The Links @ Bodega Harbour GC
Bodega Bay, CA
Pacific Coast Comeback Kings: Bodega Harbour and Half Moon Bay (Ocean)
By Joe Passov, Senior Editor (Courses/Rankings)
Golf Magazine, November 19, 2009
Eons ago, I ventured to northern California to tackle two oceanside tracks that from their photos, looked spectacular. On the ground, it was a different story. Back then, neither Bodega Harbour nor Half Moon Bay's Ocean course came close to meeting my expectations-nor did they live up to their enviable, cliff-top settings. Thanks to recent renovations, however, I'm happy to say that's all changed. Both are worth your time and money. Just bring a camera — and your windshirt.
The New Links at Bodega Harbour
Bodega Bay, Calif.
'09 Fees: $45-$90
707-875-3538
www.bodegaharbourgolf.com
Movie buffs recognize Bodega Bay, Calif. as terror central for Alfred Hitchcock's "The Birds." By most accounts, flocks of berserk seagulls are no longer a problem, but this quaint seaside town's namesake course might have you scratching your eyes out — at least for the first five holes. The longest 6,290 yards in golf opens with four consecutive uphill holes tucked snugly between homes, followed by the bizarre 5th, a unique, Z-shaped par-5 that calls for a layup drive and likely a blind second that avoids a working ranch.
Thereafter, Bodega Harbour is all great fun — and thanks to its misty, breezy summer weather, foghorn blasts and stunning ocean views, it's a true touch of Old World golf an hour north of the Golden Gate Bridge. Robert Trent Jones Jr. crafted nine holes here in 1976 and nine more in 1987, but what's new in 2009 is everything else. Significantly, Bodega added bunkers, pushing the number to more than 100, yet reconfigured them so that they're smaller, shallower and more strategically placed. Most notably, new bentgrass greens replace the old poa putting surfaces, resulting in some of the finest, fastest greens around. For pure flatstick challenge, Bodega Harbour rocks. Just mind the diving pelicans. They looked like they were auditioning for a sequel.
Where To Booze: The on-site Fireside Lounge has walls of windows to take full advantage of the ocean views.
Where To Grub: The on-site Bluewater Grill features fresh seafood and Sonoma wines.