Overview of the Pebble Beach Golf Links Course
The Pebble Beach Golf Links course spans 18 holes across 6,819 yards of the breathtaking California coastline. The course has two distinct nines, making it a great option for golfers looking for a round that is either 18 or 36 holes. The Ocean nine is the first nine holes played on the course, which winds along the coast, providing amazing ocean views. The back nine, referred to as the Mountain nine, is played on the inland side of the course, offering a very different experience but no less stunning views of the surrounding landscape. The most iconic holes on the Pebble Beach Golf Links course are the 17th, 18th, and 17th at Pebble Beach Golf Links, known as the “72nd hole in one.” The 17th hole is a par 3 that plays over the rocks and crashing waves of the shoreline and is often rated as one of the most beautiful holes on any course in the world. Playing from a cliff-side tee box, the 18th hole is a par 3 that is one of the most photographed holes in golf. The 72nd hole-in-one is a short, but extremely challenging, par 3 that can make or break a round of golf.
History of the Pebble Beach Golf Links Course
The Pebble Beach Golf Links course was designed by famed golf architect, Dr. Alister MacKenzie, who also is credited with building Cypress Point Golf Course in Pebble Beach, California. Dr. MacKenzie is considered one of the most influential golf architects of all time, having designed over 80 courses around the world. His most famous design, Cypress Point, is often cited as the greatest seaside golf course in the world. Although Dr. MacKenzie passed away before the Pebble Beach Golf Links course was completed, his influence is felt throughout the course design. The original design for the Pebble Beach Golf Links course was to create a course that players would enjoy walking. This unique layout, combined with the brilliance of Dr. MacKenzie’s design, has created one of the most iconic golf courses in the world.
Course Features and Layout
The Pebble Beach Golf Links course is an 18-hole par 72 course that plays 6,819 yards from the championship tees. The Ocean nine plays at 6,374 yards while the Mountain nine plays at 6,445 yards. The course is open year-round and accepts tee times up to five days in advance. The Ocean nine is the first nine holes played by golfers on the course and is often seen as the most challenging nine due to its coastal location. The first three holes play along the ocean, offering sweeping views of the crashing waves and rocky shoreline. The fourth hole is a short par 4 that is reachable in two for many golfers but has a large bunker to the right of the green that is often in play. The fifth hole is the most challenging on the first nine and is a long par 3 that plays to a green with an irregular shape and large ridges. The sixth hole is a drivable par 4 that is often reachable in two but plays along the coast, making it extremely difficult to hold the green when the ball gets wet from crashing waves. The seventh hole is a short par 3 that plays over a large, pot-belly bunker that is one of the most famous bunkers on the course. The eighth hole is a long par 4 with a large, pot-belly bunker that is often in play. The ninth hole is a short par 3 that often plays into the wind, making it a very challenging finishing hole.
Notable Tournaments Hosted at the Course
The Pebble Beach Golf Links course has hosted some of the richest and most famous golf tournaments in the world, including the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am, the PGA Tour’s AT&T National, the U.S. Open, and many more. The course has also been rated as one of the best courses in the world by Golf Digest.
- AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am - The AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am is the most prestigious event on the PGA Tour and is the only event to be played at three different courses. Held at the Pebble Beach Golf Links course in February, the event features a unique format of team play, where celebrity golfers are paired with PGA Tour professionals.
- U.S. Open - The Pebble Beach Golf Links course has been selected to host the U.S. Open three times, most recently in 1982. The course has been rated as the best course at which the U.S. Open has ever been played.
- PGA Tour - The AT&T National was played at the Pebble Beach Golf Links course from 2007 to 2018. Considered one of the most famous and richest events on the PGA Tour, the event is held every August and is one of the last major tournaments of the golf season.
Amenities and Services at the Course
The Pebble Beach Golf Links course offers a wide variety of amenities and services for both golfers and non-golfers, making the course a one-stop vacation destination. The course has a large pro shop stocked with the latest golf apparel and equipment, a snack bar, a putting green, and a large outdoor patio overlooking the first nine holes of the course. The first nine holes also feature a large putting green and a putting wall where golfers can test their stroke and accuracy. The course also offers a wide variety of tournament and corporate packages.
- Pro Shop - The pro shop at the Pebble Beach Golf Links course features all the latest golf apparel and equipment for sale, as well as a variety of unique golf-themed souvenirs and gifts.
- Putting Green and Putting Wall - The putting green and putting wall located on the first nine holes of the course is open to both golfers and non-golfers and offers a fun, relaxing way to pass the time while enjoying the beauty of the course.
- Corporate and Tournament Packages - Corporate and tournament packages are available at the Pebble Beach Golf Links and include everything from tournament entry to catering, accommodations, and more.
Tips for Playing the Course
The Pebble Beach Golf Links course is open year-round and accepts tee times up to five days in advance. The course is best played during the fall or spring months when the weather is mild and the course is not susceptible to flooding or being closed due to heavy rainfall. Although the course is walkable and wide open, it is best to play this course in a cart. The course is very hilly and has many pot-belly bunkers that are treacherous and very tough to walk around. The course also has very narrow areas where the fairway is only wide enough for one golf ball at a time. The best ball to play on this course is a high-lofted iron because it will fly high enough to clear most of the pot-belly bunkers without having to be hit too hard.
Cost of Playing the Course
The Pebble Beach Golf Links course offers a variety of pricing categories for both golfers and non-golfers, making it an affordable vacation destination for everyone. For golfers, the course offers twilight, afternoon, and evening rates, as well as a special reduced rate for seniors. For non-golfers, the course offers a variety of packages and rates, from watching the sunset from the first tee to a full corporate tournament experience. The course also offers a wide variety of family-friendly packages, including a Family Fun Day on the course that includes an array of activities, including a putting contest, a driving range, and a chance to hit a ball off the famous 17th hole.
