
Pacific Grove Course
Pacific Grove Golf Links
About this course
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.
Rankings
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
Best in USA
Best in CA
Quick facts
- Location
- Pacific Grove, CA, USA
- Access
- Public
- Year built
- 1932
- Holes
- 18
- Designer(s)
- H. Chandler Egan, Jack Neville
- Par
- 70
- Length
- 5,727 yards
- Difficulty
- 72.3/120
- Course Vaults score
- 7.5
Getting there
The journey to Pacific Grove Golf Links begins at Monterey Regional Airport (MRY), a compact gateway just twenty minutes south, or alternatively through San Jose International (SJO) or San Francisco International (SFO) for broader connectivity, each followed by a scenic ninety-minute to two-hour coastal descent. The final approach winds through the artful villages of the Monterey Peninsula, where cypress-studded cliffs and the Pacific come into view, before arriving at the club's perch overlooking the rocky shoreline where the California coast reaches its most dramatic expression. For those traveling by private aviation, Monterey Regional accommodates jets with seamless ground handling, positioning you mere minutes from the first tee. The transition from highway to the narrow, tree-lined roads of Pacific Grove itself signals entry into one of California's most exclusive golfing sanctuaries - a place where the sound of waves and the salt-tinged air become part of every round.

FAQ
Common questions about Pacific Grove
Ratings, design, and course details pulled from Course Vaults.
Pacific Grove has a Course Vaults score of 7.5 out of 10 based on 106 logged golfers.
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.





