Pacific Grove Course
Pacific Grove, CA, USA
Pacific Grove Golf Links, affectionately known as "Poor Man's Pebble Beach," lives up to its moniker by offering a raw, windswept golfing experience along the dramatic Monterey Peninsula. This unpretentious layout captures the essence of true links golf, where imagination and adaptability trump brute force. Originally designed in 1932, the front nine, sculpted by H. Chandler Egan, meanders through a quaint neighborhood, demanding precision over power. The back nine, added later and closer to the coast, is a different animal: exposed, rugged, and vulnerable to the whims of the Pacific. This dichotomy makes for a compelling round, one where club selection is constantly in flux and the ever-present ocean breeze dictates strategy. While Pacific Grove hasn’t hosted any major championships, its enduring appeal lies in its accessibility and authentic charm. It remains a beloved haven for local golfers and budget-conscious travelers seeking a taste of seaside links. Beyond the challenging course, Pacific Grove is known for its tight-knit community. As a public course, it fosters a friendly, unpretentious atmosphere where golfers of all skill levels can enjoy the game.
Ranked by CV ratings from golfers who've played this course. Positions are shown worldwide, by country, and by state; the Public column compares courses anyone can play.
Best in World
Unranked
Best in USA
Unranked
Best in CA
Public: #55
Golfers say the back nine is the clear highlight, with holes 12–18 running along the ocean and delivering memorable links-style play and striking coastal views that earn the course its "Poor Man's Pebble Beach" reputation. Most find the front nine more conventional and municipal in character, though reviewers note the course opens unusually with consecutive par threes. The routing is short overall, but the oceanside stretch makes the round worthwhile for those seeking dramatic scenery without premium pricing.
7.6
100 players
Front 9 is a little more on the traditional muni side, but the entire back 9 plays like an old links course right on the ocean. Lives up to the poor man’s pebble moniker.
First west coast round! Played “Poor Man’s Pebble” solo before 2024 IAGA. Super weird start with back-to-back par threes. Course is pretty short, and the back nine along the ocean steals the show. The views on 12-18 are awesome.
Worth it for the back 9
Public courses closest to Pacific Grove.
FAQ
Ratings, design, and course details pulled from Course Vaults.
Pacific Grove has a Course Vaults score of 7.6 out of 10 based on 52 explicit golfer ratings.
Pacific Grove was designed by H. Chandler Egan and Jack Neville.
Yes. Pacific Grove is listed as welcoming public or guest play on Course Vaults.
Par at Pacific Grove is 70.
Pacific Grove plays 5,727 yards from the back tees on Course Vaults.
The slope rating at Pacific Grove is 120.
