Courses

Spyglass Hill Golf Course

Spyglass Hill Golf Course, founded in 1966 in Pebble Beach, California, is a Robert Trent Jones Sr. masterpiece. Known for its stunning mix of coastal dunes and dense forest, it features iconic holes like the breathtaking par-3 3rd. A staple in the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am, it has hosted legends like Tiger Woods. With world-class facilities and an unforgettable challenge, it’s a must-play for serious golfers seeking championship-caliber golf in a spectacular setting.

1 February, 2025

A Masterpiece Along the Monterey Coast

PGA Tour

AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am

Introduction

Few courses in the world command the respect and admiration of Spyglass Hill Golf Course. Nestled along the dramatic coastline of Pebble Beach, California, this championship course is renowned for its breathtaking scenery and punishing layout. Designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr., Spyglass Hill blends coastal dunes, forested fairways, and lightning-fast greens, making it one of the toughest and most rewarding courses in the United States. With a storied history, PGA Tour pedigree, and relentless challenge, Spyglass Hill is a must-play destination for serious golfers.

General Information

Spyglass Hill Golf Course is located in Pebble Beach, California, USA, and was established in 1966. The course was masterfully crafted by legendary golf architect Robert Trent Jones Sr., who famously declared it “the greatest course he had ever designed”. The course’s unique layout combines links-style golf on the first few holes before transitioning into a dense, pine-covered landscape reminiscent of Augusta National.

What Makes Spyglass Hill Unique?

Course Layout & Design

Spyglass Hill is a Par 72, 7,035-yard championship course featuring some of the most scenic and challenging holes in the world. The first five holes wind through coastal dunes, offering stunning views of the Pacific Ocean, while the remaining holes meander through majestic Monterey pines, demanding accuracy, strategy, and resilience.

Notable Holes:

Hole 1 (“Treasure Island”) – A stunning 595-yard par 5, featuring an elevated tee shot with the Pacific Ocean as the backdrop.
Hole 4 (“Blind Pew”) – A treacherous 370-yard par 4, guarded by deep bunkers and undulating greens.
Hole 16 (“Black Dog”) – A 476-yard par 4, requiring a perfectly placed drive to set up a long, demanding approach.

Tournaments & Legacy

Major Championships & Historic Moments

Spyglass Hill has been a fixture in professional and amateur golf, regularly featuring in the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am since 1967. The course has also hosted multiple USGA Championships, including U.S. Amateur qualifiers.

Iconic Moments

Tiger Woods’ 2000 U.S. Amateur Performance – A young Tiger Woods famously dominated Spyglass Hill during the U.S. Amateur Championship, showcasing his legendary shot-making ability.
Phil Mickelson’s Magical Rounds – Mickelson has shot some of the lowest scores in tournament play at Spyglass, highlighting his mastery of the challenging layout.
The Course’s Reputation Among Tour Pros – Many professionals regard Spyglass Hill as tougher than Pebble Beach, with the highest stroke average of all courses in the AT&T Pro-Am rotation.

Champions of the Last Decade

Recent Tournament Winners

2024 AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am – Wyndham Clark (-17)
2023 AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am – Justin Rose (-18)
2022 AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am – Tom Hoge (-19)
2021 AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am – Daniel Berger (-18)
2020 AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am – Nick Taylor (-19)

World-Class Facilities & Membership

Spyglass Hill is part of the world-famous Pebble Beach Resorts, offering golfers unparalleled amenities, including:

Pebble Beach Golf Academy – One of the most advanced golf instruction facilities in the world, featuring TrackMan technology, PGA-certified coaches, and state-of-the-art swing analysis.
The Tap Room – A historic steakhouse and bar overlooking Pebble Beach, perfect for post-round celebrations.
Luxury Accommodations – Visitors can stay at The Lodge at Pebble Beach, Casa Palmero, or The Inn at Spanish Bay, offering breathtaking ocean views and world-class hospitality.
Guest Access & Green Fees – Spyglass Hill is open to the public, with green fees ranging from $495–$545, depending on the season.

Golfing Legends & Course Records

Spyglass Hill has seen some of the game’s greatest players challenge its demanding layout, including Jack Nicklaus, Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson, and Jordan Spieth.

Course Record: 62 (Phil Mickelson, 2005)
Lowest Tournament Score: -19 (Tom Hoge, 2022 AT&T Pro-Am)
Longest Drive: 407 yards (Tiger Woods, 2000 AT&T Pro-Am)

Fascinating Facts & Little-Known Secrets

The Treasure Island Connection – Spyglass Hill is named after Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic novel, Treasure Island, with hole names like “Billy Bones” and “Black Dog” paying homage to the story.
Toughest Course on the Tour Rotation – Many PGA Tour professionals consider Spyglass the hardest course in the AT&T Pro-Am rotation due to its tree-lined fairways and complex greens.
Used as a U.S. Open Qualifying Site – The course has been a frequent host for U.S. Open sectional qualifiers.

Why Every Golfer Should Play Here

Spyglass Hill is a true masterpiece—combining the beauty of coastal golf with the precision required in tree-lined championship venues. Whether you’re an amateur golfer looking to test your game or a seasoned pro seeking to conquer one of the toughest tracks in America, Spyglass Hill delivers a golf experience unlike any other.

Ranked among the Top 100 Golf Courses in the World, Spyglass Hill continues to attract golfers from across the globe. With its storied history, world-class design, and breathtaking views, every round played here is an unforgettable journey through the heart of championship golf.