If you're wondering where to play golf near Monterey, these five public courses are the top picks for both quality and experience.
Pebble Beach, Spyglass Hill, Spanish Bay, Poppy Hills, and Bayonet & Blackhorse each offer something unique—keep reading to find out which one’s right for you.
Pebble Beach Golf Links: World-Famous and Worth the Hype
If you’re planning a golf trip to the Monterey area, Pebble Beach Golf Links likely sits right at the top of your list—and for good reason.
This is more than just a course; it’s one of the most iconic golf experiences in the world.
Perched dramatically above Carmel Bay, just 7 miles from downtown Monterey, Pebble Beach blends championship-level golf with scenery that stays with you long after the final putt drops.
A Legacy of Excellence
Pebble Beach opened in 1919, the vision of Jack Neville and Douglas Grant, whose goal was to maximize ocean views across the routing.
Their work still shapes the experience today, though a significant 2016 renovation—led by Arnold Palmer and Thad Layton—refined playability and preserved the natural aesthetic.
Over the years, this legendary course has hosted six U.S. Opens, multiple PGA Tour events, and remains home to the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am.
What sets Pebble Beach apart isn’t just its history or prestige—it’s the emotional impact of playing holes framed by jagged cliffs and pounding surf.
When Golf Digest ranked it the No. 1 public course in the U.S. in 2001, it wasn't just awarding technical merit.
It was acknowledging the way this place makes you feel from the first tee to the final green.
Playing the Course
Booking a tee time here takes foresight. Pebble Beach operates as a resort, and while it's public, access is limited.
The best approach is to book a stay-and-play package through the Pebble Beach Resort.
This not only gives you access to tee times but also improves your chances of playing at preferred times, particularly in the morning when winds are less aggressive.
Green fees in 2025 are around $675, and that doesn’t include extras like caddie services, which typically add about $150.
While this puts Pebble Beach firmly in the premium tier, it’s widely accepted as a “bucket-list” experience—something to do at least once if you love the game.
If it’s your first time, hiring a caddie can make a big difference.
Beyond reading greens, they help with club selection, navigating blind shots, and pacing your round, which can be critical when you're balancing nerves with the awe of the setting.
What to Expect on the Course
Don’t expect a simple walk in the park.
The winds that sweep across the cliffs can turn even a modest par 4 into a multi-shot puzzle.
Shot placement is key, especially on iconic holes like the short par-3 7th or the risk-reward 18th that hugs the shoreline.
The greens tend to run fast, so approach shots and putting demand finesse.
Club selection often changes hole to hole, depending on wind direction.
Many holes are etched into memory from televised tournaments, but playing them in person is a different experience entirely.
The elevation changes, the crashing surf, and the quiet between shots create a rhythm that’s equal parts challenge and meditation.
Making the Most of Your Round
To get the most out of Pebble Beach:
- Book as far in advance as possible, especially if you want a specific date or time window.
- Consider staying at the resort to lock in tee times more easily.
- Choose morning tee times for better conditions and softer winds.
- Walk the course if you’re able—it’s designed for it, and the caddie experience is part of the tradition.
- Factor in caddie and gratuity costs when budgeting your trip.
Spyglass Hill: Monterey Peninsula’s Toughest Challenge
If you're looking for a course that will test every aspect of your game, Spyglass Hill delivers.
Often overshadowed by its more famous sibling, Pebble Beach, Spyglass quietly stands as the most demanding layout on the Monterey Peninsula.
It’s part of the Pebble Beach Company portfolio, meaning it shares the same prestige and coastal setting—but with a very different kind of experience.
A Layout That Evolves as You Play
Spyglass Hill, designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr. in 1966, is a course of two distinct halves.
The front nine opens with drama—five holes that stretch toward and along the Pacific, with wind and sand creating constant pressure.
But then, in an almost theatrical shift, the course turns inland and enters the dense, quiet stillness of Del Monte Forest.
Here, the terrain becomes more tree-lined and tactical, demanding not just strength but real finesse.
This contrast gives Spyglass its unique identity.
It's not just about surviving ocean winds or battling bunkers—it's about adapting quickly to a course that keeps changing on you.
Notoriously Difficult—But Fair
What gives Spyglass its teeth is the combination of length, precision, and terrain variety.
It carries a formidable course rating of 75.4 and a slope of 145, which tells you it’s designed to challenge even low handicappers.
There’s very little margin for error on most holes. Errant drives are punished.
Long par 4s force you to earn your pars. Even the par 3s can feel like full holes, not short breathers.
But difficulty alone doesn't define the experience.
What makes Spyglass compelling is that it's hard in a way that feels earned.
Players who stay focused, manage risk, and hit clean shots can absolutely score here—but they’ll need to do it consistently.
Playing Strategy and Conditions
Spyglass requires a thoughtful approach from the first tee.
The opening hole—a downhill par 5—offers some early scoring potential, but don’t be lulled into comfort.
The second hole introduces coastal winds that can scramble club selection, especially for first-time visitors.
Once you reach the forest, the fairways tighten, elevation shifts become more subtle, and your short game starts to matter more than distance.
It’s the kind of course where you’ll want to:
- Bring more balls than usual—misses in the forest can disappear quickly.
- Focus on keeping tee shots in play. The rough isn’t always thick, but the angles it creates can be punishing.
- Study pin placements carefully; greens are often tiered and fast.
- Accept bogeys when needed and resist the urge to get too aggressive. Recovery opportunities are limited.
When to Play and What to Expect
Unlike Pebble Beach, Spyglass doesn’t always get the spotlight, which can work in your favor.
Tee time availability is often better, and the course sees less tourist traffic.
That said, it’s still wise to book ahead—especially if you're bundling rounds with other Pebble Beach Company courses.
Expect a full four-and-a-half to five-hour round, especially in peak season.
The terrain is walkable but physically demanding.
Caddies are available and helpful, especially for navigating the subtle breaks on the greens and the visual tricks that come with forest holes.
There’s also a sense of seclusion that makes Spyglass special.
Once you turn away from the ocean, it’s just you, the trees, and the course itself—no highway noise, no ocean roar, just pure golf.
The Links at Spanish Bay: A Scenic Sunset Round
If you’re after a round of golf that feels more like a scenic escape than a technical grind, The Links at Spanish Bay might be your perfect match.
Located within the Pebble Beach Resort portfolio, this coastal course offers a relaxed, windswept experience that pays homage to the birthplace of golf—Scotland—while carving out its own distinct personality along the Pacific.
Designed for Drama and Beauty
The Links at Spanish Bay opened in 1987, the result of a unique design collaboration between Robert Trent Jones Jr., Tom Watson, and Sandy Tatum.
Their vision was to recreate the spirit and structure of traditional Scottish links golf but adapted to California’s coastline and climate.
What emerged is a layout draped across dunes, featuring wide fairways, pot bunkers, natural fescue grasses, and uninterrupted ocean vistas.
While the course doesn’t have the historical prestige of Pebble Beach or the intense difficulty of Spyglass Hill, it’s arguably the most visually striking of the trio—especially in the late afternoon when the sun sinks low over the water.
Twilight Golf and a Cultural Twist
One of the course’s most unique features isn’t even part of the layout—it’s the evening bagpiper.
As the sun begins to set, a lone piper strolls the dunes playing traditional Scottish melodies.
It’s a nod to the course’s heritage inspiration and creates an atmosphere that’s hard to find anywhere else in American golf.
This makes Spanish Bay a top pick for twilight rounds.
The late-day lighting, long shadows across the dunes, and music in the distance combine to create a round that feels more like an experience than a competition.
If you’re scheduling multiple rounds during your Monterey trip, consider playing Spanish Bay in the afternoon.
It’s scenic, less pressure-packed, and sets the tone for a relaxed evening afterward.
What the Course Plays Like
Unlike Spyglass, which demands precision, or Pebble Beach, which showcases dramatic cliffside hero shots, Spanish Bay gives you room to breathe.
The fairways are generous, but that doesn’t mean it’s easy.
The constant presence of coastal wind can be a serious factor, especially on holes that play directly into or across the breeze.
Club selection becomes a bit of a guessing game at times, particularly on the par 3s and longer par 4s.
The undulating terrain also adds to the complexity.
Lies aren’t always flat, and approach shots often require careful trajectory control.
Greens are large but can be deceptive in their breaks, so lag putting becomes critical.
Despite these challenges, Spanish Bay has a reputation for being more forgiving overall—making it a great fit for mid- to high-handicap players or those just wanting a scenic, enjoyable round without the constant grind.
Tips for a Better Round
To make the most of your time at Spanish Bay:
- Don’t fight the wind—embrace it. Keep ball flight low when possible, and club up when in doubt.
- If you’re playing in the afternoon, bring layers. The temperature can drop quickly as the sun sets.
- Take your time to enjoy the setting. This is one of those rounds where it’s okay to pause, soak in the view, and snap a few photos.
- Walk the course if you can. It enhances the links-style feel and lets you take in more of the landscape.
Poppy Hills: Quiet Forest Golf with a Championship Past
If you're looking to escape the crowds without sacrificing quality, Poppy Hills offers a refreshing alternative tucked quietly into the Del Monte Forest.
Unlike the headline-grabbing cliffside courses nearby, this one is about immersion in nature and subtle design challenges that reward patience and precision over power.
A Thoughtful Redesign for Modern Play
Poppy Hills originally debuted in 1986, designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr.
But the course underwent a major transformation between 2013 and 2014, with the goal of improving drainage, sustainability, and overall playability.
The renovation eliminated rough almost entirely, introduced firm, fast fairways, and focused on better integrating the course into the natural forest landscape. The result?
A course that feels fluid and modern, while still delivering the strategic challenge Jones is known for.
This isn’t a course built to beat you up—it’s designed to keep you thinking.
There’s room off the tee, but approach shots demand control, and the greens are quick enough to expose even slight misreads.
In other words, it's fair but never boring.
A Championship-Caliber Setting Without the Crowd
Poppy Hills has hosted big-time events—including the PGA Champions Tour and appearances in the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am rotation—but it doesn’t carry the same crowds or price tag as its better-known neighbors.
That alone makes it a standout option, especially for golfers who want to experience a world-class setting without the high-traffic feel.
What sets the atmosphere apart is the surrounding forest.
Towering Monterey pines and gently rolling terrain give the course a sense of quiet isolation.
It’s just you, your group, and the game, with far fewer distractions than you’ll find on the coast.
That tranquility makes it a great place to walk—and it’s designed to be walked, with comfortable distances between holes and wide, natural paths.
How It Plays and What to Expect
Poppy Hills plays differently from the wind-swept coastal tracks.
Here, you're dealing with elevation changes, firm playing surfaces, and forest shadows that can subtly alter your perception of distance and slope.
Approach shots need to be thoughtful—landing areas are firm, so balls can release more than expected, and green complexes are shaped to challenge your ability to control spin and roll.
Because of the lack of rough, recovery shots are more about creativity than brute strength.
That also means wayward shots aren’t always penalized harshly, making the course accessible for mid-handicappers while still offering layers of challenge for low-handicap players.
The greens are consistently fast and true.
If you tend to rely on touch putting, you’ll find plenty to appreciate—but you’ll need to commit to your reads.
Slopes can be subtle, and speed control is everything.
Ideal for the Strategic Golfer
Poppy Hills is best for golfers who appreciate nuance.
It rewards smart play over power and is perfect for players who want a peaceful round in a championship-caliber setting without the showiness.
If you’ve already played Pebble Beach or Spyglass Hill—or are saving them for another day—Poppy Hills provides a welcome contrast and a chance to settle into a round that feels both challenging and restorative.
And if you’re planning multiple days of golf on the Monterey Peninsula, don’t overlook this one.
It’s the kind of course that grows on you the more you play it, and many visitors find themselves pleasantly surprised by just how much they enjoy the quieter, forested vibe compared to the more dramatic coastal layouts nearby.
Bayonet & Blackhorse: Monterey’s Best Golf Value
For golfers seeking a full day of high-quality play without the high-end pricing, Bayonet & Blackhorse stands out as the most value-packed option on the Monterey Peninsula.
Located just 8 to 10 miles north of Monterey in the town of Seaside, these two 18-hole courses combine strategic variety, dramatic terrain, and military-rooted history into one of the most underappreciated golf experiences in the area.
Military Roots with a Modern Edge
Originally built in the 1950s as part of the Fort Ord military base, both Bayonet and Blackhorse carry a legacy that still subtly influences their character today.
While the military presence is long gone, the discipline and precision demanded by these layouts remain.
Bayonet, the older of the two, has a reputation for being the tougher test.
After a significant renovation by architect Gene Bates, the course now features tighter fairways, reshaped greens, and a notorious four-hole stretch known as “Combat Corner.”
It’s narrow, it's punishing, and it requires a high level of focus. If you're up for a grind-it-out, strategy-heavy front nine, Bayonet delivers.
In contrast, Blackhorse opens up the landscape.
It's more forgiving off the tee and plays with a links-inspired design, featuring fewer trees, larger greens, and sweeping views of Monterey Bay.
While it still has bite, Blackhorse offers more room to breathe and presents a satisfying complement to Bayonet’s demanding layout.
A Rare Two-Course Combo
One of the major advantages of Bayonet & Blackhorse is the opportunity to play both courses in a single visit.
Each loop offers 18 distinct holes, and playing both gives you a complete, varied golf day without feeling repetitive.
Whether you're visiting for the weekend or squeezing in 36 in one go, the layout diversity keeps things interesting.
The ability to experience this kind of range without premium resort pricing is rare in Monterey.
In fact, this is often regarded as the best overall golf value in the region.
You’ll pay a fraction of what you would at nearby Pebble Beach or Spyglass Hill, while still getting excellent course conditions, thoughtfully designed holes, and beautiful views.
What to Expect on the Ground
Course conditions at both tracks are consistently excellent.
The greens run true, the bunkering is strategic rather than ornamental, and the fairways are well maintained.
Bayonet's challenge lies in its shot demands—players who favor shaping the ball and managing tight targets will find it rewarding.
Blackhorse gives more leeway, but still tests distance control and placement, especially around the greens.
Both courses are walkable, though Bayonet can be physically taxing due to elevation shifts.
Golf carts are available and recommended for those planning to play both rounds in a day.
You’ll also find a well-stocked pro shop, a quality practice facility, and an on-site restaurant that makes it easy to spend the whole day here without needing to leave the grounds.
Who This Setup Is Perfect For
Bayonet & Blackhorse is ideal for golfers who want to get the most out of their time and budget.
It's especially appealing for:
- Golf groups looking for a 36-hole day with variety
- Intermediate to advanced players who enjoy tactical course design
- Value-conscious travelers who still expect premium play quality
It’s also a solid choice for those planning multi-course trips across Monterey.
If you're building out an itinerary and want to balance big-name resort rounds with a more grounded but still challenging experience, this combo fills that role perfectly.
Planning Your Monterey Golf Trip: What to Know Before You Go
Teeing it up on the Monterey Peninsula takes more than just picking your favorite course—you’ll want to plan with intention to get the most out of your time, budget, and energy.
Whether you’re chasing once-in-a-lifetime rounds or fitting golf into a broader trip, there are a few key things to know before you finalize your itinerary.
Start With Pebble Beach—And Start Early
If Pebble Beach Golf Links is on your list, don’t wait to book.
Tee times can fill up months in advance, especially in peak travel seasons, and cancellations often come with strict penalties.
Your best bet? Consider a stay-and-play package through Pebble Beach Resorts.
These packages not only improve your chances of securing a tee time but can also give you better access to other courses like Spyglass Hill and Spanish Bay during your stay.
If you’re planning to play multiple rounds, lock in Pebble Beach first and build your schedule around it.
Morning tee times are typically in higher demand, so if you prefer earlier rounds with calmer conditions, act quickly.
Match Courses to Time of Day
Different courses shine at different times.
Spanish Bay, for example, is tailor-made for a twilight round.
Lower rates in the late afternoon pair well with the course’s spectacular ocean views, and the evening bagpiper tradition adds a memorable cultural touch.
On the other hand, Spyglass Hill is best played earlier in the day when the winds are more manageable, giving you a fighting chance on its challenging layout.
If you're fitting in a full day of golf, pairing Bayonet in the morning with Blackhorse in the afternoon offers a great mix of challenge and scenery—and you’ll get maximum value for your green fee.
Be Ready for a Mix of Terrain and Conditions
While Pebble Beach and Spanish Bay dazzle with ocean views, courses like Spyglass and Poppy Hills shift you into the forest, where strategy and accuracy become more important.
Bayonet challenges with narrow fairways and complex hole design, while Blackhorse is more forgiving but still no pushover.
Because of this variety, it’s smart to:
- Bring extra balls, especially if you're tackling Spyglass or Bayonet.
- Pack for changing conditions. Morning fog, midday sun, and late afternoon breezes can all show up on the same day.
- Wear layers. Monterey's coastal weather can swing from cool and damp to sunny and breezy within a few holes.
Consider Timing for Better Rates and Access
Spring and fall are generally ideal for golf on the peninsula.
You’ll still get mostly reliable weather, but with smaller crowds and slightly softer rates compared to summer.
These shoulder seasons can also improve your chances of landing preferred tee times, especially at the more in-demand resort courses.
Winter can offer the lowest prices, but the tradeoff is weather variability—cooler temperatures and occasional rain.
Summer brings the highest demand, both in terms of price and tee time availability, so early planning becomes even more critical if you're traveling during that window.
Final Planning Tips
If you’re visiting from out of the area and traveling with your own clubs, make sure to double-check each course’s practice facilities and storage policies.
Most offer full-service options, but if you're playing multiple rounds across different properties, logistics can matter.
Also, be sure to budget time between rounds if you're hopping from one course to another—traffic along the peninsula can be slower than expected, especially during peak hours.
In short, a little planning goes a long way.
With a solid itinerary and smart timing, your Monterey golf trip can strike the perfect balance between unforgettable rounds, scenic beauty, and the kind of relaxed pace that makes this part of California so appealing.
Conclusion
Monterey offers an exceptional mix of golf experiences, from iconic coastal views to quiet forested fairways.
Whether you're chasing a bucket-list round or a full day of great value, there's a course here that fits.
Plan ahead, pace your schedule, and you’ll walk away with more than just a scorecard—you’ll leave with lasting memories.
