Half Moon Bay, Links Course- Half Moon Bay

Of the two courses located at Half Moon Bay Golf Links, the Links Course is probably not as popular as its Ocean Course counterpart. Still, the Links Course boasts both impressive and imposing credentials: honored as one of the best public courses in the United States; an 18th hole rightfully recognized as one of the best 100 golf holes in America; and one of the highest course ratings in Northern California.

It is an absolutely beautiful course, complete with challenges, character, and first-class closing holes. And while the facility as a whole is still a little rough around the edges (changes are in store), Willie the Weekend Warrior would be wise to treat himself to such a truly enjoyable round of golf.

The Links Course is really something of a misnomer. Anyone expecting Scottish-style seaside golf might be a little surprised to see numerous cypress trees lining the fairways and surrounding the greens. Although the weather was overcast with a slight mist (not unusual from what I hear), oceanfront winds didn't seem like they would come into play on too many holes.

With that notable exception, the Links Course will produce few other disappointments...save the likely one on your scorecard. The course is not only long (7,100 yards for the shooters, 6,400 for the rest of us), but chock full of strategically placed fairway and greenside bunkers. The greens were big with fair undulations, but still managed to be somewhat confusing. The most welcome surprise--especially to this municipal mauler--was the great shape the course was in. (Although a cynic would no doubt expect this to be the case.)

The Course opens up with a relatively simple 500+ par five, but Hole No. 2 gives you an idea of what awaits: numerous fairway bunkers, with generous amounts of sand surrounding the green. The course begins to show some real character at the par-5 fifth, which is reachable in two for those feeling especially bold. The long approach shot would not only have to split two trees lining the fairway, but elude water on the right, and avoid bunkers in the front and back of the green. While few will attempt that shot, there will be plenty of egos tempted on the dogleg left, 388-yard sixth hole.

The landing area between the two fairway bunkers measures only 17 yards, a fact that begs golfers to try carrying the left trap 215 yards out. If you think you learned your lesson on No. 5 and opt for the safe play, you'll have a long second shot into the guarded sixth green.

No. 8 is a relatively boring hole that is noteworthy for its length (435 / 407 yards) and difficulty (Handicap 1). No. 9 presents you with yet another fairway bunker, but this time conveniently located 218 yards down the middle of the fairway. Not only does this serve as an eyesore off the tee, but it is also annoying for the way it hides the green.

The backside has been the recent beneficiary of subtle changes, most involving drainage and increased mounding. Similar changes are in store for the front side, but the differences between the two sides are immediately obvious from the par-5 10th. The rolling fairway bends to the right, is full of curves and waves, and just does not seem to fit the eye. As if the hole's visual complexities weren't enough, the second shot will have to avoid another fairway bunker.

No. 13 is a pretty par 3 over hundreds of cattails, but beware the water on the left of the green that cannot be seen from the tee.

The Links Course's three finishing holes are enough to elevate a great round to a truly memorable one. The 16th requires a pinpoint second shot over a deep ravine to the most narrow green on the course. Any approach shot that misses the green long or right will be punished with a difficult downhill chip, one that will seem destined for that same ravine that wanted to gobble up your second shot.

The 17th is another gorgeous par 3, with a panoramic view of ocean in the background. While the hole would be considered boring anywhere else on the course, the vista from this location is enough to make anyone lose concentration.

Finally, there is the breathtaking 18th hole, undoubtedly one of the most scenic in all the Bay Area thanks to its cliff side location. The tee shot plays downhill towards some sort of drainage ditch, while any approach that misses slightly right will end up on the beach below. It's a hole like this that will leave you with the feeling that your money was well spent.

Although I have probably raved too much about the course to seem objective, there were flaws worth reporting. The first and most glaring is the lack of a driving range, especially for such a demanding course. Second was the abundant construction taking place all around the clubhouse, which did serve as somewhat of a distraction on several holes. Third and final was the attitude and nonchalance of the cart kids and starters. This was a little surprising from such a nice facility, seeing as one normally expects to be treated like a Tour pro when paying so much for a round of golf.

Yet these three minor flaws were not enough to prevent me from giving the Links Course my highest recommendation.

By Nick Flores
Reviewer, sfbaygolf.com

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