Golf at Half Moon Bay: courses, tee times and what to expect
The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay sits on the bluff beside Half Moon Bay Golf Links and offers on-site access to championship coastal golf with an oceanside 18th hole; guests can arrange tee times, carts and rental clubs through the resort’s pro shop. Expect wind and marine layer variability, required reservations for tee times, and on-site dining and lodging geared toward golfers and non-golfers alike.
In this guide
Overview: golf at The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay
The resort is located above the Pacific and adjoins Half Moon Bay Golf Links, providing immediate access to championship golf courses, including an oceanside 18th hole on the Old Course. Guests regularly book tee times and golf services through the resort’s pro shop rather than relying on walk-up play.
Reservations are required for tee times and for some golf services; the pro shop handles tee-time booking, cart rentals and club rentals. Expect typical coastal conditions—wind and morning marine layer—that affect play and pace of play.
- On-site access to Half Moon Bay Golf Links (Old Course and additional course access described by the resort).
- Tee times and rental equipment arranged via the resort pro shop.
- Coastal weather affects conditions—wind and fog are common in morning hours.
| What | Notes |
|---|---|
| Tee times | Reservations required; book through the pro shop |
| Equipment | Carts and rental clubs available via pro shop |
| Course feature | Oceanside 18th hole on the Old Course |
Booking tee times and practical tips
Reserve tee times before you arrive—especially on weekends and during fall and summer seasons—by contacting the resort’s pro shop or arranging through the front desk. The resort recommends guests make reservations in advance rather than relying on availability the day of play.
Arrive to the course early to warm up; coastal winds can pick up in the afternoon, and the marine layer may thin later in the day. If you need clubs, carts, or lesson availability, request these when you book your tee time so the pro shop can accommodate you.
- Confirm tee times with the pro shop prior to arrival.
- Ask about cart availability and any club rental options when booking.
- Plan for changing weather—bring layers and a windproof jacket.
| When to book | Why |
|---|---|
| As early as possible | Weekends and peak seasons fill quickly |
| At least a day ahead | Allows pro shop to prepare rentals and carts |
| Morning or late afternoon tee times | May avoid strongest coastal winds |
What to expect on the course and local conditions
The courses run along the coast and can be exposed to wind and fog; playing windows often improve by late morning or in the afternoon when the marine layer can burn off. The Old Course includes an oceanside 18th hole that sits very near the resort’s bluff.
Green speeds, yardages, and slope ratings are managed by the golf course; the resort and pro shop are the best sources for up-to-date course conditions and tee-time policies. Bring sunscreen and layered clothing for temperature swings between the bluff and inland areas.
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- Coastal wind and fog are common—plan clothing layers.
- Expect scenic ocean views, especially on the back nine and the 18th hole.
- Check with the pro shop on daily course conditions and any local rules.
| Course factor | Player action |
|---|---|
| Wind | Bring windproof layers and consider ball selection |
| Fog/marine layer | Allow extra time for visibility and possible delays |
| Ocean proximity | Be prepared for gusts and occasional sea spray |
Where to stay on property for quick course access
Rooms facing the course or ocean offer the shortest walk to the golf facilities; ask for a room with a golf or ocean view when you reserve. Room types include Coastal Club Access Room, Guest House Deluxe, Golf View Room, Ocean Room and a range of suites with Club Access.
If you want easy access to the pro shop and short walks between your room and the first/last holes, mention golf when booking so the front desk can consider room placement and advise on walking routes. Club-level rooms and suites (The Ritz-Carlton Club offerings) provide lounge access but do not change golf booking procedures.
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- Consider Guest House Deluxe, Golf View Room for designated golf-view rooms.
- Ocean-facing rooms and suites have bluff and course views—suites such as the One Bedroom Suite, Club Access may include patio views.
- Coastal Club Access Room offers Club access as named in the resort room list.
| Room type example | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Guest House Deluxe, Golf View Room | Direct golf-course views |
| Coastal Club Access Room | Club lounge access for food/beverage presentations |
| One Bedroom Suite, Club Access | More space and patio views toward course/ocean |
On-site services that support a golf stay
The resort’s pro shop handles tee-time reservations, golf carts, and rental clubs; make arrangements with them in advance. The daily resort fee and specific amenities do not automatically include golf—confirm any charges or packages when booking.
After play, golfers can use the resort’s dining outlets (Navio, The Conservatory, Ocean Terrace) for meals and recovery. The spa is open daily and offers treatments and wet amenities; spa reservations are separate and should be booked in advance.
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- Pro shop: tee times, carts, club rentals, lessons (confirm availability).
- Dining: Navio (fine dining), The Conservatory (breakfast/lunch/dinner), Ocean Terrace (al fresco seafood).
- Spa and fitness: book spa treatments separately; fitness center access is included for guests 18+.
| Service | How to arrange |
|---|---|
| Tee times & rentals | Contact pro shop or front desk before arrival |
| Dining reservations | Book Navio or The Conservatory online or by phone |
| Spa appointments | Reserve directly with The Ritz-Carlton Spa, Half Moon Bay |
Logistics: arrival, transportation and timing
The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay address is 1 Miramontes Point Rd, Half Moon Bay, CA 94019. There is on-site valet parking (fees apply) and limited self-parking options for Guest House stays; check current parking policies with the hotel. There is no complimentary airport shuttle—guests typically use car services, taxis or rental cars from San Francisco International Airport (SFO).
SFO is commonly cited as the closest major airport, roughly 20 miles away; driving times vary with traffic. Allow extra travel time in the morning or late afternoon when Bay Area traffic can lengthen the trip. For coastal walking or a short warm-up, the Half Moon Bay Coastside Trail runs along the bluff by the hotel.
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- Address for GPS: 1 Miramontes Point Rd, Half Moon Bay, CA 94019.
- Valet parking is available; self-parking limited to Guest House rooms (confirm rates).
- No complimentary airport shuttle—arrange car service or rental car in advance.
| Transport | Notes |
|---|---|
| From SFO | About 20 miles; timing varies with traffic |
| Parking | Valet on-site; self-parking only for Guest House stays |
| Local trail | Coastside Trail runs past the resort for walking/warm-up |
