By Stacey Scherling
I talk to a lot of clients and visitors who assume the golf here begins and ends with Pebble Beach Golf Links, and while that course absolutely deserves its reputation, the Peninsula actually offers a lot more range than people expect. Understanding which courses are public, which are private, and what's currently available makes a real difference in planning a trip or a life here. Here's what I think anyone interested in golf on the Peninsula should know.
Key Takeaways
- Pebble Beach Golf Links is technically public, though a resort stay is the practical way to secure a tee time
- Spyglass Hill is considered by many locals to be the toughest, and best, course on the Peninsula
- The Links at Spanish Bay is currently closed for a major renovation
- Several excellent, more affordable public courses round out the Peninsula's golf scene
Pebble Beach Golf Links: Public, But Not Easy to Access
Pebble Beach Golf Links is technically open to the public, but in practice, a stay at one of the Pebble Beach Resorts is the most reliable way to actually secure a tee time. It's consistently the most expensive round of golf on the Peninsula, reflecting its status as one of the most sought-after tee times in the sport. For visitors without a resort reservation, calling the pro shop directly a day in advance is sometimes the only realistic option for an open tee time, though current green fees are always worth confirming directly with Pebble Beach Resorts before planning a trip.
What to Know Before You Try to Book
- Technically public access, though tee times are extremely limited without a resort stay
- Consistently the highest green fee of any course on the Peninsula
- Booking well in advance through a resort stay is the most reliable approach
- Calling the pro shop a day ahead as a backup option for open availability
Spyglass Hill: Many Locals' Favorite Course
Spyglass Hill, designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr. and opened in 1966, is widely considered the toughest test of golf on the entire Peninsula, and many locals rate it as the best course here, Pebble Beach included. The first several holes play along coastal dunes with wide-open Pacific views, before the course shifts into the pine-lined fairways of the Del Monte Forest for the back stretch. It typically runs noticeably less than Pebble Beach itself, making it a somewhat more accessible round for resort guests.
Why Spyglass Hill Stands Out
- Designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr., opened in 1966
- Widely considered the most difficult course on the Peninsula
- Coastal dune holes transitioning into forested Del Monte Forest terrain
- Green fees running meaningfully lower than Pebble Beach Golf Links
A Current Note on the Links at Spanish Bay
The Links at Spanish Bay, normally part of the Peninsula's well-known trio of resort courses, is currently closed for a major Gil Hanse–led renovation that began in March 2026 and is scheduled to reopen in spring 2027. Anyone planning a golf trip to the area right now should build their plans around Pebble Beach, Spyglass Hill, and Poppy Hills instead. I always recommend confirming current course availability directly before finalizing any golf-focused travel plans here.
What to Know Right Now
- Currently closed for a major renovation that began in March 2026
- Scheduled to reopen in spring 2027
- Worth planning around other Peninsula courses in the meantime
- Confirming current status directly is always worth doing before a trip
Private vs. Public: Understanding Cypress Point and the Rest
Cypress Point Club is private, unlike Pebble Beach Golf Links and Spyglass Hill, which are both technically open to public play. This distinction matters for visitors and residents alike, since access to Cypress Point specifically requires membership or an invitation from a member, rather than simply booking a tee time. Monterey Peninsula Country Club similarly operates as a private, member-owned club with invitation-only access, which is worth knowing before assuming every well-known course here can be booked directly.
Public and Private Access, Clearly Explained
- Pebble Beach Golf Links and Spyglass Hill are both technically public
- Cypress Point Club requires membership or a member's invitation
- Monterey Peninsula Country Club also operates as a private, invitation-only club
- Confirming access type before planning a round can save real confusion
More Affordable Options Worth Knowing About
Beyond the resort courses, the Peninsula offers several excellent, more affordable public options, including Poppy Hills, the historic Del Monte course dating to 1897, and Pacific Grove Golf Links, long nicknamed the poor man's Pebble Beach for its oceanfront back nine. These courses consistently run at a fraction of the cost of the resort courses, while still offering real coastal golf on the same stretch of coastline. For anyone building out a longer golf trip here, mixing in these courses alongside the bigger names is a smart strategy.
Affordable Courses Worth Considering
- Poppy Hills, an NCGA-owned course known for its Del Monte Forest setting
- The historic Del Monte course, dating back to 1897, one of the oldest courses in the western US
- Pacific Grove Golf Links, known for its oceanfront back nine
- All running at a fraction of what the resort courses charge
FAQs
Do we need to stay at a Pebble Beach resort to play Pebble Beach Golf Links?
I'd say it's the most reliable way, yes, though it's technically possible without one. A resort stay unlocks the earliest and easiest booking window by far.
Is Spyglass Hill really considered better than Pebble Beach by some people?
Yes, and I hear this from quite a few locals. I'd call it a serious, demanding course that holds its own against Pebble Beach's reputation.
When will the Links at Spanish Bay reopen?
I'd recommend checking directly with Pebble Beach Resorts for the most current timeline, but it's currently scheduled for spring 2027.
Contact Stacey Scherling Today
Understanding the full range of golf on the Peninsula, not just Pebble Beach itself, is something I enjoy walking clients through. I'm happy to talk about how golf access factors into a home search here.
Reach out to me,
Stacey Scherling, and let's talk about finding your place on the Monterey Peninsula.
