Page 12 - The Golf Guide, Summer 2017

Golf Destination

with yardages. About the only trees on
the course can be found on the left side
of the number 8 fairway. This dogleg
left par 5 has some thought provoking
undulations as you approach the green,
and a fairway sand bunker that sits
about 75 yards before the green guards
the shot up the middle of the fairway.
The fantastic final four holes play right
against the ocean. Sixteen, the signature
hole and a downhill par 4, requires a
Ocean Hole 16 second shot be hit over a small barranca

and on to the green that slopes left to right. The par 3 seventeenth sits against the
ocean bluffs, while the final uphill par-5 could float into a gentle wind.

Old Course has hosted numerous U.S. Open qualifiers over the years, and Ocean
Course has hosted U.S. Open qualifiers for women. Bill says “What makes Half
Moon Bay Golf Links special is that it is two great designs that play very different.
You experience Ocean Course, which is a links golf course. It plays on the ground
as well as in the air and has an outward nine and an inward nine that have the hues
and textures and colors reminiscent of being back in Scotland. It gives you that feel.
Also what gives you that feel is playing in a marine climate.”

“Old Course has a very different feel.
Both nines return to the clubhouse and
have an old course traditional layout.
The finishing holes are dramatic with the
ongoing return to the ocean. There is a
barranca on sixteen that you must fly;
the hole has such an amazing character.
What I think combined between the
two that makes it special is that when
you arrive here, while golf is your major
reason for coming, you find something
else. Your mind just travels; it’s an Old Hole 17

experience, not just about golf but more about from something inside. It just takes
you away, the vistas of the ocean, the two golf courses, and the beauty surrounding
the area. That is why people come here. I feel that the future of the game is through
our kids, and this property is 100% behind this.”

While they do not have a driving range, they do have an excellent short game
practice area. A caddy program is available for Ocean Course (with prior
request). The courses offer stay and play packages with the Ritz-Carlton that can
be purchased through the hotel and use dynamic pricing for the rate for play,
depending on the time of day you want to play your round. Keep in mind that the
normal temperature ranges from about 58° to 64°, so you might want to bring a
jacket.

I can think of no better way to get away from it all while you relax, enjoy exciting
golf and the beauty of Northern California while you experience a pleasurable visit
at the Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay.

For more information visit ritzcarlton.com/halfmoonbay

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