Pacific Grove Golf Links, often called the “Poor Man’s Pebble Beach,” offers a unique golfing experience with both parkland and coastal links-style holes, all while being incredibly budget-friendly compared to its famous neighbors.
If you're looking for stunning ocean views, a memorable round, and affordable rates between $40 to $60, this course delivers it all.
Keep reading for a deeper dive into what makes Pacific Grove Golf Links such a special place to play.
Course History and Design
The history of Pacific Grove Golf Links is as rich as the stunning views it offers, combining over 90 years of thoughtful design to create a course that provides both challenge and beauty.
Understanding the background of its creation and evolution gives golfers a deeper appreciation for its unique layout, which blends the characteristics of classic parkland golf with the raw, natural feel of coastal links.
Origins and Designers
Pacific Grove Golf Links first took shape in 1932 under the hands of Chandler Egan, a celebrated figure in golf course architecture during the early 20th century.
Egan was not only a noted architect but also a talented golfer who brought his playing experience into his designs, creating courses that emphasized playability and enjoyment for all levels of golfers.
The original nine holes of Pacific Grove showcased these qualities perfectly, reflecting Egan's understanding of the game and his focus on creating courses that catered to both the casual player and the enthusiast seeking a quality round.
Egan’s design for the front nine featured rolling fairways woven among the iconic Monterey cypress trees, giving it a traditional parkland feel.
The layout was intentionally created to flow naturally through the inland landscape, utilizing existing contours and vegetation to create a sense of cohesion between the course and its surroundings.
This approach resulted in a front nine that was not only scenic but also strategically engaging, requiring thoughtful shot-making through the tree-lined fairways.
In 1960, the course was expanded by Jack Neville, an architect known for co-designing Pebble Beach Golf Links, one of the most famous courses in the world.
Neville’s addition transformed Pacific Grove into an 18-hole course, adding a back nine that dramatically shifted the character of the experience.
His design took golfers away from the sheltered inland terrain and out to the rugged ocean-side dunes, embracing the raw beauty of the Pacific coastline.
Neville's expertise shone in this section, where he successfully adapted a links-style approach, with open fairways and fewer trees, allowing the wind and coastal elements to shape each round in a true links tradition.
Evolution of the Course
Over the years, the course has evolved to maintain its charm while adapting to the changing standards of golf.
The original Egan and Neville designs were preserved carefully, retaining the core elements that make Pacific Grove unique.
However, modifications and upkeep have been necessary to ensure the course remains challenging and enjoyable for modern golfers.
One of the most significant aspects of its evolution is the emphasis on maintaining the natural landscape.
As golf course technology advanced and players became capable of hitting farther, courses around the world often expanded to add distance.
Pacific Grove, however, chose a different approach—focusing on enhancing playability through strategic design improvements rather than length alone.
The course remains relatively short at 5,727 yards, but the emphasis on shot placement and the influence of natural hazards like sand dunes ensures that players must think their way around the course rather than rely solely on power.
Classic golf architecture principles are evident throughout both nines of the course.
The front nine embodies traditional parkland aesthetics, with tight fairways and a reliance on well-placed bunkers to create challenge.
Each hole offers an array of options depending on the golfer's skill and strategy, rewarding precision over sheer distance.
This philosophy is carried through to the back nine, where Neville’s links-style design makes use of the natural dunes and elevation changes to add drama and complexity to each hole.
The layout encourages players to adapt to varying conditions, especially the ever-changing coastal winds that add a dynamic element to every round.
Moreover, the transition from the front nine to the back nine marks one of the most notable design features of Pacific Grove.
As players complete the inland portion and move toward the coastal section, the course opens up dramatically.
The back nine is often described as resembling a “figure-eight” pattern that gradually unveils the surrounding landscape, including expansive ocean views and glimpses of the historic Point Pinos Lighthouse.
This progression from the sheltered, tree-lined holes to the exposed, wind-swept dunes is intentional, offering players a diverse experience that changes significantly as they move through the course.
Neville’s contribution also emphasizes the aesthetic and sensory experience of playing golf along the coast.
The sweeping ocean views, combined with the natural challenge of sandy dunes and native grasses, make the back nine feel reminiscent of traditional Scottish links courses.
This design intentionally draws upon classic links concepts, where the environment itself becomes a significant factor in determining the approach to each shot, blending beauty with unpredictability.
While the core design of the course has remained largely true to Egan and Neville's visions, modern maintenance practices and sustainability efforts have added new layers to its evolution.
The course's management has focused on ecological preservation, aligning with the surrounding environment.
Pacific Grove Golf Links has been recognized by the Audubon Society for its efforts in environmental stewardship, emphasizing practices that protect local wildlife and maintain the natural integrity of the course.
This commitment not only ensures a sustainable future for the course but also enhances the player experience, as golfers enjoy a natural landscape rich in both beauty and biodiversity.
Overview of Course Layout
The course layout at Pacific Grove Golf Links is distinct and memorable, providing two very different golfing experiences within a single round.
The layout is divided into the front and back nine, each offering a contrasting style—one meandering through tree-lined fairways and the other venturing out onto open coastal dunes.
This unique configuration provides a varied experience that requires adaptability and appreciation of both traditional parkland golf and links-style challenges.
The Front Nine: Parkland Experience
The front nine of Pacific Grove Golf Links presents a classic parkland experience that immediately sets the tone for a leisurely yet engaging round of golf.
Designed by Chandler Egan, this portion of the course winds its way through a gentle inland landscape, featuring rolling fairways that are flanked by the stately Monterey cypress trees.
These towering trees serve as both a beautiful natural frame for each hole and a strategic obstacle that demands careful shot selection and accuracy.
Players who are used to open courses will find that the front nine requires a slightly more tactical approach.
The narrow fairways are characteristic of parkland-style golf, which means that accuracy off the tee becomes more crucial than pure driving distance.
The Monterey cypress trees lining the fairways are not only visually impressive but can also significantly impact a golfer’s positioning if the ball strays.
This encourages a more measured approach to each shot—planning a drive that stays in the fairway, choosing irons or hybrids instead of woods if precision is needed, and plotting the best line to approach the greens.
The front nine holes also feature smaller greens compared to many modern courses, which adds to the challenge and the need for precise iron play.
The positioning of bunkers around these greens rewards thoughtful planning and penalizes players who are overzealous in their approach.
Golfers are challenged to not only consider distance but also trajectory and landing area, particularly when the wind comes into play—something that can even affect inland holes on blustery days.
The gently rolling topography is another factor, with subtle elevations providing tricky lies that require deft handling.
Overall, the parkland experience on the front nine is tranquil and beautiful, offering players the chance to immerse themselves in the serene landscape while also demanding careful, strategic play.
This section of the course is not about overpowering each hole but about embracing precision, skill, and a thoughtful approach, making it suitable for golfers of all skill levels who appreciate the classic game.
The Back Nine: Coastal Links Adventure
The back nine at Pacific Grove Golf Links is a stark contrast to the front, taking golfers from the relative calm of inland holes to the wild beauty of the coastline.
Designed by Jack Neville, this section brings a “links-style” feel, drawing inspiration from traditional Scottish courses.
The open, undulating dunes define this part of the course, providing an adventure where each shot is influenced by the elements—particularly the coastal wind that sweeps across the landscape.
This links-style portion of the course places golfers amidst sandy dunes and natural grasses, with expansive views of the Pacific Ocean accompanying nearly every hole.
The change in setting is immediate as you transition to the back nine—gone are the dense trees and narrow fairways, replaced by wide, open holes where the wind can either be your ally or your greatest challenge.
The back nine's design allows for creativity in shot-making, as there are fewer obstacles in terms of trees, but the vastness of the landscape means golfers need to rely heavily on their knowledge of wind direction, shot shaping, and course management.
One of the most remarkable features of the back nine is its figure-eight layout, which takes players on a journey along the coastline, revealing more of the stunning ocean views as they advance.
The design enhances the sense of exploration, as the ocean seems to come and go, gradually making its presence more pronounced until it becomes a defining feature of the final stretch.
This gradual reveal is one of the course's most charming characteristics, as each hole seems to edge closer to the Pacific, providing players with a growing sense of excitement and anticipation.
The presence of the Point Pinos Lighthouse is another unique element that contributes to the course's character.
This historic landmark can be seen from several vantage points on the back nine, most notably at the start of the tenth hole, adding a sense of place and history that enriches the golfing experience.
These scenic touches, combined with the natural beauty of the dunes and ocean, make the back nine visually captivating and uniquely challenging.
The links elements extend beyond just the landscape. Players must deal with natural hazards like sandy lies and uneven terrain, which are trademarks of links golf.
Unlike the manicured fairways of the front nine, the back nine's fairways can be influenced by the movement of sand, and the lies are often far less predictable.
This requires a flexible approach to shot-making, adjusting the club selection based on the lie and being ready to hit creative recovery shots when the ball finds its way into one of the many natural hazards.
Adding to the challenge of the back nine is the variability of the coastal weather.
While the inland front nine may be calm, the conditions along the ocean can change rapidly, especially as afternoon winds pick up.
This unpredictability is part of the allure for many golfers, as it makes every round unique.
Players are encouraged to develop a strategy based on what the course gives them at that moment—sometimes it's about powering through the wind, and other times it's about keeping the ball low and letting it run along the hard, firm turf.
The back nine at Pacific Grove also showcases some of the most memorable holes on the course.
The sixteenth hole, for example, is a par 4 that takes you back towards the ocean, offering an exhilarating moment as the vast expanse of the Pacific opens up in front of you.
This hole, with its slightly elevated tee box and descending fairway, provides one of the best views on the course and is often remembered as a highlight of the round. It captures the essence of coastal links golf, combining natural beauty with strategic shot-making.
Detailed Look at Notable Holes
Some holes at Pacific Grove Golf Links stand out not only for their scenic beauty but also for their unique challenges and strategic demands.
Let’s take a closer look at three of the most notable holes: Hole 10, Hole 12, and Hole 16.
These holes encapsulate the essence of what makes this course memorable, offering a mix of careful shot selection, beautiful views, and a range of playing experiences.
Hole 10: Beginning of the Coastal Back Nine
Hole 10 marks the start of the back nine and is a perfect introduction to the coastal links adventure that defines this half of the course.
This par 3 sits adjacent to the iconic Point Pinos Lighthouse, making it one of the most picturesque holes.
It’s relatively short, but the simplicity of the hole’s distance can be deceptive, given the surrounding features and environmental factors that come into play.
The location of Hole 10 right by the coast means that wind direction can heavily influence your shot.
On calmer days, this hole may feel straightforward, but when the wind picks up, club selection becomes crucial.
This is not a hole to underestimate—you need to account for the wind and avoid aiming too aggressively, as the surrounding rough and occasional bunkers can be challenging to escape if your ball ends up off target.
The green itself is fairly receptive, but it’s often best to aim for a safe spot that leaves an uphill putt, as downhill putts can run away from you due to subtle but impactful slopes.
The presence of the Point Pinos Lighthouse provides not only a scenic backdrop but also a navigational point.
Many players use it as a visual reference for lining up shots.
The lighthouse reminds players that they are entering a different type of golfing terrain—one that will challenge them with links-like elements where natural forces, such as the wind and undulating terrain, can dictate strategy.
Hole 12: Signature Links-Style Par 5
Hole 12 is one of the signature challenges of the back nine and embodies the essence of a traditional links-style course.
This par 5 takes players through a maze of coastal dunes, and strategic play is necessary for a successful score.
It demands that players make smart decisions from the tee box all the way to the green, emphasizing the importance of positioning to navigate the natural features effectively.
Off the tee, golfers are faced with a fairway that curves through the dunes, offering multiple paths to success.
Choosing the right side of the fairway is key; the left side might provide a more open view of the green, but it brings certain natural hazards into play.
On the other hand, opting for the right side can make the next shot more straightforward, but it can also leave a slightly longer distance to the green.
Understanding your own strengths—whether that’s control off the tee or comfort with longer approach shots—can help in making the best decision.
The second shot is equally critical because the approach to the green is guarded by both natural dune formations and deep rough, which can make recovery quite challenging if you go off course.
For players who can reach the green in two, it’s often wise to go for it only when the wind is manageable and you have a clear line.
Otherwise, laying up in a safe zone is a common strategy, setting up a more comfortable wedge shot to the green.
This hole rewards those who can stay patient, weigh risks carefully, and adapt to whatever the coastal landscape throws at them.
Hole 12’s green is relatively large, allowing for multiple pin placements that can dramatically alter the way the hole is played.
On some days, the hole location will allow for a more straightforward approach, while on other days, getting close might require an accurate pitch over dunes or around tricky slopes.
Players should take a moment before their third shot to study the green and determine the safest landing area, as aggressive approaches can sometimes lead to tricky putts with severe breaks.
Hole 16: Revealing the Ocean Views
Hole 16 is a standout hole at Pacific Grove, not just for its challenge but for the dramatic scenery it unveils.
This par 4 provides one of the most breathtaking moments on the course, as players finally return fully to the edge of the ocean after several holes weaving in and out of coastal views.
The tee shot here starts from an elevated position, giving players a sweeping view of the Pacific as they prepare their drive.
The sensation of hitting a tee shot toward the horizon, with the ocean in the distance, is exhilarating and is one of the reasons why this hole is a favorite among players.
From the tee, players are faced with a choice: take an aggressive line for maximum distance or aim for a safer position that avoids the surrounding dunes and potential trouble spots.
The fairway slopes gently downward, which means that a well-struck drive can roll out significantly, leaving a shorter approach to the green.
However, this also means that shots that stray left or right can find themselves in difficult spots, as the coastal grasses and small dunes along the sides of the fairway present natural challenges.
The approach shot on Hole 16 is often influenced by the coastal breeze, which tends to be stronger here than on inland parts of the course.
Players need to carefully judge the wind, which can easily knock down an under-hit shot or push it offline.
A solid strategy is to take an extra club if the wind is in your face, ensuring that you carry all the way to the green rather than coming up short and potentially rolling into one of the natural collection areas around the putting surface.
The green on Hole 16 slopes towards the ocean, which means putts tend to break more than they initially appear.
Players should take their time to read the subtleties of the green, as the coastal location often means slight undulations are amplified by the grain of the grass and the influence of the breeze.
Taking an extra moment to read the putt from multiple angles can be the difference between a birdie and a disappointing three-putt.
The real beauty of Hole 16, however, lies in how it reconnects golfers with the ocean.
After navigating several more protected holes, coming back to the coastal edge feels like a homecoming.
The hole is both a reminder of the natural beauty that Pacific Grove Golf Links has to offer and a test of a player’s ability to manage their game under changing conditions.
Course Difficulty and Playing Experience
Pacific Grove Golf Links offers a playing experience that strikes a balance between challenge and enjoyment, making it accessible to golfers of all skill levels while still delivering memorable and varied gameplay.
The difficulty of the course is shaped by its combination of parkland and links-style elements, with each half of the course presenting unique challenges that demand different approaches.
Understanding the details of the course rating, slope, and specific design features can help players get the most out of their round.
Course Rating and Slope
Pacific Grove Golf Links is a par 70 course that measures 5,727 yards in total length, which may seem shorter compared to many modern courses but doesn’t equate to an easy game.
Its shorter length is complemented by intricate design features and environmental factors that can significantly influence play, especially for those who may not be accustomed to adapting their approach based on wind and terrain.
The course has a slope rating of 113, which is essentially a measure of how challenging it is for an average golfer compared to a scratch golfer.
A slope rating of 113 places Pacific Grove Golf Links slightly below the average in terms of overall difficulty, making it an approachable course for a wide range of players.
Beginners will find that the shorter yardage helps mitigate the intimidation often felt with longer courses, giving them opportunities to score well on some of the par 3s and shorter par 4s.
For higher-handicap players, the wide-open fairways of the back nine and the generally forgiving rough also contribute to a more accessible golfing experience.
However, the course’s layout ensures that it isn’t simply a “walk in the park” for more experienced players.
The placement of bunkers, the positioning of greens, and the influence of wind—particularly on the coastal back nine—introduce challenges that demand strategic thinking.
Scratch players or low handicappers will find that the real test lies in executing precision shots in varying conditions, managing the nuances of the terrain, and making thoughtful club selections.
The true challenge at Pacific Grove doesn’t come from its length but rather the requirement to adapt to each unique scenario, especially on the holes where environmental factors like wind speed and direction play a significant role.
The par 70 layout also provides a balanced mix of par 3s, par 4s, and a couple of par 5s, each offering different scoring opportunities.
While the par 3s, like Hole 10, provide a break from the longer holes, they are no less demanding in terms of accuracy—particularly with the wind and natural hazards coming into play.
The par 5s, including Hole 12, require smart strategy, where positioning is more critical than simply hitting the ball as far as possible.
This variety keeps the course interesting and ensures players can leverage different parts of their skill set throughout the round.
Balancing Challenge and Scenery
One of the defining characteristics of Pacific Grove Golf Links is how it blends its difficulty with scenic beauty, making every round not just a test of skill but also an immersive experience in the natural splendor of the Monterey Peninsula.
The way the front and back nines contrast each other is part of what makes the experience special.
The front nine’s parkland style presents a more controlled, traditional round of golf where the Monterey cypress trees create narrow fairways that necessitate accurate tee shots and precise iron play.
The trees provide a natural barrier, demanding careful navigation, especially for those who are prone to slicing or hooking their drives.
The holes are not long, but the tighter angles and smaller greens mean players must think several shots ahead, planning carefully to avoid difficult lies or obstructed approaches.
The back nine shifts this experience entirely by moving to a links-style design along the ocean, where the challenge is less about navigating tree-lined corridors and more about managing wide-open fairways that are subject to the elements.
The back nine is a different kind of difficult—open fairways can be misleading, especially when coastal winds come into play.
What appears to be a straightforward shot can quickly become complicated by a strong breeze or a less predictable lie among the dunes.
This contrast challenges golfers to switch gears mentally and physically, adapting their play style as they move from the sheltered inland holes to the exposed coastal sections.
The scenic features of the course play an integral role in shaping the overall experience, providing players with more than just a game of golf.
On the front nine, the towering Monterey cypress trees offer both a beautiful and calming environment, creating a sense of isolation that is perfect for focusing on shot execution.
These trees are also a reminder of the natural beauty of the Monterey Peninsula, providing a quintessentially Californian landscape that makes even a frustrating shot feel less consequential when surrounded by such serene beauty.
Moving to the back nine, the ocean views and the sound of waves crashing in the distance create an exhilarating backdrop that makes this portion of the round feel more like an adventure.
The wide-open landscapes, the sight of the Point Pinos Lighthouse, and the constant presence of the Pacific Ocean elevate the back nine into something much more than a test of golfing skill.
The figure-eight layout takes players gradually closer to the ocean, until they are practically playing along the water’s edge, making the course feel like a journey from inland calm to coastal drama.
This setting can even alter one’s strategy and mindset—the natural beauty encourages players to stay patient, absorb the surroundings, and not get overly frustrated by the inherent challenges of links golf.
For those who are newer to the game, these scenic elements provide a welcome distraction and an opportunity to appreciate the game of golf beyond the technical aspects of each shot.
Experienced players, on the other hand, are likely to enjoy the nuanced interplay between managing the course’s difficulty while taking in its beauty, using landmarks like the lighthouse or ocean waves as visual markers for lining up shots.
The diversity of the course ensures that, regardless of skill level, every player will find a mix of both challenge and enjoyment.
The parkland front nine will appeal to those who prefer precision and controlled shots, while the links-style back nine offers an opportunity to test one’s ability to adapt to natural conditions and think creatively.
Together, these nines create a full golfing experience that not only tests a player’s technical skills but also invites them to engage deeply with their surroundings, making each round unique.
Amenities at Pacific Grove Golf Links
Pacific Grove Golf Links offers more than just a round of golf; it provides a well-rounded experience for players with its convenient amenities.
From the welcoming clubhouse to dedicated instructional programs, the facility ensures that golfers have access to everything they need, both on and off the course. Let’s explore these amenities in detail.
Clubhouse Overview
The clubhouse at Pacific Grove Golf Links serves as the central hub for both socializing and preparing for your round.
Though it might not be as extravagant as some high-end golf courses, it has everything a golfer needs to make their visit enjoyable and convenient.
The atmosphere is friendly, with a relaxed vibe that complements the course’s accessible nature.
The golf shop in the clubhouse is well-stocked with essential items for your game.
Whether you need a set of golf balls, tees, gloves, or apparel, the shop has you covered.
The inventory is thoughtfully curated to meet the needs of players of all skill levels, providing trusted brands without overwhelming options.
Players who find themselves missing key items before teeing off will appreciate the convenience of this shop, especially when needing quality gear at reasonable prices.
Next to the golf shop is the grill, which offers food and beverages for players looking to fuel up before or after their game.
The grill is a simple but appreciated part of the facility, with a selection of breakfast and lunch options designed to cater to golfers.
Breakfast sandwiches, burgers, wraps, and various snacks are available, ensuring players have a good range of choices to stay energized throughout the day.
For those finishing their round, the grill also offers cold beverages, including local beers, which makes it a great spot to relax and reflect on the round with friends or fellow golfers.
The casual, laid-back setting of the grill encourages camaraderie and adds to the overall experience at Pacific Grove Golf Links.
The clubhouse also serves as a meeting point for many of the course’s events and group activities.
Its modest yet welcoming atmosphere makes it perfect for informal gatherings, whether you're planning to start your day with a group of friends or meeting up with a local league.
Staff members at the clubhouse are known for their friendliness and local knowledge, and they are often willing to provide tips about the course, best times to play, and general suggestions for those visiting the area for the first time.
Instructional Programs
In addition to the essentials available at the clubhouse, Pacific Grove Golf Links also provides instructional programs, making it an excellent choice for golfers looking to sharpen their skills or those new to the game.
The course offers a variety of lessons, catering to both youth and adult players, and these programs are tailored to ensure that students of all ages and skill levels receive valuable instruction in a supportive environment.
Youth lessons at Pacific Grove Golf Links are particularly popular, with programs designed to introduce kids to the basics of the game in a fun and engaging way.
The youth programs emphasize not only the technical aspects of golf, like grip, stance, and swing fundamentals, but also golf etiquette and the spirit of the game.
This approach helps young golfers develop a respect for the sport, teaching them the importance of integrity and patience.
Instruction is often delivered in a group setting, which also provides kids with the opportunity to interact with peers, fostering a sense of community and making learning both enjoyable and social.
Adult lessons are also available, ranging from beginner sessions to more advanced clinics.
These lessons are designed to help players refine their technique, improve specific aspects of their game, or even address persistent weaknesses such as inconsistent driving or challenging short-game skills.
Adult instruction is provided by experienced PGA professionals who bring both expertise and a passion for teaching to each lesson.
Their ability to break down complex concepts into easy-to-understand advice makes these lessons particularly effective.
Players can opt for one-on-one private sessions if they want focused attention on specific areas, or join group clinics that cover broader skills in a social and less pressured environment.
The instructors at Pacific Grove Golf Links are all seasoned professionals, many with years of experience both playing competitively and teaching golf.
Their qualifications are complemented by their deep understanding of the course itself—an advantage that allows them to offer practical tips on how to best navigate Pacific Grove’s unique challenges.
For example, lessons often incorporate on-course training, where instructors take students through specific holes, providing real-time advice on strategy, club selection, and shot execution.
This practical approach allows students to learn in the context of actual gameplay, making the lessons more effective and directly applicable.
The course also periodically runs special clinics focused on different aspects of the game, such as putting workshops, short-game practice sessions, or even playing lessons that simulate the pressure of a real round.
These clinics are particularly helpful for players looking to elevate specific parts of their game and provide a structured opportunity to learn alongside other golfers with similar goals.
Whether you’re a new player looking to build a solid foundation or a seasoned golfer aiming to polish specific skills, the instructional programs at Pacific Grove Golf Links are designed to help you improve in a supportive and enjoyable setting.
The combination of skilled instructors, well-designed programs, and on-course practice ensures that golfers of all ages and abilities can get the most out of their lessons.
Conclusion
Pacific Grove Golf Links offers a unique blend of parkland and coastal links-style golf, providing a diverse and scenic experience at a great value.
With its well-designed layout, welcoming amenities, and opportunities for both casual play and skill development, it’s a standout destination on the Monterey Peninsula.
Whether you're a local or a visitor, this course ensures a memorable round of golf against a breathtaking backdrop.
