Spyglass Hill Course
Pebble Beach, CA, USA
Spyglass Hill is where the majesty of Del Monte Forest collides with the raw beauty of the Pacific coastline. Routed through towering pines and dramatic seaside bluffs, the course presents two distinct personalities. The opening holes carve through undulating, sandy terrain reminiscent of classic links, while the inland holes demand strategic navigation through dense, Monterey pines. Designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr., with later refinements, Spyglass Hill demands both power and precision. Fades that work along the contours of the land are a huge benefit. The course doesn’t punish, but rather presents a challenge to keep the ball in the fairway. A series of dog legs and strategically placed bunkers require thoughtful club selection and course management, favoring players who can shape their shots and control their trajectory. A frequent host of the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am, Spyglass Hill offers a stern test to professionals and amateurs alike, often proving to be one of the most demanding courses in the rotation. It maintains a strong regional presence, its demanding layout a rite of passage for golfers seeking to test their mettle against Northern California's rugged landscape.
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
Public: #79
Best in USA
Public: #26
Best in CA
Public: #3
Golfers say Spyglass delivers an exceptional but demanding experience, with most praising the spectacular opening stretch along the ocean—particularly the first four or five holes—as among the best in golf. Reviewers consistently note the course's difficulty, especially once play turns inland into the forest, where narrow fairways, strategic bunkering, and small greens require precise shotmaking. Most find the conditioning immaculate and highlight the knowledgeable, personable caddies and attentive staff who enhance the experience, though some feel the inland holes lack the memorability of the oceanfront routing and question whether the premium price justifies a return visit. Overall, golfers describe Spyglass as a bucket-list venue that plays significantly harder than Pebble Beach, offering a pure test of golf amid ancient trees and abundant wildlife.
8.8
475 players
great
Fantastic Challenge first 4 holes might be the best 4 hole stretch on property.
Play like a jackass, but really enjoyed it.
Wow. Still speechless over Spyglass in the very best way. It starts wide open. I was cruising along, loving the scenery, and thinking, “What’s so tough?” Then I turned back from the ocean and into the forest and things got very narrow. Can you hit the ball where you want? Can you avoid this bunker or that tree (or that deer)? A ton of fun but demanding and downright punishing. Get a great caddie and commit to your shot. Absolutely loved this walk.
First four holes are awesome, after that, not as memorable
Every review reads true, spyglass is top shelf and the whole experience felt first class. Couldn’t say more things about all staff and Marshalls looking after the groups - they’re funny retirees who really try and look after you. Course was an awesome layout (beware of the last 3-4 holes on the front 9, they can beat you up a bit). Not sure if I’d pay up for it again, but am happy to have done it once. I do recommend!
Genuinely hard to explain how awesome this place is. We had a 10/10 day 75 and sunny with a little breeze. Course was immaculate. Trees are ancient. Wildlife all over the place. Standing on the first tee we could hear the seals barking down on the beach. Fog was lifting just as we were teeing off. I was sad when it was over because it was just such an awesome experience all around. Had to grind for a 79 from the back tees in perfect conditions. This course can eat you alive if you don’t hit the shots required. 
Had a great day at Spyglass, course conditions were fantastic, the greens were outstanding, I was surprised given how much play occurs there. Caddies were knowledgeable and fun shoutout to Gordon. Sandwich after was great as well.
Pure.
While not as famous as Pebble, it’s a better pure golf course. You get the holes by the water and then come back into the forest for the rest of the round. Very challenging course but another bucket list course for any golf fanatic.
Public courses closest to Spyglass Hill.
Most visitors arrive via San Francisco International Airport or San Jose International, both roughly two hours north along the Pacific Coast Highway, though Monterey Regional Airport offers a closer touchdown just twenty minutes from the gates of Pebble Beach. The drive down Highway 1 is itself a prelude to the drama ahead - cliffs plunging into cerulean water, cypress groves clinging to granite, the air turning salt-sharp as you descend toward the peninsula. Once inside the guarded entrance to the Del Monte Forest, a network of hushed, tree-canopied roads leads to Spyglass Hill's understated clubhouse, perched where Robert Louis Stevenson's Treasure Island lore meets some of the most formidable oceanside terrain in American golf.
FAQ
Ratings, design, and course details pulled from Course Vaults.
Spyglass Hill has a Course Vaults score of 8.8 out of 10 based on 199 explicit golfer ratings.
Spyglass Hill was designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr..
Yes. Spyglass Hill is listed as welcoming public or guest play on Course Vaults.
Par at Spyglass Hill is 72.
Spyglass Hill plays 6,960 yards from the back tees on Course Vaults.
Spyglass Hill is a 18-hole course.
