Pebble Beach Golf Links, situated on the Monterey Peninsula in California, is widely regarded as one of the world’s most iconic golf courses, opened in 1919 and originally designed by Jack Neville and Douglas Grant, with later renovations involving Arnold Palmer and others. This public 18-hole course spans 6,828 yards from the championship tees, with a par of 72, a rating of 73.0, and a slope of 135, featuring dramatic oceanfront holes, cypress trees, and rugged cliffs overlooking Carmel Bay. Known for its small greens averaging 3,500 square feet and the famous par-3 7th hole over the Pacific, it has hosted six U.S. Opens and the annual AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am, blending natural beauty with championship history. Amenities include a pro shop, dining at The Bench overlooking the 18th green, and luxury resorts nearby, making it a bucket-list destination.
The course plays as a true test of golf amid stunning scenery, where the seaside holes from 4 to 10 demand precision to navigate cliffs and ocean hazards, with wind often playing a major role in strategy. Golfers face small, firm greens that require accurate approaches, and the par-5 18th along the bay rewards bold play but punishes errors with rocky shores. Social media users on X describe it as magical and unforgettable, emphasizing the thrill of holes like the par-3 16th over the ocean and the need for adaptability to changing conditions. Playability is high for experienced golfers who appreciate its strategic depth, but it can be unforgiving for higher handicaps due to the elements and layout.