Spyglass Hill Golf Course

Spyglass Hill Golf Course, co host of the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am

Spyglass Hill Golf Course, opened in 1966, is a magnificent and challenging course located on the Monterey Peninsula in California, just a short distance from its more famous sibling, Pebble Beach Golf Links. Designed by the legendary Robert Trent Jones Sr., it is consistently ranked among the top golf courses in the world, known for its dramatic opening holes that wind through coastal dunes with ocean views, followed by a demanding stretch through the Del Monte Forest. Each hole is uniquely named after characters and places from Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic novel, Treasure Island, adding a layer of charm and adventure to the round. Spyglass Hill is celebrated for its demanding nature and its significant role as a co-host of the PGA Tour’s annual AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am.

Major Championship History

While Spyglass Hill is most renowned for its continuous role as a co-host of the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am, its challenging layout has also tested the world’s best amateurs.

  • AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am: Annual PGA Tour event since 1967 (co-host with Pebble Beach Golf Links, and historically Monterey Peninsula Country Club or Poppy Hills).
  • U.S. Amateur: Twice (1999, 2018)
  • Future Major Events: Spyglass Hill is scheduled to host the U.S. Senior Open and U.S. Senior Women’s Open in 2030.

Role in the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am: Spyglass Hill typically hosts one round of the Pro-Am during the first two days of the tournament, alongside Pebble Beach Golf Links. Its front five holes, with their stunning ocean views and challenging dune-lined fairways, are often a highlight for both professionals and amateurs. The inland holes, winding through the Del Monte Forest, provide a demanding contrast, requiring precise shot-making through tree-lined corridors.

Club Overview

Established: 1966
Location: Pebble Beach, Monterey Peninsula, California, USA
Course Type: Links-style (first five holes), Parkland (remaining holes), Public (access primarily through resort stays)
Architect: Robert Trent Jones Sr.
Yardage: 7,026 yards (Championship Tees)
Par: 72
Course Record: 62 (Phil Mickelson, 2005; Luke Donald, 2006)
Address: 3206 Stevenson Dr, Pebble Beach, CA 93953, United States

Where is Spyglass Hill Golf Course?

Spyglass Hill Golf Course is situated within the private community of Pebble Beach, on California’s scenic Monterey Peninsula. Like Pebble Beach Golf Links, traffic can be significant during peak season or major events, so planning travel in advance is highly advisable.

1. By Air:

2. By Car & Parking:

  • Driving Directions: Spyglass Hill is easily accessible via the 17-Mile Drive, which requires a gate fee for day guests (reimbursable with qualifying purchases at Pebble Beach Resorts restaurants).
  • Parking: On-site parking is available. For the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am, official off-site spectator parking is typically located at California State University Monterey Bay (CSUMB) in Marina, with complimentary shuttle services transporting spectators to the main gate near the courses.
  • Recommendation: If attending the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am, always check the tournament’s official website for the most current parking locations, shuttle schedules, and any necessary parking pass information.

3. Rideshare & Taxis:

  • Rideshare services (Uber/Lyft) operate throughout the Monterey Peninsula. During large events, designated pick-up/drop-off zones will be in place near the main shuttle stops to manage traffic flow. Taxis are also available from airports and local towns.

Important Planning Notes:

  • 17-Mile Drive: Entry to the 17-Mile Drive (where Spyglass Hill is located) costs $12.25 per vehicle for day guests, but this fee can be reimbursed with a qualifying purchase of $35 or more at Pebble Beach Resorts restaurants. Overnight guests of The Lodge, The Inn, and Casa Palmero receive complimentary entry.
  • Traffic: Expect increased traffic congestion on weekends, during the summer, or around major golf events.
  • Book Early: Accommodation and tee times, especially within the Pebble Beach Resorts, are highly sought after and should be booked many months in advance.

Tickets to Events at Spyglass Hill Golf Course

While Spyglass Hill is a public course, tickets to major events, particularly the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am, are in high demand.

General Ticket Types (Applicable to Major Events):

When attending major events at Spyglass Hill, 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., PGA Tour, tournament website) to avoid fraudulent sales.

AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am Tickets:

Tickets for this annual PGA Tour event, which includes play at Spyglass Hill, are typically available through the official PGA Tour website or the tournament’s specific website.

Where to Stay near Spyglass Hill Golf Course

Being part of the Pebble Beach Resorts complex, the most convenient accommodation options are within the resort itself. However, nearby towns also offer a variety of choices.

1. Key Accommodation Options within Pebble Beach Resorts:

  • The Lodge at Pebble Beach: A historic hotel offering elegant accommodations, fine dining, and proximity to both Pebble Beach Golf Links and shuttles to Spyglass.
  • The Inn at Spanish Bay: Located closer to Spyglass Hill, this property offers luxurious rooms, dining, and views of The Links at Spanish Bay.
  • Casa Palmero: An intimate, villa-style property providing a private, high-end experience within the resort.

2. Key Towns Near Spyglass Hill Golf Course:

  • 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 selection of hotels (from budget-friendly to upscale), and popular attractions like the Monterey Bay Aquarium.
  • Pacific Grove: A quaint Victorian town known for its charming inns and coastal beauty, located just north of Monterey.

3. Booking Tips:

  • Book as early as possible: Accommodation in the Monterey Peninsula, especially within Pebble Beach Resorts, is in extremely high demand. Start your search and booking process many months in advance.
  • Consider Golf Packages: Pebble Beach Resorts often offer golf packages that bundle accommodation with rounds of golf on their various courses, including Spyglass Hill, often providing the best value and guaranteed tee times.
  • Use reputable booking sites: Use well-known and reputable booking websites like TripAdvisor, Booking.com, or Expedia to find and compare accommodation options, always verifying reviews and ratings.

Playing at Spyglass Hill Golf Course

Playing a round at Spyglass Hill is an unforgettable experience, known for its challenging layout and stunning scenery. Access is primarily through resort stays.

Green Fees (Effective April 1, 2024):

  • Standard Green Fee: $495 (for all days).
  • Non-Resort Guests: Pay the standard green fee plus an additional mandatory cart fee (if applicable, typically $55).
  • Resort Guests: The golf cart is included in the green fee.
  • Youth on Course Program: Kids (18 and under) can play Spyglass Hill for $5 through a new three-year partnership between Pebble Beach Company and Youth on Course, with one tee time per day set aside for members. These times book quickly and require booking through the Youth on Course app on the GolfNow platform.
  • Caddie Fees: Caddies are optional but highly recommended for their course knowledge and to enhance the experience.
    • Single caddie: $155 per bag (plus recommended gratuity of $70-100).
    • Double caddie: $105 per bag (plus recommended gratuity of $50-75).
    • Forecaddie: $52.50 per person (3-player minimum) (plus recommended gratuity of $35-50).

Booking Tee Times:

  • Resort Guests: Guests staying at one of the Pebble Beach Resorts properties can book tee times for Spyglass Hill up to three months in advance.
  • Non-Resort Guests: Non-resort guests may book tee times for Spyglass Hill up to three months in advance, subject to availability.
  • Booking Contact: You can contact the Pebble Beach Golf Reservations line at (800) 877-0597 to inquire about tee times.

Best Time to Visit and Play:

  • Fall (September – October): Often considered the ideal time, offering mild temperatures, lighter winds, and clearer skies.
  • Spring (March – May): Generally provides pleasant weather, though morning fog can occur, typically burning off later in the day.
  • Summer (June – August): Popular but can experience persistent morning fog (marine layer) that may not burn off until midday.
  • Winter (November – February): Offers potential for lower demand but comes with a higher likelihood of rain, cooler temperatures, and stronger winds.

Walkability:

  • Spyglass Hill Golf Course is considered highly walkable, and walking is a popular way to experience the course, especially with a caddie.
  • The course is always cart path only, meaning golf carts must remain on the paths. For this reason, walking can often be more efficient and enjoyable than riding, as it allows for direct access to your ball.

Helpful Links for Planning Your Visit to Spyglass Hill Golf Course

To ensure a smooth and enjoyable visit to Spyglass Hill Golf Course, 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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