The Ultimate Guide to Playing Pebble Beach Golf Links: What to Expect & Why You Need a Photo Caddie

Written By Tee Time Photography

If you’re dreaming of walking the same fairways as Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods, Pebble Beach Golf Links isn’t just a bucket-list course—it’s a pilgrimage. Here’s everything you need to know before you tee off at one of the most iconic golf courses in the world, and why hiring a professional photo caddie from TeeTimePhotos.com will help you remember every swing, smile, and seaside view.

Why Pebble Beach Golf Links Is a Must-Play Course

Set on the dramatic cliffs of California’s Monterey Peninsula, Pebble Beach Golf Links is widely considered the crown jewel of American golf. Ranked consistently as the #1 public golf course in the U.S., it offers a challenging yet breathtaking experience for golfers of all skill levels.

Since opening in 1919, Pebble Beach has hosted:

  • 6 U.S. Opens (with another scheduled for 2027)

  • The annual AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am

  • Multiple PGA TOUR and amateur championships

Playing this course isn’t just about the game—it’s about the history, views, and legacy.

How to Book a Round at Pebble Beach

Booking a tee time at Pebble Beach requires some planning. Here’s how you can secure your spot:

1. Stay & Play Packages

Pebble Beach gives booking priority to guests staying at one of its resort properties, including:

  • The Lodge at Pebble Beach

  • The Inn at Spanish Bay

  • Casa Palmero

Tee times are typically available up to 18 months in advance for guests.

2. Public Access

If you’re not staying at the resort, public tee times are released 24 hours in advance (subject to availability). You may need to play as a single or pair.

3. Green Fees

As of 2025, a round at Pebble Beach costs:

  • $645 (plus caddie or cart fees)

  • Add $60–$120 for a caddie, depending on single or double bag carry

  • Expect a $50–$100 tip

Yes, it's pricey—but the experience is unmatched.

What Makes Pebble Beach So Special?

1. The Coastal Holes

Holes 4 through 10 and 17 through 18 hug the Pacific Ocean, offering dramatic oceanfront views. Few courses in the world put you this close to the crashing surf.

2. The 7th Hole

At just 106 yards, this par-3 is short but mighty. Perched on a cliff and battered by coastal winds, it’s one of the most photographed—and challenging—holes in golf.

3. The 18th Hole

The iconic par-5 finishing hole is a true test of strategy and nerves. The Pacific lines the entire left side. A birdie here is unforgettable.

What to Expect on the Day of Your Round

✅ Arrive Early

Get there at least 60–90 minutes before your tee time. You’ll want to:

  • Check in at the pro shop

  • Warm up at the driving range

  • Grab coffee or breakfast at The Bench or Stillwater Bar & Grill

✅ Practice Facilities

Pebble Beach offers a first-class practice area including:

  • Driving range

  • Chipping and putting greens

  • Short game area

✅ Caddie or Cart?

Caddies are highly recommended, especially for first-time players. Their course knowledge is invaluable—and you’ll be thankful for help on the greens.

But if you’re looking for something extra to enhance the experience, consider adding a photo caddie.

Why You Should Hire a Photo Caddie from TeeTimePhotos.com

Let’s face it—playing Pebble Beach is likely a once-in-a-lifetime event. You’ll want more than a few iPhone snaps to remember it by.

📸 What’s a Photo Caddie?

A photo caddie is a professional photographer who walks the course with you, capturing your entire round from tee to green. With Tee Time Photos, you get:

  • Candid shots of your swing, reactions, and interactions

  • Group shots with your friends or playing partners

  • Epic scenic shots with the Pacific Ocean as your backdrop

  • High-resolution images delivered in a custom gallery

  • Optional video clips and drone footage available on request

👥 Who Are the Photographers?

Tee Time Photos is run by professional photojournalists who know how to capture real moments. They're not just pressing a button—they’re telling a story.

🧘 You Focus on the Game, They Capture the Rest

Trying to take photos during your round is distracting, especially at Pebble Beach where you want to savor every detail. A photo caddie ensures you stay focused on the experience while they handle the storytelling.

🖼️ Memories You’ll Actually Frame

Instead of grainy selfies or rushed shots, you’ll walk away with magazine-quality images worthy of your wall, photo book, or social media profile. These aren’t just pictures—they’re proof you played one of the greatest courses in the world.

📲 How to Book

Visit TeeTimePhotos.com to schedule your round and add photography services. Early bookings recommended—photo slots are limited, especially during peak season and events.

Tips for First-Time Pebble Beach Players

⛳ 1. Know Your Yardages

The coastal winds can play tricks with your distances. Use a GPS watch or rangefinder, or rely on your caddie’s expertise.

🎯 2. Play Smart, Not Aggressive

Don’t try to be a hero on every hole. The course rewards strategy more than brute strength.

📷 3. Pause and Take It All In

At holes like 7, 8, 17, and 18—stop and breathe. You’re walking on golf history.

👟 4. Dress for the Coast

Pebble Beach can shift from sunny to foggy in minutes. Dress in layers and bring rain gear, just in case.

Where to Stay When Playing Pebble Beach

To get the full experience, stay on property. Here are the top resort options:

🏨 The Lodge at Pebble Beach

  • Closest to the course

  • Elegant, historic accommodations

  • Some rooms overlook the 18th hole

🌲 The Inn at Spanish Bay

  • Scenic views of the Pacific and Del Monte Forest

  • Fire pits and bagpipers at sunset

🏡 Casa Palmero

  • Mediterranean-style boutique hotel

  • Ideal for a quieter, more intimate experience

Extend Your Trip: Other Great Courses Nearby

While Pebble Beach is the main attraction, the Monterey Peninsula is home to several other world-class courses:

  • Spyglass Hill Golf Course – Known for its beauty and brutal challenge.

  • The Links at Spanish Bay – A Scottish-style links experience.

  • Poppy Hills – Tree-lined fairways with firm, fast greens.

If you're staying for a few days, book a golf package to experience all three.

Where to Eat After Your Round

Celebrate your round at one of these classic spots:

🍽️ The Tap Room

Located inside The Lodge, this legendary steakhouse is a post-round tradition.

🍷 The Bench

Modern cuisine with views of the 18th green and Stillwater Cove.

🍤 Roy’s at Pebble Beach

Located at Spanish Bay, offering Hawaiian-fusion fare and sunset views.

What Past Golfers Are Saying

"Pebble Beach was everything I imagined and more. Having a photo caddie was a game-changer—I have incredible photos of our group that I’ll treasure forever.”
— Jason R., Sacramento

"I didn’t realize how emotional playing here would be. The photos from Tee Time Photos captured every reaction, every high-five, every putt. Worth every penny.”
— Lisa T., San Diego

Final Thoughts: Make It Memorable

Playing Pebble Beach is about more than golf. It’s about standing in the same bunkers as the legends, staring down shots you’ve watched on TV, and experiencing golf at its most majestic.

And when the round is over, having professional photos means you can relive it all—every swing, every fist pump, every wave crashing against the rocks.

If you're making the trip, go all in. Book the caddie. Buy the hat. And definitely hire the photo caddie from TeeTimePhotos.com.

Because some memories are just too good for selfies.

Ready to tee it up at Pebble Beach?
Visit TeeTimePhotos.com and make your once-in-a-lifetime round truly unforgettable.

Tee Time Photography
Next

🏌️‍♂️ Playing Golf at Spyglass Hill: A Bucket-List Experience on the Monterey Peninsula!