There are certain events every year that are must see, just because of the course at which the event is held. Those at the top of the list include the Old Course at St. Andrews, Augusta National and Pebble Beach Golf Links located just north of Carmel California.
They are easily the most recognized course across the world. Avid fans will know the layout, the history and in the case of Pebble Beach, the magnificently breathtaking views along the Pacific Ocean, the lone cypress in Monterrey and especially the 18th hole.
The closest most golf fans will get to playing some of the best golf courses in the world is through a golf simulator, if you are fortunate enough to be able to afford one.
However, Pebble Beach is actually accessible by anyone and is open to the public.
There is one catch. You have to have the money to play.
The venue, which hosted the U.S. Open for the sixth time in 2019, is virtually inaccessible to the majority of people.
Pebble Beach is ranked number one on Golfweek’s Best Courses You Can Play and number eight on Best Top 200 Classic Courses list.
According to the official website at pebblebeach.com:
“Pebble Beach Golf Links is open to the public. All guests of Pebble Beach Resorts can reserve a tee time at Pebble Beach Golf Links up to 18 months in advance, subject to minimum stay requirements. Non-guests can only reserve tee times 24 hours in advance.”
Therefore, if playing Pebble Beach is on your bucket list of golf courses, have no fear! There is a way you can play as long as you can afford the lofty fees.
Book a Day in Advance
While still costly, you don’t have to lay out thousands of dollars to play Pebble Beach.
The green fee is $575, which is not all that much more than playing TPC Sawgrass (coming in at $450) of the Old Course ($275 plus the cost to fly over the Atlantic Ocean). The fee is a $25 increase from 2019. There is a little bit of a catch to the fee, however, that is if you book in advance of two days or more. Then you are required to stay two nights at one of the properties on Pebble Beach.
But there is a way around that as well. Simply book a tee time a day in advance without staying at Pebble Beach.
The downfall to that strategy is that if you don’t already live in the area, you could plan a trip to Pebble Beach and risk not being able to get a tee time.
The best bet to get a tee time the next day is to book as a single. If you have a foursome planned, the chances are quite a bit less to secure a tee time a single day in advance.
Most people may feel it best to avoid booking a tee time on a holiday.
The fact is that since many people have the same idea that holidays will be busier, people are avoiding booking tee times.
In addition, holidays are times for a family get together and as much as an avid golfer wants to play on a holiday, getting away from family obligations is dicey, at best. But if you are able to find time on a holiday, trying booking a day in advance.
There is a decreased chance that any tournaments will be played during that time as well.
Stay-and-Play Options
If you want more of a sure thing and money is not an issue, then try one of the stay-and-play options. Here’s how it works: Spend the money, stay at a resort and play one or more or Pebble Beach, Poppy Hills, Links at Spanish Bay, or Spyglass Hill.
As for lodging, you can choose from one of numerous options which include the Fairway One Guest Rooms and Cottages, Casa Palmero, the Inn at Spanish Bay, and of course the Lodge at Pebble Beach.
If you choose Fairway One, you are booking at the newest lodging option.
Prices start at just under $1000 dollars without taxes and resort fees for a Garden View room. The most extravagant, four-bedroom options will cost a pretty penny at $6940 per night. The Fairway One provides excellent views located along the first fairway of Pebble Beach.
A former mansion acquired by Pebble Beach in 1994, Casa Palmero is a Mediterranean-style estate that has 24 rooms and suites ranging from $1,100 to $3,000 per night. The rooms are well furnished with over-sized tubs, king beds, and fireplaces. The rooms overlook the first and second fairways of Pebble Beach and is conveniently located near The Spa.
If you wish to stay at the Lodge, the costs range from $940 to over $4300 per night, depending on whether you opt for the Garden View or the two-bedroom Sloat Suite located along the famous par-five 18th hole.
A room at the Inn at Spanish bay is a little easier on the wallet, starting at just over $800 per night for a Garden View room.
Additional Fees and Potential Savings
Note that if you need to rent clubs and hire a caddie, that will add nearly $200 to your fee. Spyglass Hills and Spanish Bay will cost a couple hundred dollars less than Pebble Beach and also offer twilight rates, but note that Pebble Beach does not.
If you are looking for savings, you may want to try an agent or tour operator. The discount won’t be available for tee times, however sometimes deals can be worked out on lodging. At times, if you are interested in packages playing multiple courses, you can get deals saving upwards of $1,000.
How to get to Pebble Beach
Now that you know you can play, be sure you can find the course.
Pebble Beach Golf Club is located on the Monterey Peninsula adjacent off 17-Mile Drive adjacent to the Lodge at Pebble Beach.
If you arrive by plane at any of the San Francisco Bay airports, you will be about a two-hour drive to Pebble Beach.
The nearest town is Camel-by-the-Sea, which is less than a 10-minute drive along the coastline.
Of course, if you are a tremendous player and wish to qualify for the U.S. Women’s Open in 2023 or the 2027 U.S. Open, you can play that way.
You could be standing on the 7th tee at Pebble Beach sooner than you think.
Good luck !
