Pacific Grove Municipal Golf Links

On the northern tip of Monterey Penisula is the little coastal town of Pacific Grove. As you drive thru town, you get the feeling that this is a more relaxed, down home type of place that is not as pretentious as its neighbor next door. And out by Sunset Drive lies the crown jewel, Pacific Grove Municipal Golf Links.

Repeated named as one of the best municipal courses in the country, Pacific Grove has much pedigree to substantiate its ranking. US Amateur Champion Chandler Egan designed the front nine in 1932. Then in 1960 Jack Neville designed the back nine in the dunes surrounded by the ocean. Pacific Grove became an instant classic. However, what makes this place even more special, is the good grace to treat this as a municipal golf course. You can play here for a tenth of the price at Pebble Beach.

I played the back nine while on vacation, and I'm not sure if I ever felt more giddy on a course before. Between the sand dunes, the pounding ocean surf, and blowing wind, Pacific Grove was showing her assets from the very start. There's a couple lines of sand dunes that Neville took advantage of with his routing. Greens were placed in the dunes or along side them while several holes shared common space for fairways.

Without a doubt, the best hole is the par five twelfth. The hole makes a gentle "C" as it plays between the dunes. From the tee, the stunning ocean views makes this an awesome hole. It's possible to reach it in two, but you'll have to challenge the sand to cut off some distance.
13-16 are all parallel to each other as they play tween the sand. Each has it's own little wrinkle to gain an advantage for those looking to score. I felt fourteen was the next best hole as dunes guarded the right side which provided the best view into the green. From the left, one had to carry over a dune to a semi blind putting surface. Seventeen is the most recognized hole here. (several commercials were made here) It's just a mid length par three, but the tee is set near Sunset Drive, and the waves crash into the rocks a few yards away.

I think everyone needs to play Pacific Grove if they're anywhere near Monterey. It's the type of place that reminds you why you fell in love with the game. It's just a very special place. And to me, that overcomes any shortfalls that the course may have. Point Pinos Lighthouse oversees the play on the back, adding to the ambiance of an already unforgettable day of golf!! (5 rating)

Gokfweek #22 best municipal golf course