you can afford it, staying there for a night will make for a memorable experience.
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