Top 10 Golf Courses in Monterey, CA – Best Public Golf on the California Coast
mterrey California where rugged coastlines meet legendary fairways It’s not just a bucket list golf destination It’s a dream But with so many stunning options which public courses truly rise to the top From ocean views to historic layouts these courses bring the drama the beauty and the purest golf vibes Today we’re counting down the top 10 public golf courses in Mterrey These spots blend iconic views pure challenge and unforgettable rounds Let’s get started Number 10 Del Monte Golf Course Let’s start with a true piece of golf history the Del Monte Golf Course This isn’t just any old track It’s the oldest continually operating golf course west of the Mississippi and it’s been challenging players since 1897 Yep we’re talking over 125 years of golf tradition right here in Mterrey Now sure it doesn’t have those wild Pacific Ocean views you’ll see at Pebble Beach or Spanish Bay but what it does have is pure old school charm Think tight fairways lined with towering pine and oak trees classic dog legs and small sloping greens that require real shotmaking It’s a Parkland style layout so you’re not battling ocean winds but you are facing a test of accuracy strategy and patience And that’s what makes Delmone so fun You’ve got to think your way around it Bomb and gouge players not going to cut it here The course rewards golfers who keep the ball in play hit smart approaches and know how to manage tricky greens What really sets Delmony apart though is its accessibility The green fees are more reasonable than many of its famous neighbors and the vibe is super welcoming You don’t need a country club membership or a celebrity bank account to play here Just bring your clubs a love for the game and maybe a little course management Plus there’s something special about teeing it up on a course that’s been around this long You feel like you’re walking in the footsteps of generations of golfers and that history adds an extra layer of magic to every round So if you’re planning a golf trip to Mterrey Del Monte is a fantastic way to start Number nine Carmel Valley Ranch Golf Club Coming in at number nine is Caramel Valley Ranch Golf Club And let’s just say this one’s a bit of a hidden gem It’s the only Pete Dye designed course in all of Northern California and it brings something totally unique to the Mterrey golf scene First off the setting This course isn’t tucked along the coast like many others in the area Instead it’s nestled in the golden sun-kissed hills of Carmel Valley surrounded by vineyards lavender fields and oakstudded ridges It’s peaceful it’s scenic and it’s usually sunny which makes a big difference when fog rolls over Pebble Beach Now let’s talk about layout This isn’t a straightforward track It’s a Pete Dye creation which means you’re in for visual trickery deep bunkers elevated TE’s and plenty of holes where you’ll stop and say “Wait what’s the smart play here?” That’s part of the fun DY’s signature design style challenges your decision-making just as much as your swing The course features dramatic elevation changes especially on the back nine Some holes climb high above the valley giving you jaw-dropping views of the hills and vineyards below Others drop sharply forcing you to trust your yardage and commit to your line Water hazards sneak in on a few holes especially late in the round which keeps things exciting when the pressure’s on But maybe the best part the weather Carmel Valley Ranch sits in a microclimate that’s often sunny and warm even when the coast is foggy and cool So if you’re planning a Mterrey golf trip this is the perfect course to slot in when you want a break from the marine layer Add in top-notch service practice facilities and beautiful surroundings and you’ve got yourself an unforgettable golf experience Number eight Mterrey Pines Golf Club Coming in at number eight is Mterrey Pines Golf Club A local favorite known for exceptional value and playability this hidden gem may not have the name recognition of other courses but it delivers where it counts The layout features tight dog legs and well-maintained greens that roll true and fast Two lakes on the back nine add challenge and visual interest At just over 5,700 yd from the back tees it’s not about overpowering the course but rather placing shots strategically Mterrey Pines represents perhaps the best value on the peninsula For travelers looking to maximize their golf budget while experiencing quality Mterrey Golf this course is a must-play addition to any itinerary Number seven Lagona Seca Golf Ranch Our seventh ranked course is Lagona Seeka Golf Ranch a Robert Trent Jones Senior and Junior collaboration that showcases the natural beauty of the area’s rolling hillsides This father-son design embraces the terrain rather than fighting it The layout features undulating fairways that demand thoughtful club selection and shot placement Strategic bunkers guard approach angles while water hazards come into play on multiple holes The greens are subtly contoured rewarding good reads and confident putting Laguna Seca strikes an excellent balance challenging enough for experienced players while remaining enjoyable for mid- handicappers The relaxed atmosphere and stunning views of the surrounding hills make it a favorite among locals and visitors alike Six Bayonet Golf Course At number six we find Bayonet Golf Course Often regarded as the toughest test of golf on the peninsula originally designed as the US Army’s course at Fort Bayonet has long been known for its difficulty and championship pedigree The course features narrow treelined fairways that demand accuracy off the tea Its trademark combat corner holes 11 through 15 features a series of difficult dog legs that have frustrated countless golfers After a comprehensive redesign in 2008 the course now offers improved playability while maintaining its challenging character Bayonet has hosted PGA Tour qualifying events and continues to test the skills of even the most accomplished players If you’re looking to challenge every aspect of your game Bayonet delivers in spades Number five Blackhorse Golf Course Right next door to Bayonet at number five is Blackhorse Golf Course While these sister courses share the same property they offer distinctly different playing experiences Blackhorse is characterized by wider fairways and more forgiving landing areas but the challenge intensifies around the greens Dramatic bunkering and complex putting surfaces demand precision on approach shots The course also boasts some of the most spectacular views of Mterrey Bay from its elevated positions The 2008 renovation enhanced the course’s strategic elements while improving conditioning throughout Together with bayonet it forms one of the best 36 hole combinations anywhere in California A mustplay for serious golfers Number four Pacific Grove Links Number four on our list is Pacific Grove Golf Links Affectionately known as the poor man’s Pebble Beach This municipal gem offers perhaps the best valueto- view ratio in all of Gulf The course begins with a traditional parkland front nine winding through cyprress and pine trees but the back nine delivers a transcendent experience as it opens up to windswept dunes and the Pacific Ocean Holes 12 through 17 play alongside a Syllamar State beach with panoramic views that rival courses costing five times as much Pacific Grove represents everything that makes Mterrey Golf special Accessibility natural beauty and the magical connection between land and sea It’s an essential experience for any golf enthusiast visiting the area Number three Poppy Hills Golf Course Our bronze medal goes to Poppy Hills a Robert Trent Jones Jr design nestled in the Delmony Forest As the home course of the Northern California Golf Association it combines championship caliber challenge with pure Montterrey Peninsula beauty Following an extensive renovation in 2014 Poppy Hills now features firm fast conditions more reminiscent of classic courses The layout winds through towering pines with strategic bunkering and natural water features Its unique fivepar five bogey five birdie routting creates an engaging rhythm throughout the round What sets Poppy Hills apart is its immersive forest setting While other courses offer ocean views here you’re enveloped in the tranquil majesty of the Delmony Forest a different but equally memorable Mterrey experience Number two The Links at Spanish Bay Our runner up is The Links at Spanish Bay A masterful collaboration between Robert Trent Jones Jr Tom Watson and Sandy Tatum This course was designed to recreate the playing experience of traditional Scottish Lynx golf Spanish Bay hugs the coastline with firm turf rolling fairways and pot bunkers that demand creative shotmaking The genuine Lynx style design encourages ground game approaches especially when the wind picks up off the Pacific As the sun sets a bagpiper serenades player a magical tradition that epitomizes the Mterrey Golf experience What makes Spanish Bay special is its harmonious integration with the natural environment The course flows through restored native dunes and carefully preserved habitat areas It’s golf as it was meant to be Challenging beautiful and in perfect balance with its surroundings One Pebble Beach Golf Links And at number one as if there was ever any doubt stands Pebble Beach Golf Links Simply put it’s the finest public golf course in America and perhaps the most famous course in the world Since 1919 Pebble Beach has created unforgettable moments for golfers and golf fans alike Host to six US Opens with a seventh coming in 2027 the course features some of the most iconic golf holes The par 3 7th playing just over a 100 yards to a tiny green perched on a bluff And the par five 18th sweeping along Caramel Bay is among golf’s most recognizable holes What makes Pebble Beach transcendent is how it combines championship challenges with unparalleled natural beauty Nine holes play directly alongside the Pacific Ocean with others offering glimpses of Caramel Bay Stillwater Cove and the rugged coastline Every shot feels historic Every view is postcard worthy While the Greens Fee is substantial Pebble Beach delivers an experience that remains etched in memory forever It’s not just a golf course it’s a pilgrimage site for the game’s devotees and the crown jewel of Mterrey Golf That’s our countdown of the top 10 public golf courses in Mterrey California Whether you’re chasing major championship vibes or just want a round with ocean views Mterrey has a course for every golfer Did your favorite make the list Let us know in the comments and tell us which Mterrey course you think is the best Hit like subscribe and stay tuned More golf destination guides are coming your way soon See you on the fairways
Top 10 Golf Courses in Monterey, CA – Best Public Golf on the California Coast ⛳🌊🌄
Monterey, California, is one of the most iconic golf destinations in the world, known for its breathtaking coastal views and legendary courses. With stunning oceanfront holes, championship layouts, and historic golf courses, the Monterey Peninsula is a must-play for golf enthusiasts. In this video, I count down the top 10 public golf courses in Monterey, showcasing everything from seaside classics to hidden gems.
📌 Please note: Some footage in this video may not be of the actual courses mentioned but is included to enhance the viewing experience.
Courses Featured:
🏌️♂️ Pebble Beach Golf Links (iconic, bucket-list course)
🏌️♂️ Spyglass Hill Golf Course
🏌️♂️ Spanish Bay Golf Links (The Links at Spanish Bay)
🏌️♂️ Poppy Hills Golf Course (part of Pebble Beach Resorts)
🏌️♂️ The Links at Monterey Peninsula (Dunes Course & Shore Course)
🏌️♂️ Monterey Peninsula Country Club (public access via special packages)
🏌️♂️ Bayonet & Black Horse Golf Course
🏌️♂️ Pacific Grove Golf Links (affordable coastal play)
🏌️♂️ Del Monte Golf Course (one of the oldest in California)
🏌️♂️ Carmel Valley Ranch Golf Course
Why You’ll Love These Courses:
✅ Legendary Oceanfront Holes with Stunning Views
✅ World-Class Golfing Without the Crowds of Private Clubs
✅ Historic Courses & Championship Layouts
✅ Gorgeous Coastal Landscape with Year-Round Golf Weather
✅ Affordable Public Access to Some of the Best Golf in the World
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