Sea Pines Golf Resort sits at the southern tip of Morro Bay in Los Osos, at the entrance to Montaña de Oro State Park. The 9-hole executive course was designed by Glenn Setting and opened in 1954 as Sunset Terrace Golf Course, built to serve the neighboring Sunset Terrace housing development and the small communities of Los Osos and Baywood Park. Ownership changed hands in the mid-to-late 1970s, and the property was renamed Sea Pines after the more than 100 Monterey cypress trees planted during construction had matured into prominent borders along the holes.

On the course

The layout stretches roughly 2,000 yards from the back tees and is routed through 27 acres of pine, cypress and eucalyptus. The terrain rolls gently with enough elevation change to keep walkers engaged, and preserved coastal dunes give portions of the course a links-influenced feel. There are no sand traps anywhere on the property, but two holes bring water into play and the persistent onshore wind off Morro Bay is the dominant defense. Views of Morro Rock and the bay are visible from nearly every hole.

Who it suits

The routing opens with two par 3s, moves through four short-to-medium par 4s in the middle, and finishes with three par 3s, two of which stretch past 200 yards from the tips. That closing stretch gives the course more bite than most executive layouts, and the par 4s in particular are known as the most memorable holes. Practice facilities include a driving range, two putting greens and a chipping area.

Sea Pines suits beginners, juniors, seniors and travelers staying at the on-site lodge who want a quick, walkable round with coastal scenery rather than a championship test. It is also a practical option for golfers in the San Luis Obispo area looking to work on iron play.

Architect: Glenn Setting · Opened: 1954