Luxury golf resorts are becoming more affordable in these tough economic times

If you’ve ever wanted to play some of America’s most spectacular resort courses but didn’t figure you could afford it, well, this might be the time.

It seems everyone is taking a hit in this down economy. Even Pebble Beach Golf Links, I’m told, can be had for half of what it cost to play there a couple of years ago and staying at the Lodge isn’t necessarily a requirement.

Just up the coast from Pebble Beach is another resort that many argue is as special as Pebble – Half Moon Bay Golf Links. Located just 23 miles from the San Francisco Airport – which means you can play the day you arrive – the 36-hole golf resort is offering some pretty attractive packages right now.

Set against the cliffs of the Pacific Ocean (sound familiar?), The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay, is offering unlimited stay-and-play golf packages throughout 2009 starting at $399 for one player or $519 for two players per night, during the week.

I know that might still sound like a lot of money, but this place is really high-end. There are two really good courses, plus you get to stay at the Ritz-Carlton , which is even throwing in free wireless Internet . (Don’t laugh; most of these four-star places charge $15-$20 a night for Internet access.)

You could play Arnold Palmer’s American parkland-styled The Old Course, which opened in 1973, and the Scottish-links-styled Ocean Course designed by Arthur Hills. The Ocean Course hosted the LPGA’s Samsung World Championship in 2008. It’s also has hosted both men’s and women’s U.S. Open qualifiers.

For more information or to book a package, call (650) 712-2228.