Pebble Beach Golf Links is not in a large, incorporated city but rather in the small, unincorporated community of Pebble Beach, California. This world-renowned course is the crown jewel of the scenic Monterey Peninsula. In this guide, we'll go beyond the simple answer, giving you a complete overview of the location, the resort, a little history, and even some expert tips on how to play its most famous holes.
Pinpointing the exact "city" of Pebble Beach Golf Links can be a bit tricky, which is a common source of confusion for golfers planning a trip. While the mailing address is Pebble Beach, CA, it's not a city in the traditional sense with a mayor and city hall. It's a private, gated community managed by the Pebble Beach Company.
Think of it as an exclusive enclave nestled on the stunning Monterey Peninsula. When people talk about Pebble Beach, they are often referring to this entire exclusive area, which is famous for its breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and the legendary 17-Mile Drive, a scenic road that winds through the Del Monte Forest and along the coastline.
Part of the confusion comes from Pebble Beach's proximity to several well-known California coastal towns. It's sandwiched between other beautiful destinations, and visitors often stay in one town while playing in another.
When you hear "Pebble Beach," it often refers to more than just the iconic Golf Links. The name actually encompasses Pebble Beach Resorts, a collection of four world-class golf courses, luxurious accommodations, and unparalleled natural beauty.
If you're planning a trip, knowing the full scope of what's available can turn a great golf day into an unforgettable vacation. The entire resort property is dedicated to providing a premier experience, both on and off the course.
While Pebble Beach Golf Links gets most of the spotlight, its three sibling courses are spectacles in their own right.
Opened in 1919, Pebble Beach Golf Links was designed by two amateur golfers, Jack Neville and Douglas Grant. Their goal was simple: place as many holes as possible along the rugged coastline. The result was a course that looked like it had been carved out of the land by nature itself, immediately vaulting it to national prominence.
Pebble Beach has been the site of some of golf's most historic moments. It has hosted the U.S. Open six times, cementing its reputation as one of America's truest and toughest championship tests. Stories echo across its fairways - from Jack Nicklaus's legendary 1-iron tee shot off the flagstick on the 17th hole in the 1972 U.S. Open to Tom Watson's miraculous chip-in from the thick rough on the same hole to clinch the 1982 U.S. Open title. Playing here isn't just a round of golf, it's a walk through history.
So you've booked the dream trip. The anticipation is building. As a coach, my goal is to help you enjoy the experience by knowing how to navigate this spectacular course. It's about more than just hitting shots, it's about making smart decisions. Here's my advice on how to tackle four of its most iconic holes.
It's one of shortest holes in all of championship golf, but it's one of the most dangerous. Playing steeply downhill to a tiny green surrounded by the ocean and bunkers, club selection here is everything. The wind coming off the Pacific can change everything. On a calm day, it might be a simple wedge. If the wind is blowing hard into your face, it could be a 7-iron.
Coach's Advice: Forget the pin. Seriously. Your one and only goal is to land the ball on the green. Play for the dead center of the putting surface. A hundred safely played "boring" shots here are better than one heroic shot that ends up in a bunker or, worse, the ocean. Take less club than you think and trust the elevation drop to add distance.
Jack Nicklaus has called this his favorite approach shot in all of golf. After a blind tee shot, you're faced with an epic second shot that must carry a massive ocean chasm to a small, sloping green. It’s both terrifying and thrilling.
Coach's Advice: The drive is critical. You must be in the fairway to have a proper go at the green. For the approach, take a moment to soak it in, then commit. Take one more club than you think you need. The penalty for being short is a lost ball. Being a little long might leave you with a tough chip, but you'll still be in play. Trust your swing and go for it.
This long par-3 is where championships are won and lost. The green is hourglass-shaped and incredibly difficult to hit, especially with the crosswinds that are almost always present. Hitting this green in regulation is a feat for any golfer.
Coach's Advice: The smart play for most amateurs is to aim for the front-left portion of the green or even the fairway just short of it. This takes the large right-side bunker and the ocean out of play. Don't be a hero. Playing for a chip and a putt is a great strategy here. Getting a par feels like a birdie.
There is no finish in golf quite like the 18th at Pebble Beach. It's a par-5 that sweeps along the rocky coastline, with the Pacific Ocean guarding the entire left side. The view from the tee is something you'll remember forever.
Coach's Advice: It’s tempting to try to bomb one down the left, but the safe play is to aim for the two trees in the fairway. This gives you plenty of room. For your second shot, the most important thing is to pick a layup yardage you feel comfortable with. Leave yourself a full swing into the green - a 100-yard wedge is much easier than a tricky 50-yard pitch near all that trouble. Stay patient, execute three good shots, and finish your round in style.
Pebble Beach Golf Links is located in the community of Pebble Beach, California, an iconic destination on the Monterey Peninsula. It’s an experience that transcends the game, combining stunning natural beauty, a deep history, and some of the most memorable holes you will ever have the pleasure of playing.
Playing a course like Pebble Beach for the first time can be overwhelming, but having smart, on-demand advice for every shot can make all the difference. When you're trying to decide on the right strategy on a legendary hole or facing a difficult lie in the rough, I've designed Caddie AI to give you the confidence of a seasoned tour pro. It provides instant course management advice and club recommendations, so you can stop guessing and focus on soaking in what is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
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