Spyglass Hill Golf Course: Why It’s a Bucket List Course for Golfers

Are you ready to challenge your golfing skills on one of the most iconic courses in the United States? Spyglass Hill Golf Course offers a golfing experience like no other. 

With breathtaking views, a unique mix of coastal dunes and dense forests, and a reputation as one of the toughest courses in the country, Spyglass Hill is the ultimate test for any golfer. 

But where is Spyglass Hill golf course and what makes it so special? Why do both amateurs and professionals flock to its tees? In this article, we’ll explore everything you need to know about playing Spyglass Hill. Buckle up!

Spyglass Hill Golf Course: An Overview

Spyglass Hill Golf Course sits in Pebble Beach, California, offering golfers a true test of skill. It was designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr. in 1966 and owned by the Pebble Beach Company. 

With breathtaking views and a demanding layout, it remains one of the toughest yet most rewarding courses in the U.S.

The course delivers two distinct experiences in one round. The first five holes offer sweeping ocean views and sandy dunes, while the rest wind through the dense Del Monte Forest.

It stretches 6,960 yards with a course rating of 75.4 and a slope rating of 145, demanding precision and strategy on every shot.

Spyglass Hill belongs on every golfer’s bucket list. It challenges players of all levels, from navigating dunes to handling water hazards and uphill shots. 

It has hosted major tournaments like the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am, drawing golfers eager to test their skills on one of the game’s most celebrated courses.

The History and Prestige of Spyglass Hill Golf Course

Spyglass Hill Golf Course has a rich history that dates back to its opening on March 11, 1966. It was originally called Pebble Beach Pines Golf Club but was later renamed by Samuel F.B. Morse, the founder of Pebble Beach Company. 

The name Spyglass Hill came from Treasure Island, the famous novel by Robert Louis Stevenson, who found inspiration in the Monterey area. 

It was designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr., a legendary architect known for creating some of the world’s most iconic golf courses.

The course was built through a partnership between the Pebble Beach Company and the Northern California Golf Association (NCGA). 

The NCGA helped fund the project with contributions from 250 founding members, raising between $625,000 and $700,000. It was constructed on a unique site that blends oceanfront dunes with the dense Del Monte Forest, offering golfers a mix of coastal and woodland landscapes.

Spyglass Hill Golf Course has earned a reputation as one of the world’s greatest golf courses. It has been ranked among the Top 100 courses by Golf Digest and is known for its challenging layout and scenic beauty. 

Since 1967, it has been part of the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am, a prestigious tournament once called the Bing Crosby National Pro-Am. Its design, which combines elements of Pine Valley Golf Club and Augusta National, makes it a true test of skill.

The course record at Spyglass Hill is an impressive 62 (-10), set by Phil Mickelson in 2005 and later matched by Luke Donald in 2006 during the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am. This record highlights the level of skill needed to master the course.

Spyglass Hill Golf Course also holds cultural significance because of its connection to Treasure Island. Each hole is named after a character or place from the novel, adding a unique literary touch to the experience. The combination of history, stunning scenery, and challenging play makes Spyglass Hill a bucket-list course for golf lovers.

SpyGlass Hill Golf Course Layout

Spyglass Hill Golf Course stands out for its dramatic shift in the landscape between the front and back nines, offering golfers two very different challenges in a single round.

The front nine is set along the coastal dunes, with stunning ocean views and a links-style design similar to classic Scottish courses. These holes feature sandy terrain, wind-swept grasses, and the vast Pacific Ocean in the background. 

Precision is key, as the wind and dunes can make every shot unpredictable. The par-4 fourth hole, “Flint’s Cave,” demands an accurate drive and approach to avoid deep bunkers. 

The par-3 fifth, “Black Dog,” is another standout, with the ocean as a breathtaking backdrop and a green nestled among the dunes.

The back nine is a completely different experience. The course moves into the dense Del Monte Forest, where towering pines and elevation changes demand accuracy and strategy. 

Fairways narrow, and approach shots become more challenging. The par-4 16th hole, “The Island,” is one of the most memorable, with a small, well-guarded green that requires a precise approach to avoid trouble.

Some holes have gained legendary status. The par-4 second hole, “Blind Pew,” was Robert Trent Jones Sr.’s favorite par-4 design, featuring a green hidden between sand dunes, making shot selection crucial. 

The 16th hole, with its tree-lined fairways and tricky green, is another signature challenge.

Golfers must quickly adjust from playing in coastal winds to navigating tree-lined fairways. Elevation changes make club selection tricky, while numerous bunkers, water hazards, and tight landing areas punish mistakes. 

With a course rating of 75.5 and a slope rating of 147, Spyglass Hill Golf Course is a serious test for any golfer.

What Makes Spyglass Hill a Must-Play Course?

Here are the reasons why Spyglass Hill Golf Course stands out from the others.

1. Breathtaking Scenery

The first five holes wind through coastal dunes with stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. This links-style layout is reminiscent of classic Scottish courses, offering a dramatic and picturesque start to the round.

After the fifth hole, the course transitions into the Del Monte Forest, featuring towering trees and rolling hills, creating a peaceful yet challenging environment. 

The contrast between the coastal and forest landscapes adds visual variety and makes the course captivating.

2. Championship-Level Challenge

Spyglass Hill demands precision and strategic play. The course features tight fairways, deep bunkers, and fast greens, requiring golfers to adapt to changing conditions and hazards.

The transition from coastal dunes to forested terrain adds complexity, testing golfers’ abilities to adjust to wind, sand, and elevation shifts, making it a true test of skill.

3. Ranked Among the Top Courses in the USA

Spyglass Hill Golf Course is consistently ranked as one of the best golf courses in the U.S. for its challenging layout and breathtaking beauty.

The course co-hosts the prestigious AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am and has been a venue for several U.S. Amateur tournaments, further solidifying its reputation as a premier golfing destination.

4. Course Record and Notable Achievements

The course record of 62, set by Phil Mickelson and later matched by Luke Donald, highlights Spyglass Hill’s challenging yet rewarding nature for professional golfers.

Tips for Playing in Spyglass Hill Golf Course Successfully

Spyglass Hill Golf Course combines beauty, challenge, and prestige. It offers a unique experience that appeals to golfers of all levels, making it a must-play for any serious enthusiast. 

Here are some tips if you’re planning to play at the Spyglass Hill Golf Course.

Course Strategy

• Take Advantage of Par-5s: Spyglass Hill Golf Course features four par-5s, with two of them under 530 yards. These holes provide good opportunities to score well, so take advantage of them to set up a strong round.

• Score Early: The front nine offers more opportunities for scoring due to its links-style layout and ocean views. Focus on making birdies on holes like 2, 3, and 4 before the back nine becomes more challenging.

• Find the Fairway: Accurate driving is essential, especially on the back nine, where the course narrows and features dense forest. Playing from the fairway will help avoid trouble and make approach shots easier.

• Control Distances: With fast and sloping greens, keeping the ball below the hole is crucial. Focus on precise distance control and understanding the course’s elevation changes to make successful approach shots.

• Manage Risk vs. Reward: Know when to take risks and when to play conservatively. On the fourth hole, for example, challenging the fairway can lead to better-scoring chances but also increases the risk of trouble.

Weather Conditions

• Wind: The coastal location of Spyglass Hill means wind can play a significant role, especially on the front nine. Adjust your club selection and shot direction to account for wind conditions.

• Coastal Fog: Early morning fog can affect visibility and make the rough even more challenging. Be prepared for reduced visibility and slower play during foggy conditions.

Club Selection

• Front Nine: Choose clubs that provide control in windy conditions. For example, on the par-3 fifth hole, pick a club that ensures you clear the dunes and land softly on the green.

• Back Nine: In the forested section, longer irons and fairway woods may be needed due to elevation changes and longer approach shots. On holes like the sixth, playing two clubs longer can help reach the elevated greens.

• Greenside Play: Around the greens, select clubs that allow for high, soft shots to navigate bunkers and sloping greens. A solid sand game is vital for recovering from bunkers.

Additional Tips

• Get a Caddie: Having a caddie can significantly enhance your experience by providing valuable insights into the course layout, green reads, and optimal shot selection.

• Stay Focused: Spyglass Hill demands strategic play and mental toughness. Stay focused throughout the round, especially as the course becomes more challenging in the back nine. Have a look at the Spyglass Hill Gold Course map to get an idea beforehand.

How Much to Play Spyglass Hill Golf Course: Booking, Cost, and Availability

The green fee for Spyglass Hill Golf Course is $495 until March 31, 2024. After that, it will increase to $525 until March 31, 2026. Non-resort guests also need to pay a cart fee of $55 per person.

Tee times can be reserved up to three months in advance, regardless of whether you’re staying at a Pebble Beach resort. However, if you stay at a resort like The Lodge at Pebble Beach, you can save on the cart fee.

Youth golfers (18 and under) can play for only $5 as part of a partnership with Youth on Course, but this requires membership and booking through specific channels.

Best Times of the Year to Play

The best time to play Spyglass Hill is during spring (April to May) and fall (September to October), when the weather is mild and sunny, and there are fewer crowds compared to the busy summer months.

Avoid booking a round during major tournaments like the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am, as these events can limit availability and raise costs.

How to Secure a Tee Time at Spyglass Hill

You can book a tee time up to three months in advance through the Pebble Beach Resorts website or by calling the course directly.

Youth on Course members can book tee times one week in advance through the GolfNow platform.

Hiring a caddie can enhance your experience by providing valuable insights into the course layout and strategy.

While not required, staying at a Pebble Beach resort offers extra benefits, like saving on cart fees and enjoying premium amenities.

Conclusion

Spyglass Hill Golf Course offers an unforgettable golfing experience with its unique combination of breathtaking scenery, challenging course design, and prestigious reputation. 

From the coastal dunes and ocean views of the front nine to the dense pine forest and elevation changes of the back nine, the course demands precision, strategy, and adaptability. 

Whether you’re aiming for a challenging round or just soaking in the views, Spyglass Hill remains a must-play destination for any golf enthusiast.

If you’re ready to test your skills on one of the most iconic courses in the U.S., don’t wait – book your tee time today and experience the challenge and beauty of Spyglass Hill Golf Course for yourself!

Key Points 

1. Spyglass Hill offers a distinct contrast between the front nine’s coastal dunes and the back nine’s forested terrain.
2. The course provides stunning ocean views on the front nine and a tranquil forest landscape on the back nine, making it visually captivating.
3. Known for its precision-demanding layout, Spyglass Hill challenges golfers with narrow fairways, challenging bunkers, and fast greens.
4. Ranked among the top golf courses in the U.S., Spyglass Hill co-hosts the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am and has hosted multiple U.S. Amateur tournaments.
5. The course record of 62, set by Phil Mickelson and matched by Luke Donald, highlights its difficulty and rewards for skillful players.
6. The dramatic shift from coastal dunes to forested terrain tests golfers’ ability to adapt to different conditions, including wind, elevation changes, and sand.
7. Spyglass Hill’s difficulty comes from its strategic design, requiring golfers to balance risk and reward, particularly on holes like the fourth and sixteenth.
8. The ideal times to visit are during spring (April-May) and fall (September-October) when weather conditions are mild and crowds are thinner.
9. Green fees are $495 until March 31, 2024, and increase to $525 after. A $55 cart fee applies for non-resort guests.
10. Tee times can be reserved up to three months in advance through Pebble Beach Resorts. Youth golfers can play for as little as $5 with a Youth on Course membership.

FAQs

1. What is the best time of year to play at Spyglass Hill Golf Course?

The best times to play Spyglass Hill are during the spring (April to May) and fall (September to October), when the weather is generally mild and sunny, with fewer crowds compared to the peak summer months.

2. How can I book a tee time at Spyglass Hill Golf Course?

Tee times can be booked up to three months in advance through the Pebble Beach Resorts website or by calling the course directly. Staying at a Pebble Beach resort can also provide benefits like saving on cart fees.

3. What are the key challenges of playing Spyglass Hill Golf Course?

Spyglass Hill is challenging due to its diverse terrain, which shifts from coastal dunes to dense forest. The course requires strategic play, precision, and adaptability to wind, elevation changes, and tight fairways. The front nine offers links-style play with ocean views, while the back nine demands target-style golf through the forest.