Monterey/Bay Area Golf Trip - HMB Old course vs Tpc Harding Park

[gandolf_wiz]

Planning a golf trip this fall. Already have tee times booked at Pebble Beach, Spyglass, Spanish Bay, Pasatiempo (I know the front nine is closed still).

 

Planning for one more round on our last day on the way back to SF.  The ocean course at Half moon bay is closed for aeration but the old course will be available.  Debating that or TPC Harding Park.  Silverado is likely too far away.  Any other suggestions? 

 

Thanks

Edited August 23, 2023 by gandolf_wiz

[st1800e]

Spanish Bay.... Old at Half moon is good.  

[PJ Blake]

I would play Harding Park out of the two. If for no other reason but to say you've played a course in SF that hosted a PGA Championship and a President's Cup, not to mention a couple of WGC's. (Not sure it deserved the PGA and President's Cup, but they were played there and you can play it too😁) 

 

Look into Cinnabar Hills south of San Jose if it isn't too far out of your way. I've heard it's a really nice track. I personally haven't played it, but it sure looks great in photos. Maybe those who have can throw in an opinion as to whether or not it's worth going that far off your route from Pasatiempo to SF.

 

We enjoyed playing the Reese Jones Aussie-style redesign of Corica Park- South Course in Alameda. Unfortunately, not much beauty to look at around the perimeter of the course, but the course itself is somewhat unique for California. The clubhouse and facilities are a bit more like a muni course so if you're looking for that high end resort vibe, this might not be a worthy option. Not sure If they are keeping up with the conditions of the course...haven't played it for a while. Maybe recent google reviews, etc., can offer current conditions.

Edited September 1, 2023 by PJ Blake

[mark174ace]

23 hours ago, gandolf_wiz said:

Planning a golf trip this fall. Already have tee times booked at Pebble Beach, Spyglass, Spanish Bay, Pasatiempo (I know the front nine is closed still).

 

Planning for one more round on our last day on the way back to SF.  The ocean course at Half moon bay is closed for aeration but the old course will be available.  Debating that or TPC Harding Park.  Silverado is likely too far away.  Any other suggestions? 

 

Thanks

 

I would do any of the suggestions over Harding Park. I used to love that place and then the TPC got its hands on it and ruined the spirit of that course and how it should be played. I played it once 7/4/22 after they hosted the PGA and I was heartbroken. Rough was like hitting out of broccoli and the greens must have been an 8 on the stimp.

[gandolf_wiz]

We are debating heading south towards LA as it's easier to fly out of there to get home.  Any suggestions of courses to play down that way?

[achun88]

On 8/23/2023 at 6:17 PM, gandolf_wiz said:

We are debating heading south towards LA as it's easier to fly out of there to get home.  Any suggestions of courses to play down that way?

Rustic Canyon or Moorepark country club are both great options on your way down. Rustic is a Gil Hanse and you won’t be disappointed. 

[jjr]

HMB Old!

[qtlaw]

HMB Old Course (I grew up in SF and enjoy the memories and the remodel) and its not too close.  The Old Course has a lot of character and different holes, much better than the Ocean Course.  Bonus is that 17 & 18 are fantastic finishing holes that are very similar to PB 17 & 18.

[aloha b.]

On 8/23/2023 at 4:19 PM, PJ Blake said:

I would play Harding Park out of the two. If for no other reason but to say you've played a course in SF that hosted a PGA Championship and a President's Cup, not to mention a couple of WGC's. (Not sure it deserved the PGA and President's Cup, but they were played there and you can play it too😁) 

 

Look into Cinnabar Hills south of San Jose if it isn't too far out of your way. I've heard it's a really nice track. I personally haven't played it, but it sure looks great in photos. Maybe those who have can throw in an opinion as to whether or not it's worth going that far off your route from Pasatiempo to SF.

 

We enjoyed playing the Reese Jones Aussie-style redesign of Corica Park- South Course in Alameda. Unfortunately, not much beauty to look at around the perimeter of the course, but the course itself is somewhat unique for California. The clubhouse and facilities are a bit more like a muni course so if you're looking for that high end resort vibe, this might not be a worthy option. Not sure If they are keeping up with the conditions of the course...haven't played it for a while. Maybe recent google reviews, etc., can offer current conditions.

Cinnabar Hills is a really nice track with three different 9's

[Sanfran328]

I’m a San Francisco resident, and have played Harding Park for years, even before the makeover. As much as I hate to say it, I think it’s over-rated. Design is OK, conditions are often poor with very slow greens. The rough is very penal, more than any other course I play including the Olympic Club. I always walk, but for those that take carts its always cart path only. 

 

Their emphasis seems to be on professional events and tournaments to the detriment of the everyday golfer. It’s now very difficult to get tee times, and they no longer let you show up and get out as a single, everything must be booked online. When I asked in the pro shop, the response was that it was easier for them that way. One of the starters told me they often send out twosomes and threesomes because of this.

 

Sandy Tatum did an amazing job getting approval and funding for the makeover, but I get the feeling he had to sell his soul to the city to make it happen. When the practice chipping green was closed for months this winter, long after the storms had passed, I was told that the city run maintenance crews would let them know when they could reopen. 

 

I prefer both courses at HMB over Harding. More interesting design, better condition, both have a few beautiful finishing holes. Feels much more like a high end experience. 

[carrera]

Well said, @sanfran328

 

Harding Park is a very mediocre/expensive course now, and changed for the worse when it was redone by the PGA Tour's design department.

 

I would never for a minute pick Harding over the experience at HMB.  I prefer the Ocean course there.

[jjr]

I'm with everyone on Harding but I'm always surprised with peoples thoughts on HMB Old vs Ocean, maybe it's the homes or it's tighter than the Ocean. I do feel the holes are considerably better on the Old. I have played it many more times than the Ocean and can remember every hole and haven't played it for 15 years.

 

[carrera]

Old is a fun course to play, but it is a garden-variety "real estate development" course except for the one (signature) hole.  Ocean just is more wide open and fun (for me) to play.