18th Green at Half Moon Bay Getting Facelift

Half Moon Bay Golf Links is set to begin an extensive project that will result in a new green and tee area for its 18th hole on the Old Course, which is located along the Pacific Ocean. Work will begin in late May, with the initial phase to focus on restoration to the bluffs adjacent to the picturesque par-4 finishing hole and The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay. Work will include the removal of concrete and stone riprap along the cliffs, followed by a complete remodeling of the green and tees.

“This project will allow us to restore the bluffs to a more natural condition and recreate one of the most spectacular ocean holes in golf,” said Lyn Nelson, general manger of the Half Moon Bay Golf Links, located 30 miles south of San Francisco along California’s scenic Highway One. “We anticipate the hole being ready for play in October or early November.”

The new green and bunkering have been designed by Arthur Hills, the golf course architect who remodeled the Old Course in 2000 and also designed the Ocean Course at the Half Moon Bay Golf Links in 1997. The new green will be 30 percent larger and have three tiers, reminiscent of the original green designed by Arnold Palmer more than 30 years ago.

Overall, there will be no drastic changes to the hole’s appearance from tee to green. The new 18th will be only slightly shorter. The green will move forward about 10 yards and slightly inward off the cliffs. The new tees will offer even greater views from above the cliffs. It will still offer one of the most memorable vistas in golf.

“Avoiding the barranca that crosses the fairway will remain the key off the tee,” Nelson said. “The approach shot may play a club less, but because of the undulations in the green and larger bunkers, it will require more strategy and likely will create more uncertainty about the type of shot required.”

Both courses at Half Moon Bay Golf Links will remain open during the project. But until the new hole is ready, the 18th on the Old Course temporarily will play as a par-3. A new green along the cliffs is being designed for the interim hole. The par-3 will present a similar experience with coastal views, and a green guarded by bunkers with a backdrop of the rugged coastline. The Old Course will play as a par 71 until the project is completed.

For more information about the Half Moon Bay Golf Links, call 650/726-1800 or visit www.halfmoonbaygolf.com.