Old Course
Half Moon Bay, CA, USA
At Half Moon Bay Golf Links, the Old Course is where dreams live and die on the cliff's edge. Carved into the windswept bluffs of the Northern California coast, the links-style layout demands a strategic ground game, especially when the sea breeze howls off the Pacific. Errant tee shots are punished not just by thick fescue, but by the very real prospect of a watery grave. Designed by Arthur Hills, the Old Course doesn't whisper, it roars. Broad fairways encourage aggression, but cunningly placed bunkers and undulating greens keep even the longest hitters honest. Favors a player who can manage the wind and flight their ball. Blind shots and doglegs force players to trust their instincts and commit to lines, especially on the inward nine where the ocean looms on nearly every hole. While never having hosted a major championship, the Old Course holds a certain prestige amongst Northern California golfers. It’s a proving ground where local club pros and ambitious amateurs test their mettle against the elements. Post-round, many head inside to savor the club’s signature clam chowder, a steaming reward for battling the ocean winds – and perhaps a consolation prize for those who found the water one too many times.
Ranked by CV ratings from golfers who've played this course. Positions are shown worldwide, by country, and by state; the Public column compares courses anyone can play.
Best in World
Unranked
Best in USA
Unranked
Best in CA
Public: #64
Golfers say the 18th hole is the singular reason to play this course, describing it as one of the most scenically beautiful and memorable finishing holes they've encountered, with dramatic cliffs, Pacific Ocean views, and the Ritz-Carlton rising behind the green—often enhanced by a bagpiper at sunset. Most reviewers find the remaining 16 or 17 holes solid but forgettable, suggesting the course is overpriced for what it delivers beyond that cinematic finale. The conditioning generally earns praise, though several note the experience feels more like paying for one spectacular moment than a complete round worth the premium green fee.
7.4
67 players
16/18 holes here are fine. But you’re really paying for hole 17 which plays an appetizer role to the most scenically beautiful hole I’ve ever played…18. You feel like you’re in Scotland with the cliffs and the Pacific Ocean to your right and the hotel manor house in front of you. We played during sunset so there was a bag pipe player standing above the 18th green as we finished. Words can’t really describe that experience in this setting.
The reason you might still choose to play Old over Ocean - is 18. It might be the best finishing hole I’ve ever played. A downhill tee shot feeds into a drop-off around 260 yards before leaving you with an intimidating 190-yard uphill anpproach into the wind. The Ritz-Carlton rises behind the green, a small gallery gathers along the cliffs, and at sunset, a lone bagpiper plays you in. It’s cinematic. It’s special. It’s golf at its most theatrical.
Best hole is the 18th a long par 4 on a cliff overlooking the ocean. This hole alone makes it worth playing once. Rest of course is forgettable. Good shape but overpriced. Haven’t played the other course but I imagine it would be a decent weekend trip.
Fun course, very solid. Probably not worth the price more than every once in a while. Played well.
Public courses closest to Old at Half Moon Bay Golf Links.
FAQ
Ratings, design, and course details pulled from Course Vaults.
Old at Half Moon Bay Golf Links has a Course Vaults score of 7.4 out of 10 based on 36 explicit golfer ratings.
Old was designed by Arnold Palmer, Arthur Hills, and Francis Duane.
Yes. Old at Half Moon Bay Golf Links is listed as welcoming public or guest play on Course Vaults.
Par at Old is 72.
Old plays 7,001 yards from the back tees on Course Vaults.
The slope rating at Old is 132.
