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Pebble Beach is one of the most iconic golf courses in the world, and for good reason. Located on the Monterey Peninsula in California, it boasts stunning ocean views, amazing weather, and rich history. It’s no wonder Pebble Beach is one of the most popular golf destinations in the world.
Pebble Beach Golf Links served as the site of some of the most memorable and significant events in the history of golf when it first opened its doors in 1919.
It has also played home to a number of worldwide celebrities. Find out more regarding the early moments of this world-famous resort and the ways in which Pebble Beach has evolved over the course of the last several decades.
Whether you’re planning a trip to Pebble Beach or just want to learn more about this famous course, read on for everything you need to know.
Pebble Beach Golf Links Location
Pebble Beach Golf Links is located on the famous 17-mile drive in Pebble Beach, California. It is just outside of the beautiful town of Carmel-by-the-Sea.
Please note Pebble Beach Golf Links is on a toll road, and you will need to pay to enter. The earlier you go is often best to avoid delays getting past the toll entrance.
The closest airport would be Monterey Peninsula Airport (MRY) in Monterey, California. The largest big city nearby is San Jose with San Jose International Airport (SJC), which is approximately 90 minutes away.
Pebble Beach Golf Links General Information
- Address: 1700 17 Mile Dr, Pebble Beach, CA 93953
- Phone: (831) 574-5609
- Website: Pebble Beach Golf Links
Things to Do in Pebble Beach
Besides golf, the 17-mile scenic drive through Pebble Beach and Pacific Grove. You will want to allow about 2 hours to fully see this beautiful scenic drive. Our favorite viewpoints on this drive are Pescadero Point and the Lone Cypress (but all of them are pretty special!).
If you are coming here to golf, you really should consider also going to other golf courses in Pebble Beach.
There are a total of eight golf courses, and four of them are owned by the Pebble Beach Company. Another one of our favorite courses that is sometimes overlooked is Spyglass Hill, and in some ways, it is even more scenic!
Pebble Beach Resort
If money isn’t a consideration then you’ll want to stay at the Pebble Beach Golf Links Resort, The Lodge. However, if you are looking at numbers, costs can quickly add up. The food and drinks alone will be a splurge. For example, a cold beer will cost you roughly $9 dollars.
In short, you basically have three options on where to stay nearby Pebble Beach Golf Links – either in Pebble Beach, Carmel-by-the-Sea, or a bit further in Monterey, California. Carmel-by-the-Sea and Monterey will have more budget-friendly hotels.
Hotels Near Pebble Beach
Here are a few hotels near Pebble Beach Golf Links to consider. These moderately-priced top-rated hotels have an 8.0 out of 10 or higher customer satisfaction rating.
Hofsas House Hotel – 1.8 miles from Pebble Beach
Candle Light Inn – 1.8 miles from Pebble Beach
Carmel Mission Inn – 3.2 miles away from Pebble Beach
VRBO Pebble Beach Short-Term Rentals
If you are traveling with a group or as a family, VRBO has some gorgeous homes and condo rentals available. Some are even within walking distance from Pebble Beach Golf Links or famous viewing points like the Lone Cypress and Pescadero Point. While Pebble Beach tends to be pricey, you can find some better deals just a little further away.
Where to Stay When Traveling Non Golfers
If you are planning to travel with nongolfers, we have found Carmel-by-the-Sea to be the best choice. It has something to offer to everyone! It’s just a short drive away, and your nongolfers will have one of the most charming towns at their disposal.
When in Carmel-by-the-Sea you’ll have to stroll the shopping area and eat at a local restaurant. The vibe is laidback and picturesque, and don’t be surprised you’ll want to stay longer once you’re there. The homes look like they are out of a storybook fairy tale.
Carmel-by-the-Sea is one of our favorite places to enjoy a food & wine tour! Here you can sample locally sourced food, wine, and the perfect ambiance.
Fun fact: Clint Eastwood used to be the mayor of Carmel-by-the-Sea.
History of Pebble Beach Golf Links
Back in the early 20th century, Samuel F.B. Morse was faced with a tough decision with his real estate investment. He made the decision to design a unique golf course with unparalleled beauty and a level of hardness that will remain challenging for all golfers.
Jack Neville as well as Douglas Grant, two outstanding amateurs, are used by Morse to construct the course, as Pebble Beach Golf makes its debut on February 22, 1919.
It took some time before it changed the game of golf in California or even on the Monterey Peninsula. Originally, it was referred to as Del Monte’s Second Course (Del Monte’s first course initially debuted in 1897).
The first California Amateur Championship was played there in 1912, as were the first California and Pacific Coast Open Championships. While the Western Golf Association crossed the Continental Divide for the first time to host the Western Amateur in 1916.
Every year in February, the PGA Tour plays the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am. This has been an ongoing tradition since 1947.
Fun Fact: In 2023, Pebble Beach Golf Links will be the first golf course in history to host a men’s, women’s, and senior men’s golf tournament in the same year.
Pebble Beach Fun Facts
Pebble Beach is full of interesting stories and historical facts. Here are a few of our favorites from years past:
- According to the history books, Frank Sinatra was banned from returning to the Pebble Beach Golf Links due to his rowdy behavior.
- Arnold Palmer was a co-owner of Pebble Beach Golf Links, and despite his many attempts he never won a tournament here. He did come close with multiple top-10 finishes.
- President Roosevelt rode the 17-mile drive on horseback in 1903.
Pebble Beach Golf Links Green Fees
First, let’s look at how much it really costs to play golf in Pebble Beach. Last we checked, the green fee itself runs $575.
If that’s not enough to scare you away, the caddie fees are $145 plus tip (single bag) or $190 (double bag). If you are staying at the resort your cart fee of $45 is waived as a perk.
Pebble Beach Golf Links Holes
Since 2003 (since golf course rankings began), Golf Digest has ranked Pebble Beach Golf Links as America’s Greatest Public Course. It is very rare to find a course with so many memorable holes. Here is a complete overview of Pebble Beach hole-to-hole.
Hole 1
The area of Hole 1 is about 377 yards. What was formerly a gentle dogleg par 4, now bends sharply to the right due to the rough being grown on the right as a component of a championship course layout.
Although a ball struck straight and slightly left to right will benefit from the fairway slope, length is not crucial in this situation. The goal of the first hole is to maintain the ball within the fairway so that you may make an approach that will assist to a very small green. From the tee, expect the golfers to hit long irons.
Hole 2
With the area of 511 yards, you would like to take as short of an approach as you can since this par-5’s green is relatively small. Players will smash their drivers as hard and as far as they can despite the course fairway being barely 30 yards wide.
Hole 3
Hole 3 is 390 yards and has a sharper turn to it. This hole is practically a carbon copy of the prior hole. Again, the goal is to nail the fairway for any chance of a birdie, most likely with a long iron or fairway wood.
For players that hit a draw (which is almost everyone), the tee shot sets up perfectly. For the approach shot, the opposite is accurate. The green requires a high fade since it gently slopes from right to left.
Hole 4
With an area of 326 yards, your best option is a long iron and 3-wood that carry the lengthy bunker in the middle of the fairway. Many golfers could find themselves in the rugged and the big bunker on the left because of the propensity to stay far away from the sea on the right. This will leave the short but challenging approach to a fairway with a back-to-front slope close to the cliffs.
Hole 5
Hole 5 has an area of 192 yards. Although the ocean is where the wind is most prevalent on this par 3, it has a propensity to swirl, making club selection difficult. Additionally, keep an eye out for players who believe a ball struck short and to the left will feed onto the green. Although it seems to be heading in that direction, it will likely kick towards the rough, leaving a very fine chip to a slippery, sloping green. The center-left of the fairway is the best place to play it safe.
Hole 6
Pebble Beach Golf Links hole 6 is 506 yards, so a driver is required on this hole. This is due to the likelihood that a ball not struck far enough will prohibit the golfer from making it beyond the patch of rough to the second landing place on the second stroke. This will need a lay-up as well as a blindly third shot with a long iron up a steep hill to a tiny green and bunkers. You shouldn’t anticipate that, so be prepared to see the field revving the driver here.
Hole 7
For hole 7 at Pebble Beach, the wind will be the main factor when selecting your club. This scenic hole is 106 yards and it has gorgeous views of Carmel Bay. For instance, Tom Kite, who eventually won the 1992 Open, U.S. teed off with a sand wedge on Saturday as well as a 6-iron on Sunday. Look for competitors to exchange clubs before striking if the breeze does blow.
Hole 8
Hole 8 has 417 yards of area. The fairway must be reached with what will likely be a blind 3-wood or 2-iron shot off the tee. There isn’t much fairway to be found, however. Those that land their shots safely will need to hit a middle iron across the water to a fairway that features a steep back-to-front slope. Anyone who doesn’t will likely be edging toward a bogey.
Hole 9
Hole 9 has 481 yards of area. For lengthy iron second shots, side hill lays are typical; thus, be cautious of the sea right. A hesitant approach will be punished with a deep-bunkered gully that is to the left and short. The course’s most challenging hole is without a doubt this one. The hardest hole on this golf course is this one. The approach shot has to be made from an overhanging lie due to the fairway’s steep incline toward the water.
Hole 10
Another lengthy par 4 with a slope toward the sea makes up the last hole along this section of Carmel Bay with an area of 350 yards. It’s a really difficult tee shot. The ball will probably roll into thick rough to the right if it falls in the middle or to the right of the fairway. A ball landing left should be safe. But too far left, it may land in sand or rugged terrain. On your approach, use just enough club to clear the inlet to the right while avoiding the long and left-side bunkers. The green has a left-to-right slope.
Hole 11
The tee shot must still be played blind toward an impact area that is just 28 yards wide and a total area of 373 yards. Despite the fact that the predominant wind, which comes off the water, should be helpful. You may need to make two consecutive blind shots since only the left front of the green is visible from the uphill approach. It is not a good idea to take this method too slowly. A putt might easily go off the striking surface due to the green’s extreme back-to-front slope.
Hole 12
An area of 201 yards and this lengthy par 3’s shallow green will be challenging to control since it is the stiffest one on the course. The golfers’ chances of success are better if they can gently feed the tee shots from right to left.
Anything that strikes the center of the fairway will almost certainly bounce into the rough as well as sand behind the fairway. Tee shots may be affected by the wind just above trees, which players may assess by focusing on the flag on the 11th hole behind them.
Hole 13
The distance on this par 4 seems longer than 403 yards because of its steep terrain. This hole still presents a chance to birdie despite the addition of three fairway bunkers to the right side. In order to reach the smoothest striking area on the course, players who overhit their uphill approaches must chip back from a densely forested region behind the green.
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Hole 14
Hole 14 at Pebble Beach Golf Links is 572 yards. Most players need three shots to complete the dogleg right. The driver shall be eliminated from play if the landing area’s left side is rough. It is feasible to cross the fairway bunker to right, although doing so increases the likelihood that the ball will end up in the rough after crossing the whole fairway. Most athletes will take two shots before going for the flag.
Hole 15
Hole 15 is of the easier holes on the course. Depending on your drive, golfers ought to be able to hit a long iron or even fairway wood off the tee. Keep in mind, the fairway has indeed been compressed to around 30 yards with a total area of 396 yards. You won’t be able to see the water, but the green does slightly slope in its direction.
Hole 16
The ideal tee shot is struck with a 2 or 3 iron from left to right, carrying an island bunker towards the top shelf of a fairway from 230 to 240 yards out with a total area of 403 yards. A ball struck too far to the right may either encounter sand, rough, or trees blocking the approach, while a shot hit too far will tumble down into the dip and likely into the left rough. This green is challenging as well since shots often slip to the left after landing.
Hole 17
Hole 17 has an area of 185 yards. Even on windy days, it could seem tranquil due to the right-side hedge and makeshift grandstands to the right of and behind the green. The flag should be watched carefully by the players, and they should assume that there will be more breeze than they anticipate.
Hole 18
Hole 18 at Pebble Beach Golf Links is by far the most well-known. You can also easily see it from the clubhouse.
At 543 yards, the tee shot is really a bit simpler as long as you navigate the shoreline. To avoid the woods, the left of the fairway is where you should aim your tee ball and second shot. Only the biggest hitters would be able to get to the hole in two shots. It’s best to play it safe, and lay up and use a wedge to get to the green. Keep in mind, the green slopes and your putts will land beside the water if you’re not careful.
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Famous Tournaments at Pebble Beach Golf Links
January 1927
Del Monte sponsors the Monterey Peninsula Open in 1926, offering a $5,000 prize pool and drawing the majority of the nation’s best players, both professionals, and amateurs. With a 72-hole total of 293, Texas’ Harry “Light Horse” Cooper wins by five strokes.
September 1929
The U.S. Amateur is the first “Major” to be held in Pebble Beach. Field preferred Bobby Jones loses his opening 18-hole match but still ties for the gold. Jimmy Johnston of Minnesota wins the competition by defeating Oscar Willing by a score of 4 & 3 in the decisive 36-hole match.
July 1935
After a protracted absence, Pebble Beach Golf Links hosted the California State Open in the midst of the Great Depression. Cam Puget, the head professional at Pebble Beach, wins the competition on his home course and takes home the $300 first prize. The tournament returns to Pebble Beach in 1936 & 1948.
October 1948
Pebble Beach hosted the U.S. Women’s Amateur once again. Grace Lenczyk takes the prize.
April 1950
The Weathervane Transcontinental Women’s Open, one of the first competitions of the newly established LPGA, is won by Babe Zaharias in Pebble Beach in 1950. When it returns in 1951, Patty Berg wins.
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July 1999
The 99th U.S. Amateur Tournament will be the first to utilize Spyglass Hill for medal-qualifying rounds and the eighth USGA championship to be played at Pebble Beach Golf Links. David Gossett of Tennessee beats Sung Yoon Kim of South Korea 9 to 8 in the championship match.
2019
When U.S. Open Championship comes for the sixth time, Pebble Beach Golf Links as well as the USGA will once again commemorate their centennials together.
2023
Pebble Beach Golf Links will be hosting the U.S. Women’s Open in 2023. This is a milestone since this is the first time it has been held here.
Final Thoughts on Pebble Beach Golf Links
Whether you’re an experienced golfer looking for a challenge or a beginner just trying to take in some of Pebble Beach’s famous scenery, this course has something for everyone. So what are you waiting for? Whether you book budget-friendly accommodations or go for a splurge, you’re bound to have a fantastic time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Pebble Beach Golf Links?
Pebble Beach Golf Links is located at 1700 17 Mile Dr, Pebble Beach, CA 93953. Pebble Beach is just outside of the beautiful town of Carmel-by-the-Sea. The closest airport would be Monterey Peninsula Airport (MRY). The largest city nearby is San Jose with San Jose International Airport (SJC), which is approximately 90 minutes away.
What is the cost to play at Pebble Beach Golf Links?
According to 2022 prices, the green fee itself runs $575. The caddie fees are $145 plus tip (single bag) or $190 (double bag). If you are staying at the resort your cart fee of $45 is waived as a perk.
Who currently owns Pebble Beach Golf Links?
Minuro Isutani, a Japanese businessman purchased Pebble Beach Golf Links for $841 million in 1990. After some financial trouble, he sold it to a Japanese company, Lone Cypress Co. for $500 million. In 1999, a group of 132 investors that included Arnold Palmer, Clint Eastwood, and Peter Ueberroth purchased the course from Lone Cypress Co. for $820 million. It has been reported that the shareholders have tripled their value since the initial purchase date.
How long is Pebble Beach Golf Links?
The total length of Pebble Beach Golf Links is 7,075 yards (6,469 m) with a slope rating of 145.
