Spyglass Hill Golf Course is a public, 18-hole course in Pebble Beach, California, known for its stunning coastal-to-forest layout and challenging design.
Yes, you can play it — but only if you're staying at a Pebble Beach resort or booking through an approved package.
Keep reading for a full breakdown on how to secure a tee time, what to expect on the course, and whether it’s the right fit for your game.
Course Overview: What Sets Spyglass Hill Apart
Spyglass Hill isn’t just another stop on a California golf itinerary — it’s one of the most respected public courses in the country, known for its strategic layout and stunning natural variety.
Whether you’re drawn by its oceanfront holes, legendary designer, or ties to professional tournaments, Spyglass Hill stands out for good reason.
A Legacy Carved Into the Landscape
Located at 3206 Stevenson Drive in Pebble Beach, Spyglass Hill opened its fairways to the public in 1966, the result of a vision brought to life by renowned golf course architect Robert Trent Jones Sr.
What he created is more than just a round of golf — it's a course that offers two dramatically different experiences in one.
The front nine eases you in visually but not strategically.
You'll start along the coastal dunes, where views of the Pacific accompany the opening holes, giving a false sense of openness.
These holes are breathtaking, but the wind and terrain quickly make it clear that beauty doesn't equal ease.
Once you cross into the back nine, the environment changes completely.
You're now deep in the Del Monte Forest, and the fairways narrow while the trees close in.
Every shot has to be intentional. The transition isn’t just aesthetic — it demands a mental shift in how you play.
This dual personality — part links-style drama, part woodland precision — is a defining trait.
It’s rare to get both settings on a single course, let alone one that’s accessible to the public, and it’s one reason Spyglass Hill has such a strong reputation among seasoned golfers.
Owned and Operated by Pebble Beach Company
Spyglass Hill is owned by the Pebble Beach Company, which also oversees Pebble Beach Golf Links and The Links at Spanish Bay.
Together, these three form a tight-knit network of championship-level courses within the same luxury resort ecosystem.
That ownership also means access is managed centrally — making a stay at one of the Pebble Beach Resorts almost a requirement if you want to play here.
That resort connection plays heavily into how you access the course, how tee times are scheduled, and what kind of service you can expect during your visit.
The experience is consistent, from the practice facilities to the clubhouse, and built around delivering the high standard that Pebble Beach is known for.
A Course Fit for the Pros
Spyglass Hill regularly hosts rounds of the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am, one of the most iconic tournaments on the PGA Tour.
While the tournament rotates between the Pebble Beach courses, Spyglass stands out for the challenge it adds to the mix.
Players and fans alike know it as the most technical of the three — a course where mistakes are rarely forgiven, and smart play gets rewarded.
This professional-level setup doesn’t just make for great TV — it ensures the course is kept in tournament-ready condition almost year-round.
That consistency in playing conditions is a big part of why it’s also selected for NCGA events and USGA qualifiers.
So whether you're booking a bucket-list trip or considering where to host a client outing, Spyglass Hill offers a rare blend of resort-level service, public access, and championship design — all in one unforgettable location.
Course Layout & Terrain: Navigating the Coastal-to-Forest Shift
One of the most unique aspects of Spyglass Hill is how dramatically the course changes from start to finish. It’s not just a visual transition—it’s a complete shift in playing style, club selection, and strategy.
Understanding this change is key to making smart decisions throughout your round.
From Sand Dunes to Dense Pines
The opening holes of Spyglass Hill unfold along the coastline, offering wide views of the Pacific and rolling terrain shaped by coastal dunes.
This part of the course is more open, both in layout and in atmosphere.
It lures you in with postcard-worthy views, particularly on holes like #1 “Treasure Island,” a downhill par 5 that gives you a sense of possibility right out of the gate.
But the openness can be deceptive—wind conditions off the ocean and uneven lies in the dunes still demand precise shot-making.
Around the fifth hole, the scenery begins to change.
The course pulls away from the water and moves inland, threading its way through the thick, tree-lined corridors of the Del Monte Forest.
From here through the final hole, Spyglass Hill becomes a different kind of test—tighter, more technical, and far less forgiving.
Visibility shrinks, and every fairway feels like it’s framed by natural walls of pine and cypress.
This transition is part of what gives the course its identity.
Rather than sticking to one style, Robert Trent Jones Sr. intentionally created a layout that mirrors a journey—from the openness of the sea to the stillness of the forest.
It’s a bold design decision that keeps you engaged and thinking from start to finish.
The Strategic Implications
The layout directly impacts how you approach each part of the round.
On the front nine, you’ll often be playing into or with the wind, so adjusting yardages and controlling ball flight becomes important.
Because of the uneven terrain and elevation shifts, club selection here isn’t always straightforward.
You may find yourself hitting a hybrid off the tee on a par 4 or laying up earlier than expected to avoid trouble.
Once you reach the back nine, strategy shifts again.
The emphasis moves to accuracy and placement—especially off the tee.
The forested holes penalize any deviation from the fairway, often leaving you with obstructed views and limited recovery options.
This is where knowing when to use a 3-wood or even an iron instead of a driver becomes critical.
Approach shots into the greens also get trickier as you go.
With the Poa annua greens staying fast and firm throughout the round, it’s not just about hitting the green—it’s about placing the ball below the hole and avoiding the wrong side of the break.
So while the course may look like two different tracks in one, it’s unified by a single idea: thoughtful, calculated golf.
And if you adapt your strategy to match the shifting terrain, you’ll give yourself the best chance at navigating all 18 holes successfully.
Spyglass Hill Course Details: What You’ll Be Playing Against
Spyglass Hill isn’t long just for the sake of it—it’s long, tight, and strategically designed to test every part of your game.
Before you even step on the first tee, it's worth knowing exactly what kind of challenge you’re walking into.
Numbers That Matter More Than Yardage
From the championship tees, Spyglass Hill stretches out to 6,960 yards with a par of 72, which on paper may not seem intimidating.
But the course rating of 75.5 and a slope of 148 tell a much more honest story.
These numbers aren’t inflated—they reflect a layout that’s difficult even for low-handicap players.
It’s not just about how far you hit the ball.
The real challenge is how consistently you can control it under pressure.
Elevation changes, narrow fairways, and forced carries all combine to reward smart decisions over raw distance.
In other words, this isn’t a course where you can overpower your way to a good score.
Conditions Built for Control, Not Comfort
The course is surfaced with Rye grass on the fairways and Poa annua on the greens, both chosen to handle the region’s coastal moisture while keeping the turf firm and fast.
What that means in play: the fairways usually offer a tight, clean lie—but they don’t always hold the ball well if you come in hot.
And the greens? They’re quick, even in the morning, and only get faster as the day goes on.
You'll need a sharp short game, not just to score but to survive.
With fast, sloped putting surfaces and subtle breaks that can only be seen with the help of a local caddie, simply getting on the green isn't enough.
Positioning is everything—especially below the hole.
As for the rough, it’s not overly tall but it’s thick and penal.
Missed fairways don’t just mean a tougher shot—they often eliminate your chance at reaching the green altogether, especially on the forested holes where low punch shots may be your only option.
It’s one of those courses where even slightly off-line shots feel like they’re being punished more than usual.
Strategy Over Aggression
The course doesn’t reward risk the way others might. In fact, aggressive play is often the least effective route here.
A driver off the tee might tempt you, but unless you can place it precisely, you’re better off clubbing down and aiming for angles that give you open looks at the green.
What makes Spyglass Hill so demanding is how deliberately it forces you to think before every swing.
You’re not just playing the yardage—you’re navigating elevation, wind, green firmness, and terrain all at once.
That layered complexity is exactly why it’s loved by skilled players and feared by those who come in underestimating it.
So if you’re planning a round, don’t just bring your full set of clubs—bring a plan.
Spotlight on Signature Holes
While every hole at Spyglass Hill brings its own set of challenges, a few stand out for their design, difficulty, or sheer visual impact.
These aren’t just memorable—they’re the ones that can make or break your round if you don’t approach them with the right strategy.
Hole #1 – “Treasure Island”
The round starts with one of the most picturesque and deceptively inviting holes on the course.
“Treasure Island” is a downhill par 5 that plays with ocean views stretching out beyond the green.
It's reachable in two for longer hitters, but that doesn’t mean it’s a green light every time.
Off the tee, you're faced with a wide landing area that tempts you to swing freely.
But positioning is more important than power—stay center-left to give yourself a clean second shot and avoid the right-side bunkers.
If you're thinking about going for the green in two, be aware of the green's elevation change and subtle slope.
A layup to a favorite wedge yardage might actually give you the better birdie opportunity.
This hole sets the tone: visually generous, but strategically demanding.
Hole #4 – “Blind Pew”
This short par 4 is iconic not just for its name but for how it plays—tight, intimidating, and tricky from the start.
“Blind Pew” runs straight through a maze of coastal dunes and, as the name suggests, your view of the fairway is limited off the tee.
Here, local knowledge or a caddie makes a real difference.
The correct line isn’t obvious, and the wrong angle can leave you blocked out for your approach.
It’s not a driver hole for most players—instead, a hybrid or long iron to the right portion of the fairway opens up the green.
The green itself is small and well-protected, so even with a short iron in hand, precision matters more than ever.
This is one of those holes where trying to be aggressive usually backfires.
Patience and placement are what pay off.
Hole #6 – “Indian Village”
This par 4 doesn’t look intimidating on the scorecard, but “Indian Village” is all about threading the needle off the tee.
With dense trees on both sides and a slight dogleg shape, it's a hole where precision trumps distance every time.
The safe play is a fairway wood or long iron toward the left center of the fairway, which gives you the right angle into a narrow, well-defended green.
Miss the fairway here and you may not even have a swing at the green—tree trunks and low limbs make recovery shots tricky, if not impossible.
The approach is often uphill and into a breeze that funnels through the trees, so clubbing up can be smart.
This hole is a clear example of why Spyglass demands thoughtful play over power.
Hole #16 – “Black Dog”
Arguably the toughest hole on the course, “Black Dog” is a long, uphill par 4 that feels like it belongs on a U.S. Open track.
Stretching over 450 yards from the back tees, it plays even longer than the number suggests because of the elevation and frequent headwind.
Your drive has to be both long and dead straight—anything off-line can leave you blocked by trees or deep in rough, and there’s little forgiveness on either side.
The second shot is where it really gets tough: the green is narrow, firm, and elevated, with deep bunkers guarding the front.
Even for scratch players, par here feels like a small victory.
If you're playing a casual round, there’s no shame in planning this one as a bogey hole.
Staying realistic and avoiding big numbers is a win in itself.
Course Difficulty: Is Spyglass Hill Right for You?
Spyglass Hill has a reputation for being one of the most challenging public courses in the U.S.—and that’s not just hype.
Every element of the layout, from tee to green, is built to test decision-making, shot execution, and mental focus.
It's not a casual walk in the park, so it's worth knowing if it aligns with your game or goals.
A Demanding Course from the First Swing to the Last
What makes Spyglass Hill so tough isn’t just one or two hard holes—it’s the cumulative difficulty.
There are no “gimme” holes or places to mentally check out.
Even the opening par 5, which many courses use as a soft start, sets the tone with elevation shifts and swirling wind.
And from there, the course keeps pressing.
The rough is thick, and it doesn’t need to be overly long to be penal.
Just missing the fairway often means you're dealing with uneven lies or blocked approach angles, especially on the forested back nine.
The green complexes, surfaced with Poa annua, are fast and rarely soft.
They tend to reject spinless approach shots and exaggerate even subtle breaks.
You'll be tested on your lag putting, green reading, and ability to control trajectory on approaches—especially if you're out of position.
Then there's the layout. Fairways tighten, angles matter, and many holes require thinking two shots ahead.
Strategic course management is essential, and aggressive play without precision is usually punished with bogey or worse.
Is It Right for Your Game?
This course is best suited for low- to mid-handicap players who have experience playing under tough conditions.
If you're confident in your ball-striking and course management skills, you'll likely find it demanding but fair.
For high-handicap players or beginners, Spyglass can be overwhelming.
The layout is punishing, and there aren’t many places to “recover” from a big number.
That said, if you’re committed to the experience, there are ways to make the round more enjoyable:
- Play from the forward tees. Spyglass offers multiple tee boxes, and moving up can dramatically reduce the difficulty while still letting you appreciate the design.
- Use a caddie. This is one of the best ways to navigate the course effectively. A caddie will help with club selection, green reads, and local knowledge that’s hard to pick up on your first visit.
- Adjust expectations. Even for skilled players, Spyglass rarely gives up low scores. Focus on smart play and soaking in the experience rather than chasing a personal best.
Ultimately, Spyglass Hill is designed for golfers who enjoy being challenged.
If you like courses that require a full skill set—strategy, touch, patience—it could be one of the most rewarding rounds you’ll ever play.
But if you’re looking for a relaxed, forgiving outing, this one might be better saved for later.
Green Fees & Booking: How to Secure Your Tee Time
Getting a tee time at Spyglass Hill isn’t as simple as hopping online and grabbing a public slot.
While it’s technically a public course, access is tightly managed through the Pebble Beach Resorts system—which means your best (and often only) way in is to stay on the property.
What It Costs and What You’re Paying For
As of 2024, green fees for resort guests run approximately $465 per round.
That rate includes a golf cart, but caddies are not included—though they are strongly recommended.
A single-bag caddie typically costs around $150 plus gratuity, which is well worth it given the complexity of the course and the value of green reads and yardage help, especially on the tighter back nine.
If you're hoping to play a second round the same day, replay rates are available, but they’re not guaranteed.
You’ll need to check availability at the Pro Shop on the day of play.
Given how popular the course is—especially in peak months—you shouldn’t rely on a replay slot unless it's confirmed in advance.
Twilight rates? There aren’t any.
Spyglass Hill doesn’t offer discounted late-day rounds, largely because of how quickly fog and coastal weather can affect evening play.
Why Resort Stay Equals Tee Time
Here’s the bottom line: Spyglass Hill gives priority access to guests staying at one of the Pebble Beach Resorts properties.
If you’re not staying at The Lodge at Pebble Beach, The Inn at Spanish Bay, or Casa Palmero, you’re extremely unlikely to get a confirmed tee time.
Non-resort guests can sometimes book, but it's rare and only when there’s excess availability—which doesn’t happen often.
That makes the golf trip a bundled experience.
You’re not just paying to play—you’re investing in the full Pebble Beach stay, which includes benefits like:
- Guaranteed tee times (which you can book up to 18 months in advance)
- Transportation to the course
- Practice facility access on the day of play
This structure helps the resort maintain the quality and exclusivity of the experience.
It also means planning ahead is critical, especially if you're visiting during peak season (May through October) when demand is highest.
Book early, confirm your lodging, and lock in your tee times as soon as possible.
If you're serious about playing Spyglass Hill, your first step shouldn't be checking tee time apps—it should be reserving your resort accommodations.
From there, the rest of the booking process falls into place.
Resort Stay Requirements: Where You’ll Need to Book
At Spyglass Hill, access isn’t just about availability—it’s about where you’re staying.
Booking a room at one of the official Pebble Beach Resorts isn’t just a luxury option, it’s typically the only guaranteed way to secure a tee time at the course.
Where You’ll Need to Stay
There are three resort properties under the Pebble Beach umbrella that unlock access to Spyglass Hill:
The Lodge at Pebble Beach – The flagship property and the most iconic of the three.
It offers immediate proximity to Pebble Beach Golf Links and full-service luxury.
Rooms often come with views of the 18th green or Stillwater Cove.
It’s the go-to choice for those seeking a classic experience.
The Inn at Spanish Bay – A slightly more modern, secluded option located near The Links at Spanish Bay.
It’s known for its scenic setting, oceanfront rooms, and bagpiper performances at sunset.
This is a favorite for guests looking for a relaxed but upscale stay with a different ambiance from The Lodge.
Casa Palmero – An intimate, Mediterranean-style estate that’s quieter and more private.
It features just 24 rooms and focuses on personalized service, with amenities like a private spa and concierge access.
It’s ideal for couples or small groups who want a more tailored, exclusive feel.
What Comes with a Golf Package
Booking through any of these resorts gives you access to official Pebble Beach golf packages, which are designed to streamline your trip and include key add-ons that matter for a course like Spyglass Hill:
- Guaranteed tee times, often with priority over non-package bookings
- Shuttle transportation between your resort and all three Pebble Beach courses
- Practice facility access on the day of play (range, putting greens, short game areas)
- Concierge assistance for pairing requests, caddie reservations, and additional rounds
Packages can often be tailored to your group’s needs, whether you’re playing a solo round at Spyglass or including Pebble Beach Golf Links and Spanish Bay in a multi-day itinerary.
Why Lodging Matters for Access
Even though Spyglass Hill is technically a public course, its access model is heavily integrated with the Pebble Beach Resorts.
Tee times are first allocated to guests of these properties, and only after guest demand is met do any remaining slots (if any) become available to non-guests—and that’s rare.
In practice, if you’re not staying at one of the official resorts, your odds of getting a confirmed tee time at Spyglass Hill are extremely low.
That’s why golf planners and experienced visitors treat lodging as the first step, not a side detail.
So if playing Spyglass is your goal, your trip starts with booking the right place to stay.
Once that’s handled, everything else—from tee times to transportation—becomes much easier to secure.
On-Site Facilities & Services
Spyglass Hill isn’t just a demanding course—it’s a full-service golf experience designed to help you prep, perform, and enjoy the day.
From warm-up areas to in-round refreshments, the facilities here are built with serious players in mind.
Warming Up and Dialing In
Before you even step to the first tee, you’ll have access to a complete practice setup.
The driving range offers plenty of space to loosen up, while a short-game area lets you work on chips, bunker shots, and pitch control.
Most importantly, there’s a putting green near the first tee that closely mirrors the speed and firmness you’ll face on the course.
You’ll want to spend time here—Spyglass’s Poa annua greens are fast from the start and don’t get easier as the day goes on.
If you’ve booked a morning tee time, showing up early to take advantage of these areas is highly recommended.
There's no easy way into this round, so arriving sharp can help avoid a rough start.
Clubhouse Comfort and Player Support
The clubhouse and locker rooms are classic Pebble Beach—polished, functional, and designed to make you feel like you're playing in a pro event.
Whether you're getting ready in the locker room or relaxing after your round, the environment is built to complement the elevated feel of the course itself.
On the course, you’ll find food and beverage carts making regular rounds.
These are well-stocked and consistent, especially important if you're playing in the late morning or early afternoon when energy levels dip.
There’s no full halfway house, but the cart service fills that gap efficiently without slowing pace of play.
The Pro Shop at Spyglass Hill is another highlight.
It’s stocked with high-end gear, apparel, and exclusive course-branded merchandise.
If you're looking for a souvenir or need to replace a piece of gear last minute, the selection here doesn’t disappoint.
What You Won’t Find: Twilight Deals
One thing to note is the absence of twilight rates.
Spyglass Hill doesn’t discount for late-day play, which matters when you're planning your schedule or trying to fit in an extra round.
The decision reflects both the consistent demand and the realities of coastal weather—afternoon fog and cooler temps can shorten the day, and the course doesn’t want to compromise the experience.
So when you're booking, plan for a full round and treat it as a full-day commitment.
With everything the facility offers, from warm-up to post-round, it’s an experience meant to be enjoyed without rushing.
Conclusion
Spyglass Hill offers a rare blend of scenic beauty and serious challenge, making it a standout among public golf courses.
While access requires planning and a resort stay, the experience is worth the effort for golfers who appreciate thoughtful design and tough, rewarding play.
If you're ready to test every part of your game, this course delivers exactly that.
