Golf in Monteray Bay

Following our southern California adventure, we decided that it was time to tackle the coveted Monterey peninsula. The area is known for its plethora of fantastic golf courses but what we didn’t know, was the variety of golf we would find. We were blown away with the selection and regardless of budget; you will find a great golfing experience that you won’t ever forget. It’s hard to beat the sweeping views of the expansive, deep-blue Pacific Ocean just yards away, or the lush green fairways meandering through the Del Monte forest. However, it’s the quality of the courses that make the Monterey peninsula a truly unforgettable golf experience. From the poor man’s Pebble (Pacific Grove), to the tree lined fairways of Poppy Hills, to the exclusive Pebble Beach itself, there is plenty of golf to be played and it’s not as unaffordable as you might think! Here’s our review of golf in the area!

Great Value

Pacific Grove: Commonly referred to as the poor man’s Pebble, Pacific Grove boasts the views of Pebble beach for about 1/10 the price! Regardless of your skill level, this little track will blow you away. Although it may not be of the same quality of other courses area or may not be the hardest test of golf, it provides mind-blowing views of the Pacific that you won’t find many other places. Even if you have the big boy courses on your play list, you’re not going to want to miss Pacific Grove. Our suggestion: play it as your warm up course before playing the bigger ones!

Course Conditions: 3
Layout: 4
Service: 3
Value: 5
Overall: 4

Best Value

Poppy Hills: Located in Pebble Beach, Poppy Hills is a stunning, playable, and challenging test of golf that meanders through the Del Monte forest. Unlike many of the courses in the area, it doesn’t offer many ocean views but more than makes up for it in course conditioning, challenge, and by establishing it’s own distinct character. Despite how difficult Poppy Hills can play, any level of player will have a great time on the links! It’s set up in a way where running the ball along the ground to approach greens is often the best method of attack. This allows for higher handicappers to thoroughly enjoy themselves, while also challenging a more advanced golfer’s creativity. Another unique thing about Poppy Hills is their fantastic youth on course initiative designed to help kids make money over the summer towards their college education but also to teach them about golf and life. It’s a wonderful opportunity for the kids and they might even knock a couple stroked off your score! All in all, we can’t think of a better bang for your buck on the west coast!

Course Conditions: 5
Layout: 5
Service: 5
Value: 5
Overall: 5

Best Golf Course

Spyglass Hill: Spyglass Hill, wedged between the beautiful Pacific Ocean and magnificent Del Monte forest boasts arguably one of the best layouts in the entire world. The first hole is a window into what to expect at Spyglass: a long par 5 starting in the depths of the forest and finishing with a stunning water view just steps from the ocean. The unbelievable combination of overwhelming views along the ocean holes and the lush green of the fairways working their way through the forest makes Spyglass something truly special. Course conditioning and service were just as expected: immaculate, however what really blew us away was the layout. Each hole had its own distinct character, no sightlines were the same, and a great balance and setup of par 3’s, 4’s and 5’s made it our favorite layout of all time! Spyglass is definitely a must play if you make your way down to the Monterey peninsula.

Course Conditions: 5
Layout: 5
Service: 5
Value: 4
Overall: 5

Our Pick

Pebble Beach: This one comes as no surprise. Every golfer has dreamed about making the trip down to Pebble Beach at least once in their life and rightfully so. At first, we were skeptical of being disappointed after hearing so many great things about the place. Well, we certainly weren’t let down. The service was perfect, the course conditions were sublime, and the views felt like they literally were not real. Standing on the cliffs above the Pacific is when you realize that the $500 you just paid for the round was more than worth it. Steeped in history and tradition, Pebble Beach just had to be our pick for the area. Although it may not have the unique layout that Spyglass has, the views are undeniably the best in the area and simply cannot be missed!

Course Conditions: 5
Layout: 4
Service: 5
Value: 4.5
Overall: 5

Great Track

Blackhorse: Step outside of Monterey for a bit and into Seaside and you will find a less played gem, Blackhorse. Part of the duo of Bayonet and Blackhorse, Blackhorse is supposedly the “worse” of the two but it’s anything but bad. Superb course conditioning, exciting layout, and a fair test of golf for any level will meet you at Blackhorse. With a very reasonable price tag considering the area, Blackhorse is a great place to get out and play without breaking the bank. One of the most underrated parts of the course are the views it has to offer. Although not right on the water, the Pacific Ocean is in full view on many of the holes. Not a must play in the area but definitely worth it if you get the chance or want to play some good golf without having your wallet run away.

Course Conditions: 4.5
Layout: 4
Service: 4
Value: 4
Overall: 4

Historical course

Del Monte: The oldest course west of the Mississippi is easily identified. Del Monte showcases its age in the most tasteful ways. A short course with small greens, tight fairways, and old growth trees, the second you step onto the first tee, you will know just how old the course is. However, old isn’t necessarily bad! The greens were probably the best we’ve played on so far and the rest of the course was conditioned just as well. Being part of the Pebble resort you would expect a hefty green fee right? Wrong, Del Monte is one of the best values in the area and a great warm up for playing the big boy courses!

Course Conditions: 5
Layout: 4
Service: 4
Value: 4.5
Overall: 4