Travel bucket list idea:
Pebble Beach Golf Links
Pebble Beach, California, United States of America (USA)
Credit Pebble Beach Company
Last updated: 21 March, 2024
As oceanside courses go, Pebble Beach is unrivalled in the United States. Routed along the craggy headlands and cliff tops that tumble into Carmel Bay, the exterior holes are bedazzling – 5 through 11 might just be the best six holes in a row you’ll ever play (Nicklaus described the second shot at the 8th to be his favourite in golf).
The interior holes mightn’t have the same magic, but the finishing holes are a suitably wonderful to wrap up a round – 17 and 18 are even better than they appear on TV.
That’s right, TV – because the magic of Pebble is wrapped up in its history – Nicklaus’ 1-iron on 17 in 1972, Tiger dominating the course in 2000 to win the most spectacular US Open in history. And the best thing about it? It’s a public course, which means anyone can play it.
Logistics
Price from: £360
Minimum age: 0
Age suitable: 13+
When: All year around
Duration: -
Getting there & doing it
If you stay at one of the Pebble Beach golf resorts (two-night minimum stay required at weekends) you can book a tee time up to 18 months in advance; try Casa Palmero, once a private home, this 1920’s Spanish colonial house, is a 24-room, high-end boutique hotel next to the course. Non-resort guests can look for a time the day before, but availability will be spotty.
When to do it
The course is open all year round, seven days a week, but August to October is peak time; June and July are quieter because of the threat of fog.
