Landing a tee time at Pebble Beach Golf Links feels like finding a golden ticket for a golfer. It’s one of the most famous and breathtaking courses on the planet, and a round here is a definitive bucket-list experience. This guide will walk you through the practical, step-by-step methods to get your name on that tee sheet, taking the guesswork out of the process so you can focus on planning the round of a lifetime.
First, Understand the Pebble Beach System
Booking a time at Pebble Beach isn't like scheduling a weekend round at your local course. The entire system is built to serve a specific purpose: providing an unforgettable experience for guests of their world-class resorts. The Pebble Beach company owns and operates three premier resort properties and three championship golf courses on the Monterey Peninsula: Pebble Beach Golf Links, Spyglass Hill Golf Course, and The Links at Spanish Bay.
The number one principle to understand is this: resort guests get priority. While there are a couple of other ways to potentially snag a time, staying at one of their properties is the most reliable and recommended path. A limited number of tee times are available for non-resort guests, but they are far more difficult to secure. Approaching this process with the right expectations is the first step toward getting you on that first tee, looking out at the Pacific Ocean.
Method 1: The Resort Guest Route (The Surest Bet)
If you are determined to play Pebble Beach on a specific date, this is the only way to go. By booking a stay at one of the three official Pebble Beach Resorts, you gain exclusive access to advance tee time reservations. This is how the majority of golfers secure their rounds.
The three resort properties are:
- The Lodge at Pebble Beach: The iconic property overlooking the 18th green of Pebble Beach Golf Links.
- The Inn at Spanish Bay: Situated along the pacific coastline, with dramatic views and a nightly bagpiper who signals the end of the day.
- Casa Palmero: A breathtaking and intimate Spanish-style estate offering a more private and luxurious experience.
Step-by-Step Guide to Booking as a Guest
Reserving a "stay and play" package is a straightforward process, but it requires planning well in advance.
- Choose Your Dates &, Be Ready: First, figure out when you want to go. The key here is advance planning. Guests staying at The Lodge or Casa Palmero can book their golf reservations up to 18 months in advance. If you’re staying at The Inn at Spanish Bay, the window is 12 months in advance. For a prime weekend spot in the summer, you'll need every bit of that lead time.
- Contact Pebble Beach Reservations: You can book by calling the resort directly or through their website. Tell the reservation agent the dates you wish to stay and that you want to book a tee time at Pebble Beach Golf Links. They will guide you through the available packages.
- Understand the Minimum Stay: To get a coveted tee time at Pebble Beach Golf Links, you almost always need to commit to a minimum stay. This is typically a two-night minimum at either The Lodge at Pebble Beach or The Inn at Spanish Bay. A stay at Casa Palmero often requires a three-night minimum. Fulfilling this requirement typically grants you one guaranteed tee time at Pebble Beach Golf Links, with the opportunity to book additional rounds at Spyglass Hill or Spanish Bay.
- Prepare for the Investment: A trip to Pebble Beach is a top-tier golf experience with a price tag to match. As of early 2024, the green fee for resort guests at Pebble Beach is approximately $675. This doesn't include a mandatory caddie or forecaddie, which adds another significant cost. Be prepared for these figures so there are no surprises. Think of it less as a cost and more as an investment in a memory you'll never forget.
Pro-Tips for Your Resort Guest Booking
- Book Early, Early, Early: I can't say this enough. If you want to play between May and October, you need to be calling that 18-month or 12-month mark right when your desired booking window opens.
- Consider the Shoulder Season: If you have flexibility, look at dates in late fall, winter, or early spring (October–March). The weather can still be beautiful, but the demand drops G. This significantly increases your chances of getting a prime time.
- Play More Than One Course: A two-night stay allows you to book play on two of the courses. While Pebble is the main attraction, do not sleep on Spyglass Hill and Spanish Bay. Both are ranked among the top courses in the country and offer completely different, yet equally amazing, experiences.
Method 2: The 24-Hour Ahead Gamble (For Non-Resort Guests)
If you're in the area without a resort stay or want to try your luck, there's a small window of opportunity for non-resort guests. A limited number of tee times may become available due to last-minute cancellations from resort guests.
How It Works
You can call the golf reservation office exactly 24 hours in advance of the day you wish to play. For example, if you want to play on a Friday, you would start calling on Thursday morning. The same applies for any of the three courses.
Here’s the reality check: your odds of getting a time at Pebble Beach Golf Links with this method are extremely low, especially for more than one player. You might spend a morning on the phone only to come up empty. Singles have a moderately better chance, as they can sometimes fill in an existing group. Your absolute best chance with this method is to grab a spot at The Links at Spanish Bay, which tends to have a bit more availability than Pebble or Spyglass.
This method is best for flexible travelers and solo golfers who are already in the area and consider it a bonus if they get on. Don't plan your entire trip around this strategy.
Method 3: Leverage a Golf Travel Specialist
While Pebble Beach has streamlined its booking process around resort guests, some high-end golf travel agencies and tour operators maintain relationships with the resort. By booking a larger golf trip package through one of these companies, they may be able to secure a tee time for you.
This isn't a secret back door, but rather a service for those planning a larger, more comprehensive golf trip to Northern California. If you’re organizing a trip for a group and prefer a done-for-you service, this can be a valuable option to look into.
Preparing For Your Round: Coaching Advice
Once you've secured that time, the fun begins. As a coach, I tell every golfer heading to Pebble to shift their mindset from "scoring" to "experiencing." Here’s how to make the most of your day.
Your Caddie is Your Best Friend
At Pebble Beach Golf Links a caddie or forecaddie is mandatory for guests before a certain time of day (usually mid-morning). Don't even think of this as an optional expense. Your caddie is an indispensable part of the experience. They know every slope, every tricky pin position, and the exact line off the tee on the 18th hole. The current fee for a walking caddie is around $155 per player, plus a recommended gratuity. Trust your caddie, listen to their advice, and let them guide you. They'll not only help your score but will also share stories and history that bring the course to life.
Prepare for Four Seasons in Five Hours
Weather on the Monterey Peninsula can change in an instant. A calm, sunny morning can turn into a windy, foggy afternoon. The key is to dress in layers. A windbreaker and warmer top are essential, even in summer. Wear comfortable, waterproof golf shoes. There's nothing worse than having your focus broken because you're cold or wet.
Embrace the Pace, Enjoy the Walk
A round at Pebble Beach can take over five hours, and that’s okay. You're walking on hallowed ground. Instead of getting anxious about waiting, use that time to look around. Take pictures of the 7th hole, watch the waves crash along the 18th fairway, and absorb the sheer beauty of your surroundings. This round is not a race.
Final Thoughts
Booking a tee time at Pebble Beach is a major achievement that centers on one main strategy: becoming a resort guest and planning far in advance. It requires commitment, but this process ensures that when you finally step onto that first tee, you're set up for one of the greatest golf experiences available.
We know playing a course with so much history comes with its own brand of pressure and excitement. Once you're booked, our goal with Caddie AI is to help you arrive feeling confident and prepared. From understanding the best strategy to tackle iconic holes like the 8th or 18th, to getting instant advice on how to play a tough shot from the seaside rough, we put expert-level knowledge in your pocket. This allows you to stand over every shot with conviction, so you can spend less time guessing and more time sinking in the incredible experience of your bucket-list round.