Spyglass Hill Golf Course: Where Sand Meets Trees

Spyglass Hill Golf Course: Where Sand Meets Trees

If Pebble Beach is the Greatest Meeting of Land and Sea, then Spyglass Hill should be dubbed the Greatest Meeting of Sand and Trees. Established in 1966, this 18-hole golf course is a harmonious blend of natural beauty, strategic design, and championship pedigree. As an annual co-host of the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am, Spyglass Hill has been graced by the game’s very best.

The Layout

Spyglass Hill’s layout is a tale of two worlds. The first five holes dramatically juxtapose the rest of your round. Imagine sweeping ocean views, holes darting through daring dunes, and the salty breeze in your hair. Then, suddenly, you transition to the understated beauty of the Del Monte Forest. It’s Pine Valley-by-the-Sea meets Augusta National, as Sports Illustrated eloquently described it.

Signature Holes

Let’s explore some of the signature holes that define Spyglass Hill:

1. Treasure Island (Hole #10)

   • A boomeranging downhill par-5 with sweeping ocean views.

   • Stand on the tee and behold the Santa Cruz mountains, Monterey Bay, and the Del Monte Forest canopy.

   • The raised green is divided by a vertical tier.

2. Billy Bones (Hole #2)

   • A short par-4 that demands precision.

   • A layup to the base of the hill leaves you 125 yards in.

   • The skinny green is cut diagonally into the side of a hill.

3. The Black Spot (Hole #3)

   • A downhill par-3 with a specular view of Cypress Point Club and Bird Rock.

   • Almost always into a seaside breeze, making distance calculation tricky.

   • Putts race toward the ocean.

4. Blind Pew (Hole #4)

   • Robert Trent Jones Sr.'s favorite par-4 design.

   • A wild green sunken between sand dunes.

   • Be mindful of the hole location—it dictates your shot strategy.

5. Bird Rock (Hole #5)

   • Your last hole along the ocean.

   • A slightly uphill par-3 surrounded by dunes and bunkering.

   • Aim for the bowl in the middle of the green.

6. Israel Hands (Hole #6)

   • The character of Spyglass Hill changes here.

   • Spend the rest of your round hiking the Del Monte Forest.

   • A giant green with three distinct sections.

7. Indian Village (Hole #7)

   • A reachable par-5 if you catch a good drive.

   • Pond in the distance—swing away!

   • The green tilts strongly from back-to-front and right-to-left.

8. Signal Hill (Hole #8)

   • The toughest hole on the course.

   • Reverse camber fairway produces a hanging lie.

   • Elevated green with a severe false front.

Playing Spyglass Hill

• Cost: A round at Spyglass Hill is priced at $395, with stunning ocean views and a reputation as one of America’s greatest public courses 1.

• Challenges: The heavy air and being at sea level mean the ball won’t travel as far, so choose your tees wisely 2.

• Experience: Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a passionate amateur, Spyglass Hill promises an unforgettable golfing experience.

So, pack your clubs, soak in the views, and tee off at Spyglass Hill—the meeting point of sand, trees, and golfing excellence. 🏌️‍♂️⛳