The Old Course
Arnold Palmer’s Iconic Coastal Parkland Design
Opening in 1973, The Old Course is an American classic designed by Arnold Palmer and Francis Duane.
The Course
An American Parkland design, the course features several challenging dog-legs, multiple water hazards and tree-lined fairways which rewards the strategic player over long-hitters. With 5 tees to choose from however, you can choose how difficult the course plays. Favorites include the opening par-five, the Ritz-Carlton backed number 9 and the final four holes ending at the turn between hole 17 and 18 known as “Palmer Corner.” The finishing hole is the postcard photo and one of golf’s highest ranked holes in the country—a 405-yard par-four stunner framed by the blue Pacific. This parkland-style golf course has played host to numerous U.S. Open Qualifiers and will test all facets of your game.
Please note, carts are required on the Old Course.
Your Guide to Playing at
Half Moon Bay Golf Links
Practice Green & Warm-Up Area
Two putting greens, a 50-yard chipping area, and practice bunker area are available for warm up.
Please note: no full driving range. There is an independent driving range located in Half Moon Bay.
Golf Dress Code & Course Etiquette
- Proper golf attire required (no denim pants or shorts, cut-offs, or t-shirts please)
- Outside alcohol is not permitted on the course
- No pets allowed on the course
- If you enjoy music on the course, please keep the volume to a minimum.
- 2 person limit per cart
Fall 2025 Course Maintenance Alerts
- Old Course Aeration: October 27–29, 2025
- Ocean Course Aeration: November 1-3, 2025
Advance Tee Time Booking
Half Moon Bay Golf Links allows guests to make reservations up to 120 days in advance. Reservations for tee times more than 30 days out must be made by phoning the golf shop at (650) 726-1800. Advanced reservations will include an additional non refundable booking fee.
Hole 1
A par 5 that is reachable in two with a good drive that is shaped right to left to counter the natural terrain that pushes the ball to the right side of the fairway. If you aren’t able to keep the ball on the left side of the fairway, lay up with a mid-iron to keep birdie in play. Bunkers protect the green on both the right and left side of the green.
Hole 2
This tree lined par 4 requires a precise tee shot between the bunkers down the left hand side and the trees along the right side. Distance control into the green is a must, keep the ball below the hole. The subtle sloping green runs from back right to front left.
Hole 3
The third hole is a tough par 3 with a pond running up the left side of the hole. If you bail out to the right, you will be left with a tricky up-and-down to a green that runs from right to left. Once you get onto the green your work is not done.
Hole 4
A long iron or fairway metal will keep the ball from running through the fairway on this dogleg right par 4 and will leave a mid-iron into the green. Those choosing to hit a driver must be precise and work the ball left to right around the bunker on the right hand side of the fairway.
Hole 5
A par 5 that can be reachable in two for the long hitters but for most is a three shot hole. The smart play is a tee shot just to the right of the fairway bunkers which will leave a mid to long iron for a second shot. A wedge in to the green is ideal in order to hold the ball on a green that has very subtle mounding making it difficult to navigate.
Hole 6
This dogleg left par 4 is one of the most challenging on the course. A drive just to the right of the bunker will leave a long iron into the green. On the approach shot, keep the ball below the hole to avoid a speedy downhill putt. Stay away from the green-side bunker at all costs.
Hole 7
The par 3 7th hole is challenging for golfers of any skill level. The hole demands a long iron or a fairway wood for most golfers. Play for the center of the green and avoid the green-side bunker to keep par in play.
Hole 8
This lengthy par 4 is the number one handicap hole and for good reason. The tee shot for most golfers must be played to the right of the fairway bunkers. The fairway slopes left to right pushing the ball towards the rough on the right hand side. A good tee shot will leave a downhill approach shot into a firm green guarded by four bunkers. Par is a great score here.
Hole 9
The finishing hole on the front nine is backdropped by the Ritz-Carlton. Don’t let the beautiful view distract you as this hole is guarded by out of bounds on both sides of the fairway. A tee shot down the right center of the fairway will leave you the best look at the green. A downhill approach allows you to fly the ball to the hole. A successful tee shot leaves a good chance for birdie.
Hole 10
This sharp dogleg right par 5 is deceptively difficult. The tee shot needs to hug the right side of the hole as the fairway slopes hard right to left. A tee shot that lands on the right side of the fairway will end up on the left side of the fairway or in the first cut of rough. On the second shot it is a must to avoid the fairway bunker in order to make par. Play for the center of the green on the approach as there is a slight false front and a narrowing green with a back pin position.
Hole 11
This uphill par 4 requires a drive into the center of the fairway. A tee shot that misses left may roll down into the pond separating the 11th and 15th holes leaving you with a penalty stroke and a punch out back into the fairway. There is out of bounds on the right side of the hole requiring a precise tee shot. This green slopes hard from back to front and it is best to be putting from below the hole.
Hole 12
The par 4 12th hole plays uphill from tee to green. The fairway slopes from left to right demanding a tee shot hit up the left center. A miss into the fairway bunker will require a layup for your second shot. The green runs from back right to front left and is fairly shallow on the line of approach from the fairway. Club selection here is key; play to the center of the green and try to escape with par.
Hole 13
The par 3 13th hole is one of the most intimidating on the course with a green that is situated between ponds on both sides of the hole. The green is set below the tee box but the wind is unpredictable and often feels like it is swirling making club selection difficult. Direction on this hole is key to avoid a penalty. Play for the center of the green regardless of the pin position.
Hole 14
This hard dogleg right par 4 favors a left to right tee shot starting at the bunker through the fairway. Two bunkers are hidden on the right side of the fairway making it imperative to hit the fairway on this hole. The approach shot into a shallow, firm green demands precise distance control.
Hole 15
The 15th hole measures 542 yards from the regular tees, but plays much longer due to the prevailing wind and the two ponds on the left side of the fairway which must be avoided. For nearly every golfer, this is a three shot par 5. Play your tee shot to end up in line with the tree straight through the center of the fairway. This will leave a long iron, hybrid, or fairway wood for your second shot in order to get to a position that leaves a short iron into the green. The second shot should be played up the right side of the fairway, using the natural contours of the fairway to bring the ball back towards the center of the fairway. The dense trees behind the green block the wind from the golfer, but it will affect the distance of your approach shot. Play an extra club and aim for the center of the green regardless of the pin position. Par is a great score here.
Hole 16
The 16th hole of the Old Course is a treacherous par 4 on the home stretch of the back nine. Out of bounds runs down the right side and trees line the left side of the fairway. A driver is a must off of the tee in order to reach the green in two. The approach shot to the most difficult green on the course may be more intimidating than the tee shot. The green runs from right to left and is only 23 yards from front to back at the deepest portion of the green. An approach shot that lands just on the front edge of the green, or comes up short entirely, will roll back into the barranca guarding the front of the green. Keep the approach shot below the hole as the green is extremely fast from back to front.
Hole 17
The 17th hole of the Old Course appears to be a tame par 3, however the prevailing crosswind will play havoc with your tee shot. The Pacific Ocean frames this hole, and due to the proximity to the bluff tops and the trees on the right shielding the player from the true strength of the wind, most players will come up short. The best strategy on this hole is to play for the center of the green, and use one more club than you think you need to counteract the wind. A miss in any direction is penal with OB right and bunkers surrounding the green.
Hole 18
Enjoy the views! The 18th hole on the Old Course is the signature hole for the property, and has repeatedly been ranked among the best finishing holes in golf for its challenge and unmatched scenery. Play your tee shot to finish where the cart path and barranca intersect at the furthest part of the fairway from the tee. A tee shot of approximately 230 yards will leave an approach shot inside 120 yards, with the best angle into the green. On your approach shot into the green keep the ball below the hole to give yourself a realistic look at birdie, but par is a good score here. The spectators will clap no matter what score you make.
What Our Guests Are Saying
The Legends Club
Earn reward points, play at reduced rates, and receive discounts in both the golf shop and restaurant.
The Legends Club is a must for anyone who plays golf with us more than a few times per year..
Exclusive Benefits. Rewarding Play. Unforgettable Views.
→ Preferred rates for you and your guests
→ 15% off all golf shop merchandise
→ 10% off non-alcoholic food and beverages
→ Points earned on green fees and merchandise purchases
