So, you’re dreaming of playing one of the most famous golf courses on the planet and asking the all-important question: what county is Pebble Beach in? The short and direct answer is Pebble Beach Golf Links is located in Monterey County, California. But knowing the county is just the beginning of the story. This article will not only give you the geographical answer but also take you on a complete tour of the area, exploring the other legendary courses on this piece of coastline, and offering some practical golf-coach advice to help you prepare for a once-in-a-lifetime round.
Monterey County is more than just a pin on a map, it's the very soul of the Pebble Beach experience. Nestled on the rugged central coast of California, the county is defined by the iconic Monterey Peninsula, a stunning stretch of land jutting into the Pacific Ocean. This isn't just pleasant scenery - the geography is an active participant in your round of golf. The dramatic cliffs, the swirling winds off Carmel Bay, and the ever-present sound of crashing waves are as much a part of the challenge as the course architecture itself.
When you stand on the 7th hole, that gorgeous, bite-sized par-3, you’re not just playing a hole, you’re playing on the edge of the continent. The thrill and terror of that shot are products of its Monterey County location. Similarly, when a thick marine layer rolls in and envelops the 18th fairway in fog, you're experiencing the region's unique microclimate. Understanding this gives you a much deeper appreciation for why these courses are so revered. They weren't just built on the land, they were born from it.
When people refer to "Pebble Beach," they often mean Pebble Beach Golf Links, but the name actually represents a collection of incredible properties owned by the Pebble Beach Company, all within Monterey County along the famed 17-Mile Drive. If you're planning a trip, it's helpful to know what each course offers, as they all present a unique test of golf.
This is it. The masterpiece. The host of multiple U.S. Opens and the perennial AT&,T Pebble Beach Pro-Am. Walking these fairways feels like stepping into golf history. From Jack Nicklaus's 1-iron off the pin on 17 to Tom Watson's chip-in on the same hole, the ghosts of golf's greatest moments are everywhere.
A Coach’s Tip: Playing Pebble Beach for the first time can be overwhelming. My best advice is to forget about attacking every pin. This course is a strategic puzzle. On the oceanfront holes (4-10 and 17-18), the smart play is almost always to the center of the green. Let the two-putt be your goal. The ocean is not your friend - it devours golf balls that stray too far. Accept that par is a wonderful score and focus on soaking in every single view. A round here is an experience, not just a score.
Often considered the toughest course in the rotation, Spyglass Hill offers a truly distinct two-part experience. The first five holes are a breathtaking journey through towering sand dunes with inspiring views of the Pacific. You feel like you could be on a seaside links in Ireland. Then, the course dramatically turns inland and heads into the dense Del Monte Forest. The remaining 13 holes are reminiscent of Augusta National - narrow, tree-lined corridors with elevated greens and sharp-shouldered bunkers. It demands relentless precision.
A Coach’s Tip: Spyglass Hill requires command of your ball flight. Unlike the windswept fairways of Pebble, these tree-lined holes demand you work the ball both ways. Before your trip, head to the range and practice hitting gentle fades and draws on purpose. Being able to shape your tee shots to fit the doglegs is far more valuable here than an extra 20 yards of raw distance. Confidence in your ball-striking is a must.
If you love pure, authentic links golf, Spanish Bay will capture your heart. Designed to echo the great coastal courses of Scotland, it features rolling fairways blanketed in fescue, pot bunkers that seem to suck your ball in, and constantly swirling winds. The experience is completed by a bagpiper who serenades the course at sunset each evening. It's a truly transportive round of golf.
A Coach’s Tip: Throw away your yardage book for a day (well, not entirely) and learn to play with your imagination. The firm, fast conditions at Spanish Bay encourage the use of the ground game. Practice hitting low, running approach shots. Instead of automatically reaching for a lofted wedge around the green, try putting from off the green or using an 8-iron for a bump-and-run. It's a different style of golf that is incredibly fun once you embrace it.
Don't overlook the oldest member of the family! Del Monte Golf Course, located a short drive away in the city of Monterey, has been in continuous operation since 1897. It’s a beautiful, classic parkland layout with smaller, trickier greens and mature oak, pine, and cypress trees lining the fairways. While it may not have the show-stopping ocean views, it offers a fantastic and more affordable round of golf that will test every club in your bag.
A Coach’s Tip: Del Monte is a perfect place to play your "warm-up" round before tackling the other three. It’s less punishing off the tee but places a premium on iron play and short-game touch. Use your round here to get a feel for the speed of the area's poa annua greens and to build confidence in your scoring clubs.
Now that you know the landscape, let's talk logistics. Making a trip to Pebble Beach happen requires some planning, but it's well worth the effort.
The easiest way to arrive is to fly directly into Monterey Regional Airport (MRY), which is just minutes from the courses. However, flying into San Jose International Airport (SJC) - about a 90-minute drive - or San Francisco International Airport (SFO) - about a two-hour drive - often provides more flight options and better pricing. The drive down from either is beautiful. Once you’re on the peninsula, the main artery connecting the resorts is the scenic 17-Mile Drive, a private toll road with breathtaking vistas, including the famous Lone Cypress tree.
While great golf can be played year-round, some seasons offer advantages.
Playing a bucket-list course is exciting, but a little preparation can make the difference between a frustrating day and an incredible one. As a coach, here’s what I tell my students before they go.
The saying "When it's breezy, swing easy" is your mantra here. A low, penetrating shot that flies under the wind is your most important weapon. Fighting the wind with power and a high tee ball is a recipe for disaster. Before you go, practice hitting "knockdown" shots a the range. Take a 7-iron, grip down an inch, place the ball an inch or two back in your stance, and make a smooth, abbreviated three-quarter swing. Focus on a flat follow-through. Mastering this will save you countless strokes.
The turf around the greens at Pebble is notoriously tight and the Poa annua greens are a unique challenge. You will miss greens, so having a reliable short game is essential for posting a good score. Get comfortable chipping from tight lies. If the grass is cut very low, consider using your putter from off the green or playing a low-running chip with a mid-iron to take the unpredictable bounces out of play. For putting, focus on pace. The subtle breaks and pace changes near the ocean are tricky, so lag putting will be more important than holing everything inside ten feet.
Playing Pebble Beach can be intimidating. The cost, the history, the gallery of tourists on the 18th hole... it’s a lot to handle. My best advice is to manage your expectations. Allow yourself to be a golf enthusiast for the day. Take pictures. Breathe the sea air. High-five your playing partners after a good shot. Don't let a few bad swings ruin your mood. You’re playing golf in one of the most beautiful places on earth. If you approach the round with joy and curiosity instead of pressure, you’ll not only play better, but you’ll also create a memory that truly lasts.
Pebble Beach Golf Links is located in Monterey County, California, but its identity is tied to the magnificent land on which it sits. A trip here is a pilgrimage to the heart of American public golf, offering a collection of courses that together create an unparalleled experience, blending history, beauty, and a serious test of skill.
Navigating the strategy of an iconic course like Pebble Beach can be the most challenging part of the trip. Deciding on the right play on holes you've only seen on TV is where a lot of golfers feel stuck or makecostly mistakes. With Caddie AI, you can get instant, expert course-management advice for any hole, or even snap a photo of a tricky lie to see the best way to play it. This removes the guesswork, so you can play with more confidence and fully immerse yourself in the great experience this amazing part of the world has to offer.
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