The Epic Holes at Pebble Beach Golf Links: A Golfer’s Dream!
Pebble Beach Golf Links is not just a golf course—it’s a pilgrimage site for golfers around the world. Perched along California’s rugged Monterey Peninsula, Pebble Beach has consistently been ranked among the best golf courses in the world. From breathtaking ocean views to championship-level challenges, every hole at Pebble Beach has a story. But some stand out as truly epic—holes that test your skill, stir your emotions, and create memories that last a lifetime.
Whether you’re playing Pebble for the first time or revisiting a dream come true, understanding its most iconic holes will deepen your appreciation for this legendary course. Let’s take a deep dive into the epic holes of Pebble Beach Golf Links and why they are etched in golf history.
Hole 1 – Starting Strong with History
The opening hole at Pebble Beach sets the tone. While not as intimidating as the coastal holes to come, the first hole is steeped in history. Framed by Cypress trees, this short par-4 encourages accuracy over distance. The fairway slopes from left to right, and the green is small, requiring precision.
For first-time players, standing on Pebble Beach’s first tee brings goosebumps—knowing you’re walking the same ground as legends like Jack Nicklaus, Tom Watson, and Tiger Woods.
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Hole 4 – The First Ocean Vista
The fourth hole is where Pebble Beach truly starts to shine. This par-4 hugs the cliffside, introducing golfers to the dramatic Pacific Ocean views the course is famous for. A drive to the right side of the fairway opens the best angle to the green, but beware—the Pacific Ocean looms along the entire left side.
This is one of those holes where you must stop for a photo. It’s not just golf; it’s pure California coastline magic.
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Hole 6 – The Climb
The sixth hole is one of Pebble Beach’s most dramatic par-5s. The tee shot plays downhill toward the ocean, with Stillwater Cove as your backdrop. But the second shot is what makes this hole unforgettable—you’ll face a steep uphill approach, climbing a massive rise in the fairway to reach the green perched high above.
This hole has been the scene of countless memorable moments in championship golf, requiring both strategy and power.
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Hole 7 – The Legendary Short Par 3
If there’s one hole that defines Pebble Beach Golf Links, it’s the 7th. Measuring just around 106 yards, it’s one of the shortest par-3s in championship golf—but don’t let the yardage fool you.
Perched on a tiny peninsula of land, the 7th green is surrounded by crashing waves and swirling winds that can make club selection nearly impossible. On calm days, you might hit a wedge. On windy afternoons, players have been forced to hit long irons just to hold the tiny green.
It’s a postcard-perfect hole that epitomizes the beauty and challenge of Pebble Beach.
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Hole 8 – The Cliffhanger
Often ranked among the greatest golf holes in the world, the 8th hole at Pebble Beach is a masterpiece. The tee shot is demanding, requiring a precise drive to the edge of a cliff-lined fairway. Then comes one of the most dramatic second shots in golf—a long iron or hybrid across a yawning ocean chasm to a small green perched on the other side.
Jack Nicklaus once called the second shot at Pebble’s 8th hole “the greatest shot in golf.” And once you stand there, staring across the abyss, you’ll understand why.
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Hole 9 – Along the Ocean’s Edge
The ninth hole runs along the Pacific Ocean, with waves crashing just steps from the fairway. This par-4 demands a strong tee shot, as the ocean guards the right side the entire way. The approach shot is equally intimidating, with a narrow green framed by bunkers and the sea.
This hole tests both nerves and shot-making ability, especially with the ocean breeze in play.
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Hole 10 – Beauty and Danger
Continuing along the cliffs, the 10th hole is another spectacular par-4 that showcases Pebble Beach’s seaside drama. Drives must hug the left side of the fairway to avoid the ocean, but too far left and you risk the rough or a poor angle to the green.
Approaches to the elevated green are tricky, especially when the wind is up. With the Pacific crashing below, this hole is as beautiful as it is dangerous.
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Hole 17 – The Championship Par 3
The 17th hole at Pebble Beach is one of the most famous par-3s in major championship history. Measuring around 200 yards, this hole requires a long, accurate shot to a narrow green protected by bunkers and the ocean breeze.
It was here in 1982 that Tom Watson chipped in for birdie to beat Jack Nicklaus in the U.S. Open—a shot still remembered as one of the greatest in golf history. Every golfer who steps onto this tee knows they’re standing on hallowed ground.
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Hole 18 – One of Golf’s Greatest Finishing Holes
The 18th hole at Pebble Beach is one of the most iconic finishing holes in all of golf. This par-5 sweeps along the coastline, with the Pacific Ocean running down the entire left side. The tee shot must find the fairway to give players a chance of reaching the green in two.
Even for amateurs, standing on the 18th tee at Pebble Beach is an unforgettable experience. You’re not just finishing a round—you’re closing out a chapter in your golfing life. The views, the history, and the challenge combine to make this hole one of the greatest in the world.
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The Experience Beyond the Holes
What makes Pebble Beach Golf Links truly special isn’t just the design of its holes—it’s the combination of natural beauty, history, and atmosphere. From the cliffside views to the small, demanding greens, Pebble Beach tests every part of your game while giving you a front-row seat to the Pacific Ocean.
For many golfers, playing Pebble Beach is a once-in-a-lifetime bucket list experience. Capturing the round with photography ensures those memories never fade. Companies like TeeTimePhotos.com specialize in documenting your Pebble Beach round, so you can relive the magic forever.
Why These Holes Are Epic
So, what makes Pebble Beach’s holes so epic? It’s not just the challenge. It’s the setting, the history, and the emotion tied to them. When you play the 7th, 8th, 17th, or 18th, you’re part of a story that includes the greatest moments in golf history.
From Jack Nicklaus to Tiger Woods, legends have walked these same fairways. And when you tee it up at Pebble Beach, you join their ranks—at least for a day.
Final Thoughts
Pebble Beach Golf Links is more than a golf course—it’s a masterpiece of nature and design. The epic holes here aren’t just about difficulty; they’re about awe. They challenge you, inspire you, and remind you why golf is such a special game.
Whether it’s the postcard beauty of the 7th, the heroic shot at the 8th, or the drama of the 18th, Pebble Beach delivers moments you’ll remember for a lifetime. Playing here is about more than chasing a score—it’s about writing your own story on one of the greatest stages in golf.
If Pebble Beach is on your bucket list, prepare yourself for an unforgettable journey. And when you go, make sure you capture it—not just in memory, but in images that will last forever.