Our Team’s Favorite Golf Courses & Iconic Holes on the Monterey Peninsula

Few places in the world capture the romance of golf quite like the Monterey Peninsula. With dramatic coastal cliffs, forested fairways, and a history woven into the very landscape, this is a destination where every round tells a story. As a team that lives, works, and plays here, we’re often asked about our favorite courses, but more specifically, the holes that keep us coming back.

Here are a few of our all-time favorite holes on the Peninsula, and why they hold a special place in our hearts.

Pebble Beach Golf Links – The Legendary 8th Hole

If Pebble Beach has a soul, it lives on the 8th hole. Often described as one of the greatest par 4s in the world, the 8th begins with a dramatic tee shot played over a chasm to a narrow fairway carved into the cliffside. The approach shot, typically a long iron or hybrid, must carry the ocean and find a green perched above the crashing Pacific below.

Why we love it:
It’s equal parts terrifying and exhilarating. The views are unmatched, the margin for error is slim, and the reward is unforgettable. Jack Nicklaus famously called it his favorite shot in golf.

Pebble Beach Golf Links – The Famous 18th Hole

Perhaps the most recognizable finishing hole in golf. Running alongside Carmel Bay, the 18th at Pebble Beach has hosted countless dramatic moments — from U.S. Opens to legendary Sunday finishes. The fairway hugs the coastline, tempting players to bite off more than they should, while the ocean looms the entire way.

Why we love it:
It’s iconic for a reason. Every step down this fairway feels historic, and no two rounds ever play the same thanks to shifting winds and conditions.

Cypress Point Club – The Iconic 16th Hole

The 16th at Cypress Point isn’t just a hole, it’s a pilgrimage. This par 3 demands a full carry over the Pacific Ocean to a peninsula green, with distances that vary depending on tee placement and wind. Designed by Alister MacKenzie, the hole has remained largely untouched since the 1920s, preserving its original brilliance.

Why we love it:
It’s pure, minimalist design at its finest. One swing. Endless anticipation. And a reminder that golf doesn’t need embellishment when nature does all the work.

Spyglass Hill Golf Course – Hole No. 1

Spyglass opens with a surprise. After a stunning oceanfront start, the first hole is a downsloping dogleg left that sets the tone for the round. It’s strategic, slightly deceptive, and rewards thoughtful shot placement rather than brute strength.

Why we love it:
It’s a thinking golfer’s hole, and a reminder that Spyglass is as much about precision as it is power.

The Preserve Golf Club – Hole No. 13

Private, peaceful, and impeccably designed, The Preserve offers a very different golf experience. The par-5 13th is a standout - wide, inviting, and begging players to be aggressive. With the right drive and conditions, eagles are in play.

Why we love it:
As we like to say: tee it high and let it fly. It’s one of those rare holes where confidence is rewarded and restraint feels optional.

Why Golf on the Monterey Peninsula Is Truly Special

What sets the Monterey Peninsula apart isn’t just world-class course design, it’s the combination of history, natural beauty, and lifestyle. These courses aren’t isolated destinations; they’re woven into the fabric of the community, influencing everything from architecture to daily rhythms of life. For those who live here, golf isn’t an occasional getaway, it’s part of everyday living.

If you’re curious about homes near these legendary fairways, or simply want to talk golf the next time you’re in town, we’re always happy to share our favorite tee times - on and off the course.