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California Golf
Browse this page for some very spectacular golf courses in California, USA, with General Descriptions, Trip Tips and Golfing Tips.
Use the drop down sub menu under Golf for other country locations.
ENJOY!
Pebble Beach Golf Links Monterey, USA
Besides St Andrews Golf Links in Scotland, Pebble Beach Golf Links is probably the most iconic public golf course in the world that avid golfers would want to play at least once in their life.
Set on the stunning coast of the Monterey Peninsula in California, the course has been the venue of the AT&T National Pro-Am since 1986. As seen on live TV every January when the PGA Tour descends on this beautiful course, there are several signature holes set against the rugged coast on the Pacific Ocean.
Although it is a public course, gaining guaranteed access to play the course requires overnight stay in one our their official accommodation that will make a very noticeable dent in your bank balance. You could take your chances of trying to book a spot one day prior, but you would not want to travel all the way there only not to secure a spot.
Instagram REELS:
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Trip Tips
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While the best season to play this course is April through October, you never know what the actual day will bring, but very likely, you will have strong wind gusts on the holes next to the coast, particularly on holes 6,7,17 and 18.
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To secure your accommodation and round, you would do well to make your reservations 9 to 12 months in advance.
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The reservation and service staff were always lovely and helpful, and the restaurants and bars on site are equally magnificent. Both times we stayed at The Lodge and it was pricy but exquisite. There is also a small grocer / deli for casual dining.
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Be sure to pick up some memorabilia at the Pro Shop and other on site boutiques.
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While in the Monterey Bay area, be sure to Aquarium and Carmel-by-the-Sea. And if you are a fan, the John Steinbeck Museum is in nearby Salina.
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If you have time for a few more rounds, check out the courses at Spyglass Hill, Poppy Hills, Spanish Bay, Pacific Grove, and Bayonet & Black Horse. Further up North, the course at Half Moon Bay does have a few beautiful coastal holes.
Golf Tips
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For that once in a lifetime course experience, do hire one of their experienced caddies and walk the course instead of driving a golf cart even though the cart comes included with your green fees.
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You probably want to bring your own clubs to play the course, but in case that's a hassle, they do rent out quality Taylor Made sets on site.
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Photo opportunities - the club house; shops arcade; tees on 7th & 18th; greens on 4th, 9th , 10th & 18th; and the second shot across the cliff on 8th!
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I played Pebble twice - in December (was there on other business, so had a Winter round!), and May. Unfortunately both days were rainy and very windy, but that's part of the test of playing links golf on an ocean coast! So, be prepared for some windy holes!
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I have put together a little brochure for planning your trip and making the best of your round, including how an amateur could best course-manage the signature holes at 6th, 7th, 8th, & 18th. Click here to get this helpful flip brochure guide for a small contribution of USD9.
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Half Moon Bay Links
Half Moon Bay, California
Half Moon Bay Golf Links, situated in San Mateo County, about 45 minutes' drive South of San Francisco offers two courses - the older 'Old' Course, and the newer, more scenic Ocean Course.
In my golf 'tour' of Northern California, I was drawn to the scenic holes on the Ocean Course, and had no regrets picking it over the Old Course which was built around residential areas.
There wasn't too much trouble getting a tee time as I was there late March, still not quite the start of the peak golf season.
The highlight of the course was the spectacular 3 finishing holes, including the signature 16th Par 3 with a daunting tee shot across the cliff to a green that looks much smaller than it really was.
The Par 5 18th plays long and slightly uphill with wide open fairways looking back up to the imposing club house in the distance.
Bayonet & Black Horse
Seaside, California
Bayonet & Black Horse is a hidden gem on the Monterey Bay located at Seaside, with 36 holes of golf. Bayonet is touted as the toughest challenge in Monterey, while Back Horse is more inviting with wider fairways and elevated views of the bay.
Being partial to courses with ocean views, I chose to play Black Horse and enjoyed it thoroughly.
The course was very well maintain albeit there were some areas that were roped off for upgrade / maintenance, but that did not interfere with the golf.
Staff at reception and the starter were all very friendly and helpful. You will enjoy the signature PAR 3 15th that has a great view of the bay.
On the Par 4 Hole 3, that lone tall tree on the middle right right near the tee box plays with your mind and makes the fairway look that much narrower
Pacific Grove Golf Links
Pacific Grove, California
This hidden gem of a public course, just 5 minutes' drive from the Monterey Bay Aquarium is often called the poor golfer's Pebble Beach. Well for one, the coust to play here is a fraction of what you have to pay at Pebble. To it's credit, it has won many awards and there are a few holes that play near the ocean, but the views are nothing like the iconic ones you get at Pebble.
It was great for a practice round the day before I played Pebble for the second time in March 2024.
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