Planning a Golf Trip Pebble Beach Golf Links - The No.1 Public Course in the US

Why should you play golf at Pebble Beach Golf Links? It’s no ordinary course. Pebble Beach Golf Links is the number one public course in the country. There are multiple courses to Pebble Beach as well as at Pebble Beach Resort, more on that later. Pebble Beach Golf Links as held multiple PGA tournaments, including US Opens, AT&T Beach Pro-Am and US Women’s Open. If it's good enough for the PGA and LPGA, it's going to exceed your expectations. Because Pebble Beach Golf Links is coursed along the ocean, the holes come with some of the most picturesque views.

Is Pebble Beach only Pebble Beach Golf Links? No, there are several courses:

• Pebble Beach Golf Links: The most famous course at the Pebble Beach Resort

• Spyglass Hill Golf Course: An 18-hole links course

• The Links at Spanish Bay: Known for its coastal views, the first true links course built in the United States

• Del Monte Golf Course: Located in Monterey, it’s the oldest continuously operating course in the Western United States

• Poppy Hills: A public course

• Cypress Point Club: A private course

• Dunes Course: Located at Monterey Peninsula Country Club, a private course

• Shore Course: Located at Monterey Peninsula Country Club, a private course

• Peter Hay Golf Course (The Hay): Nine-hole short course

Planning a trip to Pebble Beach

For first timers, the best thing to do is to stay at Pebble Beach Resort. Staying here will give you access to the courses on the resort:

• Pebble Beach Golf Links

• Spyglass Hill Golf Course

• The Links at Spanish Bay

• Del Monte Golf Course

• The Hay

The resort also includes the Pebble Beach Golf Academy, if you want to fine-tune your game. The academy includes a 3,000-square-foot golf learning center.

How can you play Pebble Beach Golf Links?

Pebble Beach Golf Links is a public golf course, however, it takes planning to secure a tee time. Calling two weeks ahead before you check in may not be ample time. You need to reserve a tee time well in advance. All guests of Pebble Beach Resorts can reserve a tee time at Pebble Beach Golf Links up to 18 months in advance.

What are the minimum stays to reserve a tee time?

In the high season (August to November) there is a minimum stay of three nights.

Outside of the high season (December to July) there is a minimum stay of two nights.

Where to stay when playing golf at Pebble Beach?

On the Pebble Beach Resort, there are three options:

• The Lodge at Pebble Beach: Borders the ocean and fairways, overlooking the 18th green. Access to tennis, the equestrian center, Stillwater Bar & Grill (contemporary seafood) and the Bench (wood-fired pizza).

• The Inn at Spanish Bay: Views of the shoreline, overlooking the coast and the golf links. Access to Roy’s Restaurant (Hawai'ian-Asian fare).

• Casa Palmero: Boutique hotel in a Mediterranean villa style. Each one has a wood-burning fireplace and heated flooring. European-style breakfast is served in-room and a complimentary cocktail is offered each evening in the main hall and library.

How to decide? Mainly based in views and price point. You will have access to each of the resort's facilities and restaurant and golf courses, so don’t worry about that. There are shuttles between the courses and resorts. The best views will be The Lodge and The Inn. The most expensive will be Casa Palmero. Casa Palmero offers more privacy. The Inn at Spanish Bay is four miles from the other Pebble Beach Resort facilities. Most customers will be happy with The Lodge.

What else do I need to know about Pebble Beach?

Dress code — There is no firm dress code, but pack a golf shirt for golf. Outerwear for the elements. Shorts and pants are welcome for the course, not denim.

Caddy or cart — Carts are cart-path-only for all courses. Caddies are not required — caddies are offered for a fee. Gratuities are not included for a caddie. An ATM is not available at the pro shop, but there are ATMs throughout the resort. You need at least 72 hours in advance for a Caddie.

Shipping clubs — Clubs may be shipped to the hotel, The Lodge or The Inn at Spanish Bay.

Getting to Pebble Beach

Pebble Beach Resorts are:

• 20 minutes away from Monterey Peninsula Airport

• 90 minutes away from San Jose Airport

• Two hours north of San Francisco International Airport

What is the optimal trip time for Pebble Beach?

I would plan for three nights, if you live on the east coast, it will take you most of the day to get there.

Day 1 - Land, spend some time at the range or golf academy. Perhaps play the nine-hole course.

Day 2 - Get a tee time for Pebble Beach Golf Links

Day 3 - Get a tee time for The Links at Spanish Bay

Day 4 - Check out

If you are adventurous and want to fit in more than 18 holes in a day, you can consider scheduling more tee time.

Although it seems easy to plan the trip to play golf at Pebble Beach, it takes time and careful planning. This is where a travel advisor can help. As a golf advisor specialist, I can assist with making tee times and coordination to make your experience as stress-free as possible, especially if you are working with a group of friends. If you are ready to book your Pebble Beach Golf trip, reach out to me via the form below.

The Resort has plenty of options as well as in the town of Monterrey. After a long day of golf, you can simply try some of the restaurants on the resorts such as:

• Roy's at Pebble Beach - Hawai'ian-Asian fare

• Peppoli at Pebble Beach - Italian

• Stillwater Bar & Grill - Contemporary seafood