You’d be surprised at just how much the layout and overall quality of the golf course you play in can affect your performance. That’s why, if you’re ever in Northern California, you’ll want to stop by Half Moon Bay and see what it’s like to play in one of its two world-famous courses. However, when it comes down to it, which is actually better – the Old Course or the Ocean Course?
Half Moon Bay’s Old Course and Ocean Course are famous golf courses located in Northern California. The former is usually preferred by more experienced players and purists for its excellent (yet challenging) layout, while the latter boasts gorgeous scenery and is better suited to newer golfers.
If you’re thinking about golfing in Northern California, one thing’s for sure; you’ll want to experience Half Moon Bay. However, when it comes down to which course to choose, the decision becomes a bit trickier. So, make sure to read on to learn more about the Old Course and the Ocean course, their features, similarities, and differences. I guarantee that by the end of this read, you’ll be able to pick the course that’ll provide the best experience for you.
Half Moon Bay Old Course vs. Ocean Course: Comparison Table
Here are some of the main features that set these golf courses apart.
| Old Course | Ocean Course | |
| Yardage | 7001 | 6914 |
| Scenery | Good | Excellent |
| Playing Experience | Excellent | Good |
| Best Suited To | More Experienced Players | Casual Players |
| Difficulty Level | High | Moderate |
Now that you have a better understanding of where these two courses stand in relation to one another, let’s explore some of their features more in-depth.
Half Moon Bay Old Course
The Old Course is constantly praised by purists for its impeccable layout and challenging nature. One thing’s for sure – you won’t get bored here.
While the course is pretty spacious, it’s still contained enough so as not to overwhelm the players. Yardage-wise, the two courses are pretty similar, so I don’t recommend basing your decision on that alone.
Moreover, though the scenery at the Ocean Course is hard to beat, the gorgeous views you’ll be able to enjoy here don’t fall too far behind. This course is also 25 years older than its counterpart, which goes to explain how its design seems so optimized – the years of experience have helped make improvements to the course that have turned it into what can be considered the gold standard of golf courses.
Half Moon Bay Ocean Course
Though most golfers clearly prefer the Old Course over the Ocean Course, I think you should still give the latter a fair shot. In my opinion, the views alone make for an unforgettable playing experience. The layout is excellent, too; it just falls a bit short in terms of optimization and difficulty level compared to its much older counterpart.
So, if you’re looking to have a good time playing a casual game with friends, I highly recommend giving the Ocean Course a try.
Conclusion
Golfing at Half Moon Bay, in and of itself, guarantees an unforgettable playing experience. Whether you choose to do so at the Old Course or the Ocean Course is ultimately up to your personal preferences.
If you are a more experienced player who values playing experience when choosing a course, I would recommend the Old Course. On the other hand, if you’re a more casual player looking to have a good time while also enjoying the breathtaking scenery, the Ocean Course is the obvious choice.