The Monterey, California area is noted for its famed golf courses—some of the best in the world. Courses on the Monterey Peninsula have received prestigious awards from Golf Magazine and have played host to six U.S. Opens. It’s no wonder why the area is such a popular destination: the breathtaking coastal, craggy landscape has panoramic views of the glittering Pacific Ocean and lush surrounding greenery. Read on to learn more about the best golf courses the Monterey Peninsula has to offer.
Pebble Beach Golf Links
This iconic Monterey course is a bucket list item for most golfers. Over the years, Pebble Beach has racked up almost too many awards to list, including Golf Magazine’s Best Course You Can Play in the U.S. It’s also hosted a variety of major events, from the U.S. Open to various PGA Tour competitions like the Pebble Beach Pro-Am, which has been running since 1947. This course offers stunning views of the Pacific Ocean, and as you cross the greens, you’ll be walking in the footsteps of golfing greats like Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus, Tiger Woods, Jordan Spieth, and Phil Mickelson.
Spyglass Hill Golf Course
A Monterey fixture since 1966, Spyglass is regarded as one of California’s best public-access golf courses. Regularly used in the Pebble Beach Pro-Am, it’s considered the toughest course due to its elevation changes on the first five holes and the thickly wooded back nine. Of course, Spyglass provides ample ocean views and gorgeous sand dunes, located on a sun-kissed oceanside sprawl of land. The course is a favorite of champion golfers like Jordan Spieth, who are wowed by its challenges and natural beauty; over the years, Spyglass has also hosted numerous NCGA amateur championships as well as the Bing Crosby National Pro-Am rotation.
Pasatiempo Golf Course
Pasatiempo has been a golfer’s delight since its creation in 1929 by world-renowned golf architect Dr. Alister MacKenzie. The course is set back in the hills of Santa Cruz, offering gorgeous views of Monterey Bay and the Santa Cruz boardwalk. Pasatiempo spans a stunning 6,500 yards of rolling green terrain, creating the perfect backdrop for golfers who come to spend time at this semi-private club. Various USGA Championships have been held at Pasatiempo, including the 1986 U.S. Women’s Amateur and the 2004 U.S. Senior Women’s Amateur—the course has also hosted the Western Intercollegiate for over six decades featuring the best college golfers in the world.
The Links at Spanish Bay
Get a taste of Scotland at this gorgeous golf course, located along the iconic 17-Mile Drive and the stunning vistas of Monterey Pines, the spectacular Pacific Ocean waves, and the pristine white sand of Spanish Bay Beach. The course leads to the ocean for the first few holes before winding through the forest for holes number nine through twelve, finally emerging for some of the most incredible views in golf. Ranked as one of California’s best public courses, The Links at Spanish Bay is proud to host the TaylorMade Pebble Beach Invitation each year, where the pros play on the emerald green fairways reminiscent of the Scottish highlands. For a finishing touch, a bagpiper walks the grounds each twilight, lulling the course to sleep.
If you need any help navigating the Carmel luxury real estate market, contact Canning Properties today. Our team of experienced real estate agents will be happy to help you find the luxury Monterey or Carmel home of your dreams!
