The Golf Courses at Pebble Beach: A Guide to the Iconic Links and the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am
The Golf Courses at Pebble Beach: A Guide to the Iconic Links and the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am
Pebble Beach is one of the most famous golf destinations in the world, home to breathtaking coastal views, championship-level courses, and the prestigious AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am. Whether you are an avid golfer or a casual fan, understanding the different courses at Pebble Beach and the significance of the Pro-Am tournament can deepen your appreciation for this legendary venue.
The Golf Courses at Pebble Beach
Pebble Beach Golf Links is the crown jewel, but it is just one of the exceptional courses in the Pebble Beach Resorts portfolio. Let’s break down each course and what makes them unique.
1. Pebble Beach Golf Links
Opened: 1919
Architects: Jack Neville & Douglas Grant
Signature Hole: No. 7 (106-yard par 3 along the Pacific Ocean)
Major Tournaments: Hosted six U.S. Opens (most recently in 2019, with another scheduled for 2027)
Pebble Beach Golf Links is widely considered the greatest public golf course in America. Hugging the rugged Monterey Peninsula coastline, the course offers stunning ocean views, strategic design, and a rich history of hosting major championships. The greens are small, the cliffs are unforgiving, and the wind off the Pacific can turn an easy round into a battle for survival.
2. Spyglass Hill Golf Course
Opened: 1966
Architect: Robert Trent Jones Sr.
Signature Hole: No. 4 (par 4 with an oceanfront tee shot into a narrow green)
Challenge Level: One of the toughest courses in California
Spyglass Hill is often overshadowed by Pebble Beach Golf Links, but many pros believe it to be the tougher test. The first five holes offer breathtaking ocean views before transitioning into dense pine forest, with rolling hills and tricky greens.
3. The Links at Spanish Bay
Opened: 1987
Architects: Robert Trent Jones Jr., Tom Watson & Sandy Tatum
Signature Feature: A true Scottish-style links course with dunes, firm fairways, and ocean winds
Special Touch: Bagpiper plays at sunset, adding to the ambiance
Spanish Bay offers a completely different experience, embracing the traditional Scottish links-style golf with rolling dunes, deep bunkers, and fescue grasses. Wind conditions often dictate the difficulty of the course, making every round a unique challenge.
4. Del Monte Golf Course
Opened: 1897
Architect: Charles Maud
Historical Significance: Oldest course in continuous operation west of the Mississippi
Del Monte is the most underrated of the Pebble Beach courses, providing a classic parkland-style layout with tree-lined fairways and small, fast greens. While not part of the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am rotation, it remains an important course in the resort history.
The AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am: A Tradition Unlike Any Other
One of the most exciting tournaments on the PGA Tour, the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am brings together professional golfers, celebrities, and amateur players for a week of high-level competition and entertainment.
History and Legacy
Past Winners: Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson, Dustin Johnson, and Tom Watson
Format: A mix of PGA Tour professionals and celebrity amateurs playing in a team format
What sets the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am apart is its unique blend of competitive golf and entertainment. Celebrities such as Bill Murray, Aaron Rodgers, and Wayne Gretzky have all teed it up alongside the pros, creating memorable moments that go beyond golf.
Course Rotation
The tournament takes place across three of the Pebble Beach courses:
Pebble Beach Golf Links (Final round host)
Spyglass Hill Golf Course
Monterey Peninsula Country Club (Shore Course) This private club is part of the event, replacing Spanish Bay in the rotation.
After three rounds, a cut is made, and the final round is played at Pebble Beach Golf Links on Sunday. The stunning oceanfront holes and unpredictable weather make for thrilling finishes.
Why the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am Stands Out
Celebrity Factor: Fans love watching actors, athletes, and musicians play alongside the world’s best golfers.
Unpredictable Conditions: Wind, rain, and coastal fog often play a role, adding an element of drama.
Rich History: With nearly 90 years of tradition, the event has become a must-watch on the PGA Tour calendar.
Plan Your Visit to Pebble Beach
Whether you’re looking to play a round on one of these iconic courses or attend the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am, planning ahead is crucial.
Tee Times: Pebble Beach Golf Links is open to the public, but reservations should be made well in advance (up to 18 months).
Lodging: Staying at Pebble Beach Resorts gives priority access to tee times.
Tournament Tickets: The AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am takes place annually in early February, with multiple ticket options available for spectators.
Final Thoughts
Pebble Beach is more than just a golf destination it is a bucket-list experience for any golfer or fan. Whether you’re testing your skills on Pebble Beach Golf Links, embracing the challenge of Spyglass Hill, or enjoying the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am, this legendary location offers something for everyone.
Ready to tee it up? Start planning your trip to Pebble Beach today!