Best Golf Courses in Monterey, California

The Monterey Peninsula is the most iconic golf destination in America. Pebble Beach Golf Links — with its clifftop holes along Carmel Bay — is the most photographed course in the world, and the surrounding collection of Spyglass Hill, Cypress Point, and Poppy Hills creates a concentration of world-class golf found nowhere else.

Our Methodology: Courses are ranked by an expert panel evaluating design quality, conditioning, challenge, aesthetics, and overall experience. Both private and public courses are considered on merit.

Pebble Beach Golf Links resort

Pebble Beach, California · Jack Neville & Douglas Grant (1919) · 18 holes · Par 72 · 6,828 yards

Arguably the most famous golf course in America, Pebble Beach has hosted six U.S. Opens along the cliffs of the Monterey Peninsula. The iconic oceanfront holes from 4 through 10 and the dramatic finishing stretch at 17 and 18 deliver golf at its most spectacular and storied.

Six-time U.S. Open hostIconic Monterey Peninsula clifftop holesMost famous public-access course in the world

Green Fee: $575–$625 Rating: 5/5

Spyglass Hill Golf Course resort

Pebble Beach, California · Robert Trent Jones Sr. (1966) · 18 holes · Par 72 · 6,960 yards

Robert Trent Jones Sr.'s Spyglass Hill begins with five stunning oceanfront holes through the sand dunes before ascending into the Del Monte Forest pines. Often considered the toughest test on the Monterey Peninsula, it combines coastal and forest golf in a single round.

RTJ Sr. design blending ocean and forestAmong the toughest courses on the Monterey PeninsulaAT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am rotation course

Green Fee: $395–$425 Rating: 4.7/5

Cypress Point Club private

Pebble Beach, California · Alister MacKenzie (1928) · 18 holes · Par 72 · 6,524 yards

Alister MacKenzie's jewel on the Monterey Peninsula, Cypress Point is considered one of the most beautiful and strategically brilliant courses ever built. The iconic par-3 16th over the Pacific, the lone cypress, and the wind-swept clifftop setting create golf's most romantic and revered experience.

Alister MacKenzie architectural masterworkIconic par-3 16th over the Pacific OceanPerennially ranked among the world's top 3 courses

Green Fee: Members Only Rating: 5/5

The Links at Spanish Bay resort

Pebble Beach, California · Robert Trent Jones Jr. / Tom Watson / Sandy Tatum (1987) · 18 holes · Par 72 · 6,821 yards

A collaboration between Robert Trent Jones Jr., Tom Watson, and Sandy Tatum, Spanish Bay was designed to evoke the links courses of Scotland. The seaside layout on restored sand dunes features fescue fairways, pot bunkers, and a Scottish bagpiper at sunset — a Monterey Peninsula tradition.

Scottish links-style on restored dunesRTJ Jr., Tom Watson, and Sandy Tatum collaborationBagpiper at sunset tradition

Green Fee: $290–$310 Rating: 4.5/5

Pasadera Country Club private

Monterey, California · Jack Nicklaus (2000) · 18 holes · Par 71 · 6,831 yards

A Jack Nicklaus Signature design in the hills above Monterey, Pasadera offers a more inland Monterey Peninsula experience through oak woodlands and rolling terrain. The intimate private club features challenging green complexes and panoramic views of Monterey Bay.

Jack Nicklaus Signature inland designOak woodland setting above MontereyPanoramic Monterey Bay views

Green Fee: Members Only Rating: 4.4/5

Bayonet & Black Horse - Bayonet public

Seaside, California · Gen. Robert McClure (1954) · 18 holes · Par 72 · 7,104 yards

Originally built for soldiers at Fort Ord, Bayonet is a military-heritage course now open to the public. The demanding layout through Monterey pines and coastal terrain features narrow fairways and firm conditions, offering a challenging and affordable alternative to Pebble Beach.

Military-heritage course at former Fort OrdAffordable Monterey Peninsula alternativeDemanding layout through Monterey pines

Green Fee: $60–$130 Rating: 4.3/5

Quail Lodge Golf Club resort

Carmel Valley, California · Robert Muir Graves (1963) · 18 holes · Par 71 · 6,516 yards

Nestled in sunny Carmel Valley away from the coastal fog, Quail Lodge is a resort course at the boutique Quail Lodge & Golf Club. The Robert Muir Graves design winds through oak-studded valley terrain with Carmel River frontage and mountain views in a serene, uncrowded setting.

Sunny Carmel Valley locationBoutique resort golf experienceCarmel River frontage and mountain views

Green Fee: $100–$185 Rating: 4.2/5

Pacific Grove Golf Links public

Pacific Grove, California · Jack Neville (1932) · 18 holes · Par 70 · 5,732 yards

Known as the "Poor Man's Pebble Beach," Pacific Grove Municipal offers ocean-side golf at a fraction of the cost. The Jack Neville back nine plays along the rugged Pacific coastline with crashing waves, tide pools, and views of Point Pinos Lighthouse — a remarkable value on the Monterey Peninsula.

Ocean-side golf at municipal pricingJack Neville back nine along Pacific coastlineNicknamed "Poor Man's Pebble Beach"

Green Fee: $25–$55 Rating: 4.1/5

Public Courses in Monterey

Looking for courses you can play without a membership? See our complete guide to public courses in Monterey .

Overview

The Monterey Peninsula is a pilgrimage site for serious golfers. Pebble Beach has hosted six U.S. Opens, and the annual AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am showcases the coastline to millions of viewers. Beyond the flagship, Spyglass Hill offers a brutally challenging Robert Trent Jones Sr. design, the Links at Spanish Bay provides a Scottish links experience, and neighboring Cypress Point (ultra-private) is routinely ranked among the world's top five courses.

Best Time to Play

April through October offers the best weather, with September and October being particularly warm and fog-free. Summer mornings often start foggy along the coast, usually burning off by midday. The mild Mediterranean climate allows year-round play, though winter brings more rain.

Travel Tips & Getting There

Monterey Regional Airport (MRY) has limited commercial service. Most visitors fly into San Francisco (SFO, 2 hours north) or San Jose (SJC, 90 minutes north) and drive down the scenic Pacific Coast Highway. Book Pebble Beach tee times well in advance — staying at the Lodge or Inn gives priority access.

Nearest Airport: Monterey Regional Airport (MRY)

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to play Pebble Beach?

The standard green fee at Pebble Beach Golf Links is around $625 for non-resort guests. Guests staying at Pebble Beach Resorts properties receive preferred rates and booking access. The cart fee is additional. Despite the cost, most golfers consider it a bucket-list experience worth every penny.

Can you play Cypress Point?

No, Cypress Point Club is one of the most exclusive private clubs in the world. There is no resort or public access. Membership is by invitation only, and even getting on as a guest requires a member host.

What is the best value course on the Monterey Peninsula?

Pacific Grove Golf Links, a municipal course along the coast, offers stunning ocean views at a fraction of Pebble Beach prices. Poppy Hills, run by the NCGA, and Bayonet & Black Horse on the former Fort Ord also provide excellent value.

Explore Nearby Golf Destinations

San Francisco Golf Courses Los Angeles Golf Courses

State Golf Guides

Golf in California

Stay in the Loop

Get weekly rankings updates, destination guides, and insider tips delivered to your inbox.