Pacific Grove Golf Links

I played this course almost 40 years ago on a HS golf team. I had fond memories (not of the ice plant1) but of the layout itself. What a joy to return-I found it in fine shape for a popular muni that hosts many rounds. My friend who played in Ireland and Scotland felt PG compared favorably to courses he played several years back-the spectacular ocean setting, the pitch and runs, and the challenging greens brought back fond memories for him-without leaving the States! I hope to return soon-thanks for a great day.

Back nine has spectacular views of ocean! Greens were in good shape and an overall enjoyable round of golf (walking). Great value for the money and would definitely recommend.

This course is absolutely a tale of two nines.. The front is very much a public, municipal style course. Very unusual layout with almost no "flow" to it at the beginning. Starts with two par 3s, then two very short (drivable) par 4s, then two par 5s. However, once you reach hole 6 and then continuing through 9, they are nicely placed and feel like you're finally playing some typical, at times challenging, golf. Then there's hole 10, which is a joke of a par 3 at less than 100 yards.
And then you hit hole 11.... I feel like I was transported somewhere else entirely. The Irish coast? Scottish links? Pebble Beach? Something absolutely special. Natural rolling hills make up the fairways, with waves crashing on rocks, sand dunes, and indigenous coastal plant life all around to keep you on your toes.
Hole 12 is a wonderful par 5 with the breaking waves of the Pacific Ocean to your left and a sharp dogleg bordered by sand dunes on your right. Elevated tees, blind shots, tucked away greens... A wonderful stretch of holes lay before you, culminating in the very fun par 3, 17th hole, over water with the waves again crashing on the rocks to your left.
And then you hit hole 18.. uninspired and drab by comparison. A short, straight as an arrow, up hill par 4. Makes for an easy par to finish your round.
My final thought is that I wish they could somehow replace both 10 and 18 with something more in line with the rest of the back 9.. That would make for a truly special experience.
I would go back again but I would ask two things... Can I play the back 9 twice? And if the answer is no, then can I just play 9 holes.. those being the back 9.

This course is a great value for your money. Actually 2 courses in one as you begin the round in a park-like setting that is a pleasure to play. The 10th tee takes you out to the coastline for a links-style experience complete with wind and surf spraying against the rocks. A beautiful day all around!

The course is in great shape and offers great beauty throughout.ir is a terrific golf value! Never disappointed.

My friend and I were teamed with a nice gentleman and we had a great time it was the best course that I've played already and I shot an 86 on this course the ocean made it beautiful and it was picture taking most on the back nine and I would play it again when I come back to California

This is a relatively short (5700 from the blues) course, but as you head towards the water on the back nine, the wind becomes a factor in a big way. Keep your ball out of the ice plant, and you'll be much happier!

This course is pretty short. It makes up for it with narrow fairways on the front nine. Once you make the turn to the back nine, it is difficult to concentrate on golf. Just beautiful views everywhere. Staff could not be friendlier. A great value for the money. My suggestion is to walk and take in the views.

Best muni course anywhere
Great value
Need camera for the many photo ops on back nine

The price was excellent for a course with ocean views.

I vacation in Pacific Grove quite often and try to play this course every time I'm there. Never get tired of it. Unbelievable value and some of the best scenery in the world on the back 9. Can't wait to hit it again!

This is really two separate golf courses. The front nine is parkland, with loamy soil, but the back nine is very linksy and sandy and flows along the ocean. Great views of pounding surf. The back nine reminded me very much of Scotland, right down to the small white flowers in the fairway. A great course for the money and really deserves the name "poor mans Pebble Beach"

We played here on a monday morning after spending the weekend in Monterey for my wife's 30th birthday. We teed off at 8:40 and played the front nine in 1:40, but were joined by a couple of locals for the back which took about 2:20 (still 4 hour 18 though). The front nine isn't all that exciting, but challenges you to hit it pretty straight and hit your spots. Small greens and a long par 3 to finish the front. But I knew from the reviews that you play this course to play the back 9, which was spectacular. Since we played on a pretty calm morning the wind was present but not overpowering. Just beautiful and fun 9 holes. It was quite helpful to have a local with us as there are some blind tee shots and deceptive fairways. Would definitely play again. Oh yeah we also walked, which I think adds to the enjoyment of this course.

We have played this course a number of times, but never quite like this. There was much needed rain throughout the round. Strangely enough my playing partner and I both had personal bests despite the rain. The course was in good condition despite the weather. No one else was playing so we were able to stop for lunch during the worst of it.

The front nine is a basic municipal course with houses and fences along many of the fairways. The back nine is along the Pacific Ocean and is really beautiful.

I've played several rounds here. It is a terrific course with amazing views of Monterey Bay! After playing, score seems insignificant; the experience will be memorable. The pro shop staff was courteous and very accommodating.
Highly recommend this course!!!

As known for public, this course is affordable and back 9 is beautiful. But, unfortunately, green condition was not excellent. Green was uneven, bumpy and rugged. Except that, it was great course.

well, when I say the weather was excellent, it was if you like scottish golf. Warm on the front nine, then we hit the back, fighting the wind all the way. Really a lot of fun and in many ways better then the bright sun. Had a great time. Walked the course and was told that we could use a cart on the back if we wished to. Saw lots of deer.

We've been here about 3 times over the past couple of years and we love it!!! The front 9 is fine, but the back 9 along the ocean is amazing. We will continue to drive the couple of hours to play there as well as enjoy the beautiful surrounding areas.

This course is horrible. One of the least maintained courses I've ever played. With the views of the Pacific though this place stays packed. If I was the city I wouldn't pump any money into it either if it's bringing in all the revenue. The course is a joke and hackers are everywhere. BUT, the views on the back 9 are the best around. It would be amazing what this course would be if they cared about maintaining it.

We played 18 holes in 3 hours 50 minutes and it was completely enjoyable. Weather, fairways and greens, all super! The back nine is out standing at Pacific Grove.