Pebble Beach Golf Links

Pebble Beach Golf Links

Pebble Beach Golf Links, opened in 1919 and designed by Jack Neville and Douglas Grant, stands as one of the world’s most acclaimed golf courses. Perched dramatically on the rugged coastline of the Monterey Peninsula in California, it offers breathtaking ocean views, a challenging layout, and a deep connection to golf history. More than just a course, it’s a bucket-list destination that blends natural beauty with championship golf.

Beyond its role as a frequent U.S. Open host, Pebble Beach is perhaps most famous for the annual AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am. This unique PGA Tour event, which originated in 1937 as Bing Crosby’s “Clambake,” pairs top professional golfers with celebrities and amateurs, creating a lively spectacle that combines serious competition with star power and philanthropy. Played across multiple stunning courses on the Monterey Peninsula, including Pebble Beach itself, it has become one of the most anticipated and entertaining stops on the PGA Tour schedule, consistently drawing large crowds and significant media attention.

Major Championship History

Pebble Beach has an unparalleled history of hosting major championships, particularly the U.S. Open, cementing its status as a supreme test for the world’s best golfers.

  • U.S. Open: Six times (1972, 1982, 1992, 2000, 2010, 2019)
  • Future U.S. Open Dates Confirmed: Pebble Beach is set to host the U.S. Open again in 2027, 2032, and 2037.

Notable U.S. Open Champions at Pebble Beach:

  • 1972: Jack Nicklaus (First U.S. Open at Pebble Beach, Nicklaus secured victory with a famous 1-iron on the 17th).
  • 1982: Tom Watson (Known for his iconic chip-in on the 17th hole to beat Jack Nicklaus).
  • 1992: Tom Kite (Battled strong winds to claim his only major championship).
  • 2000: Tiger Woods (Delivered one of the most dominant performances in golf history, winning by a record 15 strokes).
  • 2010: Graeme McDowell (Became the first European in 40 years to win the U.S. Open).
  • 2019: Gary Woodland (Sealed his first major title with a clutch 3-wood shot on the 14th and a chip on the 17th).

Other Notable Championships:

  • PGA Championship: Once (1977)
  • AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am: An annual PGA Tour event since 1947, co-hosted with Spyglass Hill and Monterey Peninsula Country Club.
  • U.S. Amateur: Five times (1929, 1947, 1961, 1999, 2018)
  • U.S. Women’s Amateur: Twice (1940, 1948)

Club Overview

Established: 1919
Location: Pebble Beach, Monterey Peninsula, California, USA
Course Type: Links-style, Public (but with high green fees and often requiring resort stay for prime tee times)
Architects: Jack Neville, Douglas Grant (original), with later refinements
Yardage (U.S. Open): Approx. 7,040 yards (Par 71 for 2019 U.S. Open)
Par: 72
Address: 1700 17 Mile Dr, Pebble Beach, CA 93953, United States

Where is Pebble Beach Golf Links?

Pebble Beach Golf Links is located on the Monterey Peninsula in California, a scenic coastal region south of San Francisco. While stunning, traffic can be significant during peak season or major events. Planning your travel in advance is highly advisable.

1. By Air:

2. By Car & Parking:

  • Driving Directions: Pebble Beach is accessible via CA-1 (Pacific Coast Highway) and other regional roads. Driving from San Francisco or San Jose typically takes 2-3 hours, depending on traffic.
  • Parking: As part of the Pebble Beach Resorts, ample parking is available for resort guests and visitors. For major golf events or special functions, official off-site parking with complimentary shuttle services is usually organized by event organizers.
  • Recommendation: If attending a specific event, always check that event’s official website for specific parking locations, shuttle schedules, and any necessary parking pass purchase information. For general visits, parking at The Lodge at Pebble Beach or other resort facilities is available.

3. Rideshare & Taxis:

  • Services like Uber and Lyft operate throughout the Monterey Peninsula. During large events, surge pricing can be significant, and designated pick-up/drop-off zones might be located a distance from the main entrance to manage traffic. Taxis are also available from airports and local towns.

Important Planning Notes:

  • Traffic: Expect significant traffic congestion on roads leading to and within the Monterey Peninsula, particularly on weekends and during the summer season or around major events. Plan for extra travel time.
  • Book Early: Accommodation and tee times at Pebble Beach and in the surrounding area can be in extremely high demand and expensive. Start your search and booking process many months in advance, especially if your visit coincides with a major event.
  • Event Shuttles: If attending a major golf championship or special event, pay close attention to announcements from the event organizers (e.g., USGA, PGA Tour) regarding official event shuttles from various points (e.g., official parking lots, key towns). These are often the most convenient way to get directly to the course on event days.

Tickets to Events at Pebble Beach Golf Links

While Pebble Beach is a public course, tickets to major events like the U.S. Open or the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am are in high demand and are often allocated through various sales channels.

General Ticket Types (Applicable to Major Events):

When attending major events at Pebble Beach, you can typically expect a range of ticket options:

  • General Admission: Standard grounds passes allow access to the course to follow the action from designated viewing areas.
  • Hospitality Packages: For a premium experience, official hospitality packages are often available, providing exclusive access, food and beverage, and prime viewing locations.
  • Important Note: Always purchase tickets through official channels (e.g., USGA for the U.S. Open, PGA Tour for the AT&T Pro-Am) to avoid fraudulent sales.

U.S. Open Tickets:

Tickets for the U.S. Open are released well in advance and usually sell out quickly. Information regarding ticket availability, pricing, and purchase procedures can be found on the official USGA U.S. Open website.

AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am Tickets:

Tickets for this annual PGA Tour event are typically available through the official PGA Tour website or the tournament’s specific website.

Where to Stay near Pebble Beach Golf Links

Finding suitable accommodation near Pebble Beach Golf Links requires advance planning, as the Monterey Peninsula is a highly sought-after destination. Prices can be substantially higher, and availability limited, especially during peak season and major golf events.

1. Key Towns Near Pebble Beach Golf Links:

  • Pebble Beach: Staying directly at one of the Pebble Beach Resorts properties (The Lodge, The Inn at Spanish Bay, Casa Palmero) offers the most convenient access and a luxurious experience.
  • Carmel-by-the-Sea: A charming town adjacent to Pebble Beach, known for its unique shops, art galleries, and diverse dining options. Offers a range of boutique hotels and inns.
  • Monterey: A larger city with a wider range of hotels, from budget-friendly to upscale, and attractions like the Monterey Bay Aquarium and Cannery Row.
  • Pacific Grove: A quaint Victorian town known for its charming inns and coastal beauty, located just north of Monterey.

2. Types of Accommodation:

  • Hotels & Inns: The Monterey Peninsula offers a selection of luxury hotels, boutique inns, and bed & breakfasts. Booking well in advance is essential, and expect higher prices during peak demand.
  • Vacation Rentals: Websites like Airbnb and Vrbo offer a selection of houses, apartments, and condos for rent throughout the region. This can be an excellent option for groups or families.

3. Booking Tips:

  • Book as early as possible: Accommodation in this region can be in extremely high demand. Start your search and booking process many months in advance, especially if your visit coincides with a major event.
  • Consider location carefully: Proximity to Pebble Beach is a key factor, but also consider your budget and desired experience. Staying closer will minimize travel time but generally incur higher costs.
  • Check cancellation policies: Given the long lead time for booking, ensure you understand the cancellation policies of any bookings you make.
  • Use reputable booking sites: Use well-known and reputable booking websites like TripAdvisor, Booking.com, or Expedia to find and compare accommodation options. Always verify reviews and ratings before booking.
TripAdvisor

Playing at Pebble Beach Golf Links

Pebble Beach Golf Links is a public course, but playing a round here is a premium experience that requires significant planning.

Green Fees (Effective April 1, 2024 – March 31, 2025):

  • Non-resort guests: $675 per green fee, plus a mandatory $55 cart fee per person, totaling $730.
  • Resort guests: $675 per green fee (the cart fee is waived if you are staying at the resort).
  • Caddie Fees:
    • Single bag caddie: Approximately $155 (plus recommended gratuity).
    • Forecaddie (for a group): Approximately $52.50 per person (with a three-player minimum), plus recommended gratuity.
  • Greens Maintenance Discount: Green fees are typically reduced by $100 for the week following greens maintenance (usually mid-August).
  • Off-Season Rates: Playing before April 1st can offer a slightly reduced rate (around $625), but weather may be less predictable (higher chance of rain and cold).

Booking Tee Times:

  • Resort Guests: This is the most reliable way to secure a tee time. Guests staying at one of the Pebble Beach Resorts properties (The Lodge, The Inn at Spanish Bay, Casa Palmero) can reserve tee times up to 18 months in advance.
    • Minimum Stay Requirements: A minimum two-night stay at a resort property is generally required to book a tee time in advance. During high season (e.g., August to November), this can extend to a three-night minimum stay.
  • Non-Resort Guests: Tee times for non-resort guests can only be reserved 24 hours in advance, subject to availability. This is a highly competitive option.
  • Last-Minute/Walk-Up: It’s occasionally possible to secure same-day or next-day tee times by calling the golf reservations line or inquiring in person very early at the pro shop, but this is a gamble and not guaranteed.
  • Golf Reservations Line: You can call (800) 877-0597 for booking information.

Best Time to Visit and Play:

  • Fall (September – October): Often considered the ideal time, offering “Indian Summer” days with warm temperatures, lighter winds, and significantly less fog compared to summer months.
  • Spring (March – May): Generally provides mild weather, though still with a chance of morning fog that usually burns off.
  • Summer (June – August): While popular, summer months can frequently experience a heavy marine layer (fog) in the mornings, which typically clears to sunny but potentially windy afternoons.
  • Winter (November – February): Offers the lowest potential rates, but comes with a higher likelihood of rain, colder temperatures, and stronger winds.

Walkability:

  • Pebble Beach Golf Links is a highly walkable course, and walking with a caddie is the traditional and recommended way to experience its beauty and challenge. Many consider the walk itself to be one of the greatest aspects of the experience.
  • While walking is encouraged, non-resort guests are typically subject to a mandatory cart fee, even if they choose to walk. Resort guests can choose to walk (with a caddie or pull-cart) or take a cart.
  • Pebble Beach caddies are course experts who can significantly enhance your round by assisting with yardages, green reads, and sharing course history.

Helpful Links for Planning Your Visit to Pebble Beach Golf Links

To ensure a smooth and enjoyable visit to Pebble Beach Golf Links, here are essential resources for your trip:

Official Sites:

Travel & Booking Tools:

Last Updated on June 16, 2025 by Sports Tourist

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