Pebble Beach Golf Links vs Spyglass Hill
Two bucket-list public-resort courses inside the same gate on 17-Mile Drive — here is how to pick between Pebble Beach's oceanfront finishing stretch and Spyglass Hill's forested, championship-grade routing.
| Pebble Beach Golf Links | Spyglass Hill Golf Course | |
|---|---|---|
| Setting | Cliffside on Carmel Bay | Opens by the sea, climbs into Monterey pines |
| Vibe | Bucket-list pageantry, gallery-worthy finishing holes | Quieter, more technical, fewer onlookers |
| Difficulty | Demanding but rewarding for mid-handicaps in calm weather | Widely considered the harder test from the back tees |
| Tournament pedigree | Multiple U.S. Opens and the AT&T Pro-Am host venue | Part of the AT&T Pro-Am rotation |
| Booking | Easier through a resort stay package | Easier as a stand-alone tee time |
Pebble Beach Golf Links
Pros
- Iconic ocean holes on the closing stretch
- U.S. Open pedigree
- Unmatched bucket-list factor
Cons
- Premium green fees
- Tee times often gated by resort stay
- Crowded gallery feel in season
Spyglass Hill Golf Course
Pros
- Strong championship test
- Quieter than Pebble
- Dramatic shift from coast to forest
Cons
- Less ocean exposure after the opening holes
- Still a premium resort price
- Wind makes a tough course tougher
Choose Pebble Beach Golf Links if…
this is a bucket-list round and the cliffs are the reason you came.
Choose Spyglass Hill Golf Course if…
you want the harder, quieter test that locals and pros respect.
FAQ
Are both courses inside the same gate?
Yes — both sit inside the 17-Mile Drive gates and are part of the Pebble Beach Resorts collection.
Which is harder?
Most regulars and tour pros call Spyglass Hill the tougher test from the back tees, especially in wind.