Playing Pebble Beach for First Timers What to Expect
- Robert Huie
- Mar 15
- 4 min read
Last month I visited Pebble Beach Resorts for the first time. I thought I would put something together to tell you about what to expect at Pebble beach for first timers and what to expect.
Where to stay at Pebble Beach Resorts?
Pebble Beach Resorts consists of three main areas to stay, The Lodge at Pebble Beach, The Inn at Spanish Bay, and Casa Palmero.
The Lodge at Pebble Beach
If you want to be close to all the action and restaurants, The Lodge at Pebble beach is where you want to be. The Lodge at Pebble Beach consist of 5 restaurants if you count the Terrace and Lounge which overlooks the 18th hole. The Lodge is situated along Pebble Beach Golf Links. Also near The Lodge at Pebble Beach are the Pebble Beach Shops. If you want the convenience The Lodge at Pebble Beach is where you should stay.
The Inn at Spanish Bay
The Inn at Spanish Bay resides along Spanish Bay, one of the four 18-hole courses at Pebble Beach Resorts. It's about a 20 minute ride to Pebble Beach Golf Links and the Lodge at Pebble Beach. Away from the hustle of main lodge area, you will have stunning Pacific Ocean views, and a little more relaxed atmosphere. If you play Spanish Bay you must stay and witness the evening bagpipe performance, or head over for a drink. There are plenty of dining options at The Inn at Spanish Bay.
Casa Palmero
Casa Palmero gives you a boutique feel to the resort. If you want ultra luxury, privacy, butler service, this is the place. If it set near The Lodge at Pebble Beach, so you will still have the convenience of access to the The Lodge amenities.
The most affordable room at Pebble Beach Resorts?
Casa Palmero would be the most expensive. The Inn at Spanish Bay would have the lowest rates then The Lodge at Pebble Beach, depending on the room type and views.
My personal preference would be The Lodge at Pebble Beach for these reasons:
Access to the driving and practice range (Spanish Bay does not have a driving range).
Access to the restaurants, there are plenty of restaurants at The Inn at Spanish Bay, but I preferred the restaurants at The Lodge.
The rooms at the Lodge were pretty roomy, suite like, and has a slightly more modern feel.
Golf at Pebble Beach Resorts
There are five courses (4 - 18 hole courses) 18 Pebble Beach Golf Links, Spyglass hill, Links at Spanish Bay, Del Monte, and the Hay (9-hole par 3). If you have the time and money, I would experience all courses.
At the minimum on a 4 night stay, you should play Pebble Beach Golf Links, Spyglass Hill, and Links at Spanish Bay. You would be able to fit in the Hay.
You can try to replay or fit in two courses in one day, but depending on the time of the year, it gets cold and you may run out of daylight.
If you are there during winter months, the latest you want to go out is 12PM at the latest. Expect a 5 hour round, it's slow, but enjoy it. The views are spectacular.
Caddies are highly recommended. I played Spanish Bay without a caddie and it was not as enjoyable. The caddies offer advice and know the course. Caddies prices are additional.
Recommend bringing cash for caddy gratuities. Take care of the caddies, it's hard work and they make it enjoyable. Depending if you have an individual caddie or a fore caddie, for individual caddies I recommend a minimum of $100 tip.
Be ready to walk, everything is cart path only to preserve the course. You can get a push cart or have the caddy push your clubs.
There is a 2 or 3 night minimum stay to play Pebble Beach Golf Links. the other courses have a 1 night stay. Booking the minimum stay allows you to book tee times ahead also. The get the full experience, stay at the resort.
How far in advance should you book Pebble Beach?
You can book 12-18 months in advance. There was still plenty of availability when you book 4-6 months out, but you wont have the change to be picky about tee times. Honestly when you are at the resort and have no where else to be, the tee times really dont matter. Just enjoy it. Most people tend to book about 3 months out, but if you have a firm date, just get it off the books.
All you need is 2 nights deposit to hold everything, then payment is due about a few weeks before arrival.
Other tips about Pebble Beach
If you fly into Monterrey Airport, they will provide complimentary airport transfer service, roundtrip. Call the resort to make those arrangements.
You have access to use a Lexus for 2 hours during your stay.
They have a great shuttle system that takes you to each of the resort buildings, you shouldnt need a rental car. You can also take a ride share into town if you want.
Spyglass Hill and Pebble Beach Golf Links have a driving range and practice area - ranges are free to use for resort guests.
Carts are cart path only, but the carts are included, no additional charge for a cart.
Take care of the caddies, I recommend a minimum of $100 for individual caddy and $80 per person for sharing caddie. Caddies know that this is a once in a life time or bucket list thing for you and will take photos and videos for you. They truly are great.
Dinner reservations - it gets busy, so make those reservations as soon as you can. The Tap Room has the best prime rib. There is something for everyone ranging from steak, italian, Asian inspired, pizza, bar food, etc...
If you are ready to book your trip to Pebble Beach, reach out to me at rob@worldgolfconcierge or fill out my inquiry form for a free quote.