Golf Course Review by: Bill Satterfield
Rankings:
The Takeaway: Grade A+
Quick Facts
Designer: Jack Neville and Douglas Grant in 1919
Cost:
Phone Number: (831) 647-6500
Course Website: Official Website - Visit Pebble Beach Golf Links's official website by clicking on the link provided.
Directions: Get here! - 1700 17-mile Drive, Pebble Beach, California – UNITED STATES
Photos: See additional photos of Pebble Beach Golf Links
What to Expect: Is there a more famous golf course in the world than Pebble Beach? An argument can be made for historic St. Andrews or even Augusta National with all of its TV time, but the public access Pebble Beach course with its coastal holes and unsurpassed beauty may be the most coveted course in the world to play. No other course offers more time on the coast than Pebble Beach and few courses offer as much tournament history; most recently the 2000 U.S. Open. The pace of play is rarely less than five hours due to the resort nature of this course where player's are trying to get every dime worth of their $495 green fee. In the end you can expect to enjoy one of the top courses in the world and have a coastal experience like no other; simply a fantastic track.
By the Numbers
| Tees | Par | Yardage | Rating | Slope |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Black (U.S. Open) | 71 | 6828 | 74.3 | 144 |
| Blue | 72 | 6737 | 73.8 | 142 |
| Gold | 72 | 6348 | 72.3 | 137 |
| White | 72 | 6116 | 71.2 | 134 |
| Red (Women) | 72 | 5198 | 71.9 | 130 |
Individual Hole Analysis
Signature Hole: 18th Hole – 543 Yard Par 5 – At Pebble Beach it is easier to find a non-signature hole than to select a single signature hole. However, it is difficult to pass on the most famous finishing hole in the world. With the Pacific Ocean crashing into the rocks the entire left side of this dogleg left hole it is the most recognizable and one of the most beautiful holes anywhere. Few thrills are greater than launching a tee shot over the ocean towards an emerald green fairway and that is exactly what you are able to do here. The approach shot is protected on the right by a large tree and the left side features a long bunker that stands as a buffer between the green and the ocean. Truly one of the greatest holes in the world, this hole is a thrill from start to finish.
Best Par 3: 7th Hole – 109 Yards – There are very few holes in championship golf under 110 yards and even fewer that are well respected; well the 7th at Pebble Beach is just 106 yards and ranks as one of the most famous and favorite par 3s in the world. The coastal wind can cause havoc to golfers when making a club selection but even more distracting is the stunning beauty of this hole sitting in the ocean with waves crashing on the rocks.
Best Par 4: 8th Hole – 428 Yards – This hole is the author's favorite par four of all time. A blind uphill tee shot with less than a driver is usually required over the aiming rock viewable from the tee. The closer you can land your tee shot to the cliff edge the better; an exciting risk/reward blind tee shot. The comes the most exciting approach shot in golf; a mid-long iron shot over a chasm of Monterey Bay to a small, slanting green. Downhill shots are always exhilarating, but add into the fact you are playing one of the most famous courses in the world and taking dead aim at a small target over the ocean and you have an amazing golf experience all by itself. Flat out amazing!
Best Par 5: 18th Hole – 543 Yards – There are several exciting shots a player gets to make while playing Pebble Beach, but none are more anticipated than the tee shot at the famed 18th. With waves crashing against the rocks on the inside left of the dogleg and nerves going wild it offers a fantastic golfing experience. Reaching the green in two is a very achievable task, but with all the surroundings pulling at your attention it can be difficult to focus long enough to pull off the shot at the moment you have to. The hole is stunning and the experience priceless.
Birdie Time: 4th Hole – 331 Yard Par 4 – The 4th hole offers the golfer his first experience of playing along the coast at Pebble Beach. However, it is also an excellent chance to post a birdie. At just 331 yards the hole offers the opportunity to hit a comfortable club off the tee which will leave a short approach shot into the green. While some bunkering exists on the hole to cause some trouble, it is a relatively tame hole that offers all skill levels their best chance at birdie.
Bogey Beware: 9th Hole – 505 Yard Par 4 – The 9th hole is an excellent hole that doesn't get as much attention as the previous four holes gain. However it is a beautiful hole and a difficult one as well. A big drive is needed but with the ocean lurking to the right accuracy is needed as well. The fairway slopes left to right towards the ocean and a bunker lurks on the left of the fairway which makes the tee shot very difficult. The approach shot will generally be from an unlevel lie with a bunkered gully short left and the ocean to the right; easily the most difficult hole on the course.
