Spyglass Hill Golf Course
Pebble Beach, California
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.
History & Heritage
Spyglass Hill Golf Course opened in 1966 as the second resort course at Pebble Beach Resorts, designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr. The course was built to complement Pebble Beach Golf Links and was named after a lookout point in Robert Louis Stevenson's novel Treasure Island. Nearly every hole carries a name drawn from the classic adventure story, a tribute to Stevenson who lived briefly on the Monterey Peninsula in 1879.
Jones created a unique two-part design: the first five holes wind through exposed sand dunes along the Pacific coastline, reminiscent of Scottish links golf, before the course ascends into the dense Del Monte Forest of Monterey pines and cypress trees for the remaining thirteen holes. This dramatic shift in landscape is unlike anything else in American golf.
Spyglass Hill joined the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am rotation and has been a fixture of that event alongside Pebble Beach Golf Links and other Monterey Peninsula courses. With a course rating of 75.5 from the championship tees, it is widely considered the most difficult course in the Pro-Am rotation and one of the toughest resort courses in the country.
Signature Holes
Named "Treasure Island," the opening par 5 plays through sand dunes toward the Pacific Ocean. One of the most dramatic opening holes in golf, it sets the tone for the oceanside stretch with sweeping coastal views.
Named "Blind Pew," this short par 4 in the dunes rewards accuracy over power. The green is tucked behind dunes with the ocean as a stunning backdrop, requiring a precise approach to a well-defended target.
The transition hole where the course moves from open dunes into the Del Monte Forest. A demanding par 4 that marks the dramatic change in character from links-style to tree-lined parkland golf.
A long, challenging par 4 through the dense forest. At nearly 480 yards, it demands two powerful and accurate shots through a corridor of towering Monterey pines to reach a well-protected green.
What to Expect
Spyglass Hill offers a remarkable two-course-in-one experience. The first five holes play through exposed sand dunes along the Pacific coast, with ocean winds, sandy waste areas, and links-style turf. At the 6th tee, the course transforms dramatically as it enters the dense Del Monte Forest, where towering Monterey pines and cypress trees frame tight fairways and elevated greens.
At 6,960 yards with a course rating of 75.5 and slope of 148 from the tips, Spyglass Hill is a serious test for any golfer. The resort tees offer more manageable yardages, but the course remains demanding due to its varied terrain, firm conditions, and strategic green complexes.
Playing Tips
On the opening dune holes, wind management is critical. Club selection should account for gusts off the Pacific, and keeping the ball low is often advantageous. The dune holes also feature ice plant and sandy waste areas, so staying on the short grass is essential.
Once in the forest, accuracy becomes paramount. The tree-lined fairways leave little room for wayward drives, and the greens are well-defended by bunkers and elevation changes. Play conservatively on the long par 4s in the forest section, as bogey from the fairway beats double bogey from the trees.
Highlights
- ✓ RTJ Sr. design blending ocean and forest
- ✓ Among the toughest courses on the Monterey Peninsula
- ✓ AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am rotation course
Frequently Asked Questions
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