There are few tee times in golf more desirable than one at Pebble Beach Golf Links.
The setting is extraordinary, the history is unparalleled and the opportunity to play a course that has hosted multiple U.S. Opens and countless other significant events is firmly on many golfers' bucket lists.
Eighteen-time Major champion Jack Nicklaus once said if he only had one more round to play, he’d choose to play it at Pebble Beach, calling it “possibly the best [course] in the world”.
Pebble Beach has retained its status as one of the world’s great public-access courses, meaning there are ways for ordinary golfers to play it, unlike many of the world's most exclusive layouts. The catch? Getting a tee time requires a little more planning than simply clicking through an online booking system.
The good news is that there are a couple of different routes to the first tee at Pebble Beach. Here's everything you need to know.
Pebble Beach Golf Links is one of golf’s great amphitheaters, where the Pacific Ocean provides the backdrop and almost every hole carries a piece of history.
The course sits on the spectacular Monterey Peninsula on California's central coast, roughly 120 miles south of San Francisco.
It forms part of Pebble Beach Resorts and is reached via the famous 17-Mile Drive, a scenic road that winds around the coastline between Monterey and Carmel-by-the-Sea.
Pebble Beach occupies a dramatic stretch of Pacific coastline, with several holes running directly alongside Carmel Bay. It is also surrounded by some of the most recognisable scenery on the Monterey Peninsula, including the Lone Cypress and the rocky coastline for which the area is famous.
For golfers arriving by air, Monterey Regional Airport is by far the closest airport. From the airport, the route to Pebble Beach Golf Links follows Highway 68 and then 17-Mile Drive, with the resort estimating a journey of about 15 minutes.
The most dependable strategy to secure a tee time is to make your trip a resort stay.
Guests staying at The Lodge at Pebble Beach, The Inn at Spanish Bay or Casa Palmero have access to Pebble Beach's courses, and resort guests are the only golfers who can reserve a Pebble Beach tee time more than 24 hours in advance.
The booking window is particularly useful for golfers planning a bucket-list trip well ahead of time. Guests at The Lodge and The Inn at Spanish Bay can book accommodation up to 18 months in advance, while Casa Palmero reservations can be made up to 12 months ahead, subject to availability.
To avoid disappointment, Pebble Beach explicitly recommends that resort guests request their tee times at the time of booking their room.
A minimum two-night stay is required to secure a round at Pebble Beach Golf Links, although the resort can require three nights on certain dates. The resort's availability calendar identifies dates where different requirements apply, so it’s worth checking before finalising your itinerary.
As soon as possible is the short answer.
Because resort guests can plan their accommodation up to 18 months in advance, Pebble Beach is best approached as a destination trip rather than an isolated round of golf.
For a once-in-a-lifetime trip, we'd recommend starting with dates rather than a particular tee time. If you are travelling a long way to play Pebble Beach, it’s better to have several possible dates than to become fixated on one particular morning.
Another important consideration for larger groups is that up to two players may be booked per room, based on room occupancy. A group of four should therefore plan around two rooms if everyone wants to play Pebble Beach.
There is another considerably cheaper option to walk in the footsteps of Jack Nicklaus, Tom Watson and Tiger Woods, although it is much less certain.
Non-resort guests are able to book Pebble Beach Golf Links one day in advance, meaning you don’t necessarily need to fork out for several nights of accommodation to play the course.
Being one of the premier public courses in the world, tee times are in high demand, making the one-day window a genuine gamble.
If you're already in the Monterey or Carmel area and have some flexibility, it's worth trying. If you're flying across the Atlantic specifically to play Pebble Beach, however, the resort route is significantly safer.
Playing at such a prestigious course does not come without a hefty price tag, particularly if you’re planning on staying at Pebble Beach Resorts.
For the current rate period of April 1, 2026 to March 31, 2027, the published green fee for Pebble Beach Golf Links is $695. The green fee applies to both resort and non-resort golfers, although non-resort golfers also pay the applicable cart fee.
Additional published charges include:
Those figures make Pebble Beach one of the most expensive public-access rounds in the United States, particularly once accommodation, travel and caddie gratuity are added - but for many golfers this isn't an everyday round, it is the centrepiece of a trip.
California is home to some of the finest golf courses in the United States, but many of its highest-ranked layouts are reserved for members. For visiting golfers, that can make finding a truly exceptional public course a challenge. Fortunately, the California Top 100 ranking includes several outstanding courses that welcome public play. From the bucket-list experience of Pebble Beach to the much more affordable Rustic Canyon, here are the five highest-ranked courses in The Golden State that visiting golfers can play. Pebble Beach Golf Links (Pebble Beach) World Ranking: 27th | California ranking: 3rd | Green fee: $755 Pebble Beach Golf Links is one of golf’s great amphitheaters, where the Pacific Ocean provides the backdrop and almost every hole carries a piece of history. Jack Neville’s original 1919 layout, remodelled by Henry Chandler Egan, has evolved over the years, but its essential character remains intact. This is the course where the greats have made history, from U.S. Open champions to the stars of the Pebble Beach Pro-Am, yet its greatest appeal is that anyone can play it. The price may make the wallet wince, but where else can an ordinary golfer walk in the footsteps of Nicklaus, Watson and Woods? The stretch from the 7th to the 10th is among the most exhilarating in golf, while the run to the 18th provides a suitably spectacular finale. Pebble Beach may not be perfect, but when the Pacific is crashing against the cliffs, who really cares? Only resort guests can reserve Pebble Beach tee times more than 24 hours in advance, subject to a minimum two-night stay. Non-resort guests can call 24 hours before play to enquire about any remaining tee times. Green Fees: Resort Guest: $695 (£513) Non-Resort Guest: $755 (£557), including cart fee Pasatiempo Golf Club (Santa Cruz) USA Ranking: 63rd | California ranking: 7th | Green fee: $465 Pasatiempo Golf Club is one of America’s great Golden Age survivors and, remarkably, the only public-access course that famed golf architect Alister MacKenzie regarded as his finest work. Founded by Marion Hollins in 1929, the rolling Santa Cruz layout was MacKenzie’s American home, and he lived alongside the sixth fairway during the final years of his life. The course has plenty of history, but it remains a thoroughly enjoyable test for visiting golfers. The front nine winds through the trees before the routing becomes more dramatic on the back nine, where deep barrancas and undulating terrain come into play. A major restoration completed in 2024 returned the greens and bunkers closer to their original forms. Although Pasatiempo is a semi-private club, visiting golfers can book two types of tee times through the club's online booking system – regular, available up to a week in advance, and priority, available up to a year in advance. For golfers looking to experience one of California's great courses without the price tag of Pebble Beach, Pasatiempo offers a rare chance to play a genuine piece of Golden Age golf. Green Fees: 18 holes: $465 (£341), excluding $50 cart fee Spyglass Hill Golf Course (Pebble Beach) California ranking: 17th | Green fee: $610 Spyglass Hill is one of the great tests on the Monterey Peninsula and, for many, the most demanding of the Pebble Beach quartet. Designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr. and opened in 1966, it has been part of the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am rota since the following year. The opening five holes sweep from the Del Monte Forest towards the Pacific, with Jones deliberately drawing inspiration from Pine Valley. The course then turns inland through towering Monterey Pines and Cypress, with its tree-lined corridors recalling Augusta National. The 12th and 15th provide memorable par-three challenges, while the closing holes demand a strong finish. Spyglass Hill may live in the shadow of Pebble Beach and Cypress Point, but its reputation as one of America’s toughest and most rewarding layouts is thoroughly deserved. Unlike its more famous neighbour, Spyglass Hill is considerably easier for visiting golfers to book, with non-resort guests able to reserve tee times up to three months in advance. Green Fees: Resort Guest: $550 (£406) Non-Resort Guest: $610 (£450), including cart fee Rustic Canyon Golf Course (Moorpark) California ranking: 19th | Green fee: From $30 Rustic Canyon Golf Course offers a very different experience from the famous resort courses of the Monterey Peninsula. Laid out by Gil Hanse, Jim Wagner and Geoff Shackelford on a former sheep ranch north-west of Los Angeles, it is a relaxed, natural-looking course where wide fairways and firm, fast-running turf give golfers plenty of options. The course is relatively forgiving from the tee, but its large, undulating greens provide a sterner test, while the exposed setting means wind can quickly change the character of the round. The back nine is particularly memorable, climbing into the surrounding hills before a testing finish. It may lack the ocean views and tournament history of California's marquee courses, but Rustic Canyon offers excellent golf at a fraction of the price. For golfers looking beyond the obvious names, it is one of the state's best-value public courses. Tee times can be booked online, with reservations available to public golfers up to 28 days in advance. Popular weekend slots can fill quickly, while green fees vary depending on the day of the week and how far in advance you book. PGA West – Stadium (La Quinta) California ranking: 23rd | Green fee: From $60 PGA West’s Stadium Course is the toughest of the three public courses at the La Quinta resort and has been challenging golfers since 1986. It has plenty of tournament pedigree, having hosted the televised Skins Game and now serving as the venue for The American Express on the PGA Tour. At 7,300 yards, the Stadium Course is no pushover, with water coming into play on many holes. The closing stretch is particularly demanding, with the famous island green on the 17th – nicknamed Alcatraz – followed by a daunting water-guarded 18th. The course underwent a major restoration in 2024 and remains one of California’s most memorable public golf experiences. For golfers who enjoy a challenge, the Stadium Course offers the chance to test themselves on a layout that continues to feature on the professional circuit. Tee times can be booked online through PGA West, with the Stadium Course available to both resort and non-resort guests. Green Fees: Approximately $60–$399+ (£44–£295+), depending on the season and tee time.
West Region US Best In State Rankings 2014 The final phase of our revised and updated US Best In State rankings for 2014 is complete 27th March 2014 We are pleased to announce that the fourth and final phase of four Regional updates is now complete detailing our latest biennial US Best in State rankings. The West Region of the USA, as defined by the US Census Bureau, comprises of thirteen states; the Mountain states of Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah and Wyoming, alongside the Pacific sates of Alaska, California, Hawaii, Oregon and Washington. For the purpose of grouping our Best in State updates, we have decided to implement the rollout in four regional phases (Northeast, Midwest, South and West). The famous 19th century quote: “Go West, Young Man!” may well have promoted the expansion westward at an exciting time in US history, but statistically the Western United States is still one of the most sparsely populated areas in the country. Of the thirteen Western states, only California and Washington exceed the national average of inhabitants per square mile. The eight states that make up the West’s Mountain Division cover an enormous and incredibly diverse geographical area. Despite these inherent challenges, the Mountain West currently has six golf courses in America’s Top 100 and the most highly ranked is the inland links of Ballyneal at Holyoke in Colorado – Colorado, incidentally, currently boasts three layouts in the national hundred. Most courses in the Mountain region are modern designs and two notable layouts with a farming theme can be found at Gozzer Ranch in Idaho and at the Rock Creek Cattle Company in Montana – both of which were fashioned in the new millennium. Only the Mid-Atlantic States boast more golf courses in the national Top 100 than the West’s Pacific States. With eighteen layouts in the US hundred, the Pacific States are well endowed with top-flight courses and California (with eleven American Top 100 tracks) is the second most prolific behind only New York State. Cypress Point is the Pacific Division’s standard-bearer and those golfers lucky enough to tee it up at “The Point” consider it a seminal experience. Next door to the ultra-private Cypress Point is Pebble Beach, which is simply Mecca for many golfers. Host to five U.S. Open Championships and numerous other important events, Pebble may be expensive, but it’s a course that many golfers consider to be the best you can play in the entire USA. Further up the Pacific Coast in Oregon you’ll find the only property in America where you can play four world-class courses. Bandon Dunes is an extraordinary property but it would be remiss not to savour Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw’s 13-hole par three course, Bandon Preserve, while visiting Bandon. We’ve extended most of our Best in State ranking lists since our first iteration some two years ago. California now features a Top 50 for the first time and Arizona and Colorado now profile Top 30s. Washington now features a Top 25 and Nevada, Hawaii and Oregon now display Top 20s. The latest revision of our Best In State rankings is simply work in progress, as we know there are many unheralded golf courses that we still need to feature. If you’re passionate about your home state’s golf courses and would like to help us further develop our Best In State initiative by shining a light on a hidden gem, then please send an email to info@top100golfcourses.com. We’d love to hear from you. To learn more about our revised Best in State rankings for the West Region, please navigate to the dedicated US state pages by clicking on any one of the following links: Alaska Best In State Golf Courses (Top 5) Arizona Best In State Golf Courses (Top 30) California Best In State Golf Courses (Top 50) Colorado Best In State Golf Courses (Top 30) Hawaii Best In State Golf Courses (Top 20) Idaho Best In State Golf Courses (Top 10) Montana Best In State Golf Courses (Top 10) Nevada Best In State Golf Courses (Top 20) New Mexico Best In State Golf Courses (Top 10) Oregon Best In State Golf Courses (Top 20) Utah Best In State Golf Courses (Top 10) Washington Best In State Golf Courses (Top 25) Wyoming Best In State Golf Courses (Top 10) The Top 100 Team
The Ultimate Caddy Guide: Etiquette and Tips for Playing the World's Top Golf Courses Expert advice on working with caddies at bucket-list destinations like St. Andrews, Pebble Beach, Cypress Point and Ballybunion Introduction: Why a Good Caddy Makes All the Difference Picture this: You've finally scored that tee time at Pebble Beach, St. Andrews, or Ballybunion. You've dropped more cash on the greens fee than your monthly car payment. You're jittery with excitement on the first tee, and suddenly it hits you – you've never played with a caddy before. What's the proper tip? Should you rake your own bunker? Can you really trust this stranger when they say "aim three cups right" on a putt that looks dead straight? I've been there. Most of us have. The caddy-player relationship can be awkward if you're not used to someone carrying your bag and giving you advice. But get it right, and a good looper can transform your bucket list round from merely memorable to absolutely magical. According to Morgan Mahalack, who's carried bags at Baltimore Country Club, Olympic Club, and several exclusive Los Angeles private clubs, the caddy-player relationship is pretty simple: "It's built on mutual respect and clear expectations." So let's cut through the mystery and get to the good stuff: How to prep your bag so your caddy doesn't silently curse your name by the third hole When to handle course maintenance yourself (yes, sometimes you still rake your own bunkers) The proper way to handle green reading advice when you're convinced the putt breaks the other way How to handle the money conversation without making everyone uncomfortable Whether you're heading to Bandon Dunes next month or saving up for that once-in-a-lifetime pilgrimage to the Home of Golf, these insider tips will help you navigate the experience like you belong there. And as Morgan puts it, a good caddy "can easily save you 10 strokes" on an unfamiliar course – making that caddy fee the best investment of your golfing trip. Before the First Tee: Setting Yourself Up for Success Understanding Different Caddy Arrangements at Top Golf Courses Before you arrive at prestigious courses like Pine Valley or Royal County Down, it helps to understand what type of caddy service to expect: Single Bag Caddy: One caddy dedicated solely to you – the premium experience but less common at busy courses Double Bag Caddy: One caddy carrying two bags – the standard arrangement at most top 100 golf courses worldwide Four Caddy Service: One caddy assists a foursome in carts, typically handling putters, bunker raking, and course management Pro Tip: Double bagging is typically preferred by caddies for financial reasons, but means you'll share attention with another player. Your expectations should adjust based on which arrangement you'll have. How to Prepare Your Golf Bag for a Caddy Nothing makes a worse first impression than showing up with an unnecessarily heavy bag at courses like Muirfield or Shinnecock Hills. Here's how to prep like a pro: Remove excessive golf balls (12 max for most players) Clean your clubs thoroughly before arrival Consider using a lightweight carry bag rather than a tour or cart bag Remove unnecessary items (excessive rain gear, etc.) Insider Knowledge: "I once caddied for a guy who had 36 Pro V1s in his bag," shares Morgan. "Halfway through the round, I secretly stashed them in a maintenance cart because the bag was so heavy." What Caddies Notice During Your Warm-Up Caddies are often observing you on the range before your round, making mental notes about: Your typical shot shape and distance with various clubs Your pre-shot routine and tempo Whether your equipment suggests your true skill level Caddy Secret: Most top caddies can determine your yardages just by watching your range session. Being honest about your handicap saves embarrassment - they'll know your game within three holes anyway. On the Course: Building a Successful Caddy Partnership Tee-to-Green: Making the Most of Caddy Advice When playing unfamiliar championship courses like Carnoustie or Pine Valley, local knowledge is invaluable: Trust your caddy's line suggestions, especially on blind shots Be clear about your typical shot shape and distance Ask specific questions about hazards and landing areas Expert Advice: "Surrender to the caddy," Morgan recommends. "At iconic courses, local knowledge trumps your instincts 99% of the time. The caddy who's seen thousands of shots from your exact position knows better than you do." Understanding Green Reading Language at Elite Courses Greens at top-ranked courses like Augusta National or Royal Melbourne can be particularly challenging to read. Caddies use specific terminology: "Cups outside" refers to aiming points measured in cup-widths from the hole on either side "Percentage reads" indicate how much break to play (e.g., "50% less" means less break) Visual pointing uses the flagstick to indicate the ideal line Key Insight: Different caddies at different destinations use different systems. Ask for clarification early in the round if you're unclear about their terminology. Halfway House and Refreshment Protocol with Caddies Customs around food and drink vary between prestigious golf clubs around the world: At the turn, it's often good form to ask if your caddy wants something Caddies are not responsible for fetching drinks during play but they may offer to do so Navigating Challenges: When Your Round Gets Complicated When Caddy Advice Doesn't Work Out Even at the world's best golf courses like Cypress Point or Trump Turnberry, misreads happen: Professional caddies often feel worse than you do about misreads Cultural differences matter - Irish caddies might playfully tease you after a poor shot American caddies typically maintain professional courtesy regardless of the outcome Building trust throughout the round matters more than individual shots Real Example: "At Ballybunion, our caddies would (joke) after bad shots, which took all the pressure off. That approach would never work at most American private clubs," shares Morgan. Managing Golf Frustrations with a Caddy Present Even at bucket-list courses, bad days happen. Here's how to handle them: Experienced caddies have already seen every form of golf frustration imaginable Professional caddies maintain a "straight face, mouth shut" demeanour during player outbursts Focus frustration on yourself, never your caddy Remember that how you handle adversity reveals character Caddy Perspective: Morgan recalls a player smashing a tin of beer with his driver after a poor shot. "I just picked up the club, put it back in the bag, and kept walking like nothing happened. That's what professionals do." The Financial Side: Properly Compensating Your Caddy Understanding Caddy Payment at World-Class Golf Destinations Payment structures vary between top golf courses internationally: At most prestigious courses, approximately $150 (£150 or €150) per bag is fairly standard as a ballpark figure Scottish and Irish courses often have a set fee plus expected gratuity Payment methods vary - sometimes fees are prepaid, sometimes paid directly Cash is nearly always preferred Direct Advice: "If you're unsure about compensation, simply ask your caddy directly what the standard is at that course," suggests Morgan. "They'll appreciate the straightforward approach." When and How to Tip Your Caddy Appropriately Compensating caddies appropriately is part of proper golf etiquette. You can ask in the pro shop discreetly about expectations if not clearly stated elsewhere. The following may also help: Consider the caddy effort and experiential improvement Exceptional service merits additional consideration Present payment discreetly at the end of the round if appropriate Remember that caddies depend on proper compensation for their livelihood Practical Tip: For once-in-a-lifetime rounds, err on the side of generosity. If being hosted by a member, some consider it good form to offer to cover caddie costs. Conclusion: The True Value of the Caddy Experience The relationship between player and caddy represents one of golf's most distinctive traditions—a partnership that enhances playing the world's greatest courses. As Morgan puts it, "It's a circular deal...you're helping that caddy out, allowing them to have a career, and you're going to maximize your experience." Consider what you gain with a caddy at bucket-list courses: Local knowledge that can "easily save you 10 strokes" at unfamiliar venues Insights into strategic nuances that make top-ranked courses special Freedom to focus entirely on your game, not logistics A cultural connection to the history and traditions of the course When Morgan played Ballybunion with his friend, their caddy John Stacky—both a looper and course member—delivered not just club selections but authentic Irish golf culture. That experience simply can't be replicated with a yardage book and rangefinder. Whether you're planning your dream round at Pinehurst No. 2, Royal Dornoch, or Tara Iti, understanding these unwritten caddy codes transforms you from an awkward visitor into a seasoned local. Golf at its best isn't just about the score—it's about the connections and memories created. A great caddy doesn't just carry your bag; they carry a piece of the course's soul, sharing it with you one hole at a time. Quick Reference: Caddy Etiquette at World-Class Golf Courses In a nutshell, the following bullet points will get you started: DO: Consider a lightweight carry bag when possible Fix your own ball marks Be honest about your skill level DON'T: Pack unnecessary items or excessive golf balls Ignore their advice, especially on unfamiliar courses Take frustration out on your caddy Remember: A great caddy can save you "10 strokes easily" on an unfamiliar course - perhaps making that $150 the best investment of your bucket-list golf experience. Looking for more tips on planning your next golf trip? Check out our guides to Playing Golf in Scotland, America's Most Exclusive Golf Clubs, and How to Access the World's Top 100 Golf Courses.
