Playing a round at Pebble Beach Golf Links will run you $675 per person, but that’s just the start of the conversation. That world-famous green fee is the base cost for what is, for most people, the golfing experience of a lifetime. This article will break down every single cost associated with playing Pebble Beach, from the mandatory add-ons to the resort stay requirements, and even give you an insider's tip on how you might get a tee time without the huge hotel bill.
The All-In Cost of a Round at Pebble Beach
First, let's look at the cornerstone of the cost: the green fee itself. As of 2024, the fee to play Pebble Beach is $675 per golfer. This price is the same whether you play at 7:30 a.m. or in the afternoon, and it’s a flat rate seven days a week. For many golfers, this figure alone is a significant investment, but it's important to understand what it gets you and what it doesn’t.
Are There Different Rates for Different Times of Day?
The short answer is no. Unlike your local municipal course, Pebble Beach doesn’t offer discounted twilight rates. Demand to play this iconic course is extraordinarily high year-round. They have a full tee sheet from sunrise to sunset almost every day, so there’s no financial incentive for them to offer lower prices for later tee times. You pay the full rate regardless of when you play.
Does The Green Fee Include a Golf Cart?
Another common question is about carts. For the vast majority of players, a golf cart is not included because Pebble Beach is a walking-only course. This is a very intentional policy designed to preserve the pristine condition of the fairways and enhance the traditional, classic feel of the experience. Honestly, you'll be glad you're walking. The drama of the course, especially the stroll up the 18th fairway, is something best experienced on foot.
There is a small exception: guests staying at one of the Pebble Beach Resorts may be able to secure a cart if they have a valid, state-issued ADA letter or placard. But for everyone else, your legs are your transportation, which leads us to the next, almost-unavoidable cost.
The 'Extras' That Add to the Bill: Caddies and Tips
Thinking you can just sling your bag over your shoulder and march to the first tee is a common mistake. While it’s technically allowed, going out without at least a forecaddie is strongly discouraged, and for good reason. A caddie doesn't just make the walk easier, they transform the experience.
The Caddie Experience (and Its Real Cost)
A Pebble Beach caddie is your course navigator, your green reader, your mental coach, and your personal historian for the day. They know every subtle break on the impossibly tricky greens, the perfect aiming points off the tee, and the history behind every famous shot played on those fairways. They make the round less stressful and much more enjoyable.
Here's how the cost breaks down:
- Singe Bag Caddie: If you want your own caddie to carry your bag and walk with you every step, the fee is approximately $155 per person.
- Double Bag Caddie: One caddie can carry two bags, slightly reducing the cost per person, but this is less common.
- The Forecaddie: Your group can hire one forecaddie to share. The forecaddie runs ahead to track everyone's shots and provides aiming points and reads greens for the entire group. This costs about $155 per group, which you then divvy up.
Now, here's the piece of advice every future Pebble player needs to hear: The listed caddie fee is not the final price. A generous tip is customary and expected. For a job well done, you should budget an additional $100 to $120+ per bag as a tip. It might sound like a lot, but these professionals work incredibly hard to make your $675 round worth every penny.
So, the true cost for a walking caddie is closer to $255 - $275 per person when you include the gratuity. Don't skip it. A great caddie is an essential part of the Pebble Beach package.
The Invisible Price Tag: The Mandatory Resort Stay
Here's the biggest barrier to stepping on that first tee: to secure a tee time far in advance, you must be a guest at one of the Pebble Beach Resorts. They don't take outside reservations months ahead of time. This policy is what keeps demand - and resort occupancy - incredibly high.
How Far in Advance Can Resort Guests Book?
The booking window depends on where you stay:
- The Lodge at Pebble Beach &, Casa Palmero: Guests staying here can book tee times at Pebble Beach Golf Links up to 18 months in advance.
- The Inn at Spanish Bay: Guests staying at this property can book tee times up to 12 months in advance.
Furthermore, there is a minimum stay requirement. You generally need to book at least two nights at The Lodge or The Inn, and at least three nights at Casa Palmero, to be eligible to book a tee time at Pebble Beach. A one-night stay will typically only get you a tee time at one of the other excellent (but less famous) resort courses, like Spyglass Hill or Spanish Bay.
Breaking Down the Hotel Costs
This is where the overall cost escalates quickly. Rooms at these world-class properties are not inexpensive. A standard room at The Lodge or The Inn at Spanish Bay often starts north of $1,100 per night. For two nights, you're looking at a $2,200+ lodging fee just to get the privilege of paying your green fee.
When you start to add it all up, booking a guaranteed tee time becomes a significant financial commitment. The green fee, caddie, and hotel stay can easily push the total cost for one golfer to over $3,000 before you even buy a burger at the turn.
The Only Way to Play Pebble Beach Without a Hotel Stay
So, is it possible to play Pebble without taking out a second mortgage? Yes, but it requires flexibility, planning, and a bit of luck. There is one "loophole" for non-resort guests, and it’s a game-changer for anyone trying to plan a more budget-conscious trip.
Pebble Beach allows non-resort guests to book any remaining, unfilled tee times just 24 hours in advance.
Here’s the step-by-step process:
- Decide a date you want to play. Your best chances are during the slightly less busy seasons (like November through February) and on weekdays instead of weekends.
- Call the Golf Pro Shop at Pebble Beach. Dial them up at 8:00 a.m. Pacific Time exactly 24 hours before your desired day of play. So, if you want to play on a Wednesday, you call at 8:00 a.m. on Tuesday.
- Ask about availability. Politely ask if there are any openings for a non-resort guest booking for the following day. These slots come from last-minute cancellations from resort guests or times that simply never got booked.
- Be ready. Have your credit card in hand. If they have a spot, you’ll need to pay the full $675 green fee right then and there to secure it.
- Be flexible. You might be offered a very early or late afternoon time. If your goal is just to play the course, take what you can get.
This method isn't a guarantee. During the peak summer months, finding an open slot this way can be nearly impossible. But if you have some flexibility in your travel plans and aim for the off-season, you have a solid chance of getting on - and you’ll save thousands of dollars on the hotel stay.
Putting It All Together: A Sample Pebble Beach Budget
To give you a clear picture, let's look at two hypothetical scenarios for one golfer.
Scenario 1: The 'Guaranteed Tee Time' (Resort Guest)
- Minimum 2-Night Stay at The Lodge: $2,200
- Pebble Beach Green Fee: $675
- Single Caddie Fee + Tip: $275
- Estimated Total: $3,150 (not including food, drinks, travel, or that hat you'll definitely buy in the pro shop)
Scenario 2: The 'Roll the Dice' Method (Non-Resort Guest)
- Pebble Beach Green Fee: $675
- Single Caddie Fee + Tip: $275
- Estimated Total: $950 (a savings of over $2,000!)
Final Thoughts
Playing Pebble Beach is one of the great pilgrimages in golf, and the cost reflects its legendary status. The $675 green fee is just the starting point, with the true cost for advance bookings being driven sky-high by mandatory caddie and resort fees. However, with the right strategy and a bit of luck, playing one of the world's greatest courses is more attainable than you might think.
A human caddie is an invaluable asset for your day at Pebble, giving you the local knowledge needed for that once-in-a-lifetime round. For all your other rounds, however, you probably don't have an expert walking by your side. This is where modern tools can help you feel just as prepared. We developed our Caddie AI to provide that tour-level guidance for anyone, on any course. You can get instant advice on smart strategy for a tricky par-5, get a club recommendation based on the yardage and wind, or even snap a photo of a difficult lie to learn the best way to play the shot. It's about giving you objective, expert insight so you can play with more confidence and make smarter decisions every time you tee it up.