Pacific Grove Golf Links
Pacific Grove Golf Links presents an accessible yet demanding 18-hole coastal layout on California’s Monterey Peninsula. With a contrasting front nine through quiet neighborhoods and an exposed, wind-swept back nine along the rocky ocean, it offers a genuine seaside golf experience framed by the historic Point Pinos Lighthouse.
Course Overview
Pacific Grove Golf Links offers a distinctive coastal golfing experience just steps from the Pacific Ocean, presenting a blend of approachable play and rugged seaside challenge. This 18-hole public course winds along the Monterey Peninsula’s edge, drawing players into a game framed by salty breezes, fog banks, and the omnipresent sound of crashing waves. Its front nine unfolds through a quiet, residential neighborhood with tighter fairways and tree-lined holes that reward thoughtful shot placement. The back nine emerges as a markedly different endeavor — open, exposed, and dramatic — where the Pacific’s temperamental winds influence trajectory and distance, raising the stakes with every tee shot.
This links-style layout embraces its environment with natural sand dunes, coastal grasses, and gently rolling terrain that demands strategic adaptation rather than brute power. The course’s signature stretch begins at Hole 12, a par-5 serenaded by seabirds and waves, inviting players to test their mettle against nature’s unpredictable elements. Hole 16, adjacent to the historic Point Pinos Lighthouse, provides visual drama and an emotional lift, where players take in broad ocean views while navigating tricky bunkers that guard a well-run green.
Pacific Grove Golf Links caters to a broad spectrum of golfers. Its front nine offers a relatively forgiving introduction, while the back nine rewards more seasoned players able to factor wind conditions and bunker placement into their game. This balance makes the layout equally compelling for those seeking a peaceful round and those looking for coastal course challenge at a modest price.
While the clubhouse itself is modest, the welcoming atmosphere and camaraderie among players create a genuine sense of community. Walking is encouraged throughout the round, allowing golfers to absorb the salty air and shifting colors of the ocean horizon. For visitors planning a trip, the best times to play are mornings or late afternoons when fog lends mystery to the course, and the light softens the raw edges of the coast.
Pacific Grove Golf Links is a quietly spirited alternative along the Monterey coast — a venue where natural beauty and the game’s enduring challenges meet without pretension, drawing players into a deeply personal journey across 18 holes by the sea.
Course Highlights
Coastal links-style design, contrasting front nine neighborhood holes and open back nine with ocean views, signature holes including the par-5 12th and the ocean-adjacent 16th by Point Pinos Lighthouse, natural sand dunes and wind-shifted fairways that challenge strategy over power
Frequently Asked Questions
Guest Reviews
Matthew Hill
Pacific Grove is the poor man’s Pebble Beach—and yet, it is richer in sorrow, and in poetry. They call it “the poor man’s Pebble” as if that is a dismissal. But poverty is honest. At Pacific Grove, the spirit of the game lingers in tattered clothes, battered clubs, and a quiet dignity that Pebble, with its gold-plated tee markers and $600 green fees, cannot understand. The front nine winds through the town like a forgotten tale—tight, tree-lined, municipal in every way. There is no grandeur here, only struggle. You are greeted not by applause or caddies, but by the barking of a distant dog and the indifference of locals who have played this course every Sunday since the Reagan administration. Then, without warning, you are thrown upon the back nine. The ocean appears like a fever dream. It crashes against the rocks with a violence that cannot be tamed, only endured. The Point Pinos Lighthouse towers over the dunes, holding a watchful gaze over the meandering fairways, shining into the depths of your impermanence. You are no longer in a budget course—you are in a Herzogian hallucination. Fog drifts across the fairways like memory itself, blurring the edges of your purpose. At the 12th, a par-5 framed by ragged coastline, sand dunes and flocks of seabirds, you realize: this is not a golf hole. It is an existential riddle. How does one aim when one cannot see? How does one swing when one’s hands are numb with the cold of introspection? How does one play a course on the tip of the Monterey peninsula which beckons the character of Bandon Dunes, perhaps Scotland, for a mere $65? There is no clubhouse of grandeur here, no valet parking or leather-bound whiskey menus. There is a snack bar. A cart with beer. And this, in its purity, is more noble than any marble statue or velvet rope. Pacific Grove Golf Links is not where legends go to finish their stories. It is where ordinary men and women confront the absurd, hole by hole, swing by swing, until they have nothing left to give but a crooked scorecard and a sigh toward the sea. 5 Stars (for dignity in the face of the absurd)
Nino B.
We play here most every time we’re visiting the Monterey area. Fairways this past weekend were in great shape compared to other times. Back nine with the ocean views is where you understand why people put up with the pedestrian front nine. Golden hour before sunset is best time to take photos. Some folks call it, “Poor man’s Pebble Beach, but it’s unworthy of that title. Most people here I surmise are not Veblen idle rich crowd, but also not Dickens era paupers. “Working man’s Pebble Beach,” is a more fitting name.
Manny Fresh
Absolutely phenomenal course. Well maintained fairways and greens; breathtaking views, and very knowledgeable staff. Dustin and Jose are 5 star employees. Will 100% be back.
Joel
UPDATE: I didn't edit anything below this paragraph. I just played this course for the second time and was charged $110 to play on a Saturday afternoon. Played this course once, over a year ago. Strange course, 2 back to back Par 5s. Lots of wind off the ocean on back 9. Hole 13 is blind shot and had no understanding where to hit. Greens were bumpy and bad. Range has horrible mats and down the street from the pro shop. It looks better then it actually plays. They call this the poor man's Pebble Beach. I've played Pebble many times, this course does not resemble Pebble in any way. I would call this the Poor Man's Spanish Bay, the back 9 Resembles Spanish.
Bill Lin
You know what, I really like this course, for the first time I walk 18 holes, this is not just enjoyable but a very rewarding 4-hour walk, cause you get to explore such a lovely courses details , and the tranquility of this nice little town called Pacific Grove. You first start with two Par 3s, break with two Par 4, then followed by two consecutive Par 5s, interesting arrangements [Joyful] Overall, Front 9 is nice and easy, just simple dog leg right or left with not much hazards; but the Back 9 is whole another story, you start playing by or against the sea, even though the breeze will cut your yardage, but it just totally worth it to be pushed back this way. Starting from Hole 12, you get see, hear, and smell the Pacific Ocean, totally different level of golfing I'll say. There's a 1885 lighthouse situated right by Hole 10, which kind of refresh your game after 9 holes, and actually it's right by the tee box of Hole 16, which is called LIGHTHOUSE [Joyful] I would say the entire Hole 16 is their signature hole, especially when you look at the sea while trying to approach the green.
John Kimball
“The poor man’s Pebble Beach” I was told. What a spectacular place. Great weather, Pacific Ocean views, deer, doves, friends and family, good food, and challenging holes. What more could I ask for?
william boeck
John Kimball
“The poor man’s Pebble Beach” I was told. What a spectacular place. Great weather, Pacific Ocean views, deer, doves, friends and family, good food, and challenging holes. What more could I ask for?
Cesar Torres
What a view!!!! We played a round of 9 which was the back nine that was along the Oceanside. I enjoyed this course with my sons! I will definitely be back and play the full 18 holes.
Nicholas Trebelhorn
Walking this course on a weekday afternoon feels like stealing. Best bang for your buck on a golf round I've ever gotten.
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Course Details
Access & Location
77 Asilomar Ave, Pacific Grove, CA 93950, USA
Modest clubhouse with snack bar and pro shop
Walking encouraged to enjoy coastal views and natural terrain; soft-soled shoes recommended due to sandy footpaths and uneven ground
Open to the public with tee times available online and by phone; no membership required
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