🏌️ How to Play Pebble Beach, Spyglass Hill & Spanish Bay for Cheap (Without Staying at the Resort)

Aug 28

If your dream is teeing it up at Pebble Beach, Spyglass Hill, and The Links at Spanish Bay, you’re not alone. These are some of the most iconic golf courses in the world — but staying at the resort can cost a small fortune.

Here’s the good news: you can play them all without staying on property. All it takes is a little insider knowledge and perfect timing.

Why It’s So Hard (and So Worth It)

Pebble Beach Resorts gives tee time priority to guests staying at their hotels. That’s why most visitors assume you have to book a room to play. But that’s not true. There are limited tee times for non-resort guests — and if you know when to call, you can score one of the best rounds of your life for a fraction of the cost.

Tee Time Booking Windows for Non-Resort Guests

CourseBooking WindowInsider TipPebble Beach Golf Links24 hours in advanceCall the pro shop the day before to grab cancellations or leftover times.Spyglass HillUp to 3 months in advanceReserve early — this course fills fast.The Links at Spanish BayUp to 6 months in advanceGreat for planners; easiest course to book ahead.

Timing is everything. If you’re flexible and persistent, you can play all three world-class courses without paying for a resort stay.

How to Book Your Tee Time Like a Pro

1. Call Pebble Beach Exactly 24 Hours Before

This is the big one. Non-resort guests can only book Pebble Beach one day in advance.
Call the pro shop right when it opens — around 7:00 a.m. Pacific Time — and ask about any open or canceled tee times. Have your credit card ready and be flexible with your time of day.

If you’re lucky, you’ll snag a tee time at the most famous public golf course in America — for far less than the cost of staying there.

2. Book Spyglass Hill Up to 3 Months Ahead

Spyglass Hill allows non-resort guests to book up to 90 days out. Mark that date on your calendar, call the second the window opens, and you’ll have a great shot at getting the time you want.

Afternoon tee times tend to have better availability, and you’ll get a little price break if you play late in the day.

3. Reserve Spanish Bay 6 Months Out

The Links at Spanish Bay gives you a six-month window as a non-resort guest. If you’re planning a trip well in advance, lock this one in early. It’s a beautiful, seaside course with a friendlier layout — and booking early gives you maximum flexibility for your other rounds.

Stay Nearby (and Save Thousands)

You don’t have to stay at Pebble Beach Resorts to soak up the experience.

Here are the best nearby options:

Pacific Grove – 10 minutes away, budget-friendly coastal inns.
Monterey – 15 minutes, modern hotels and vacation rentals.
Carmel-by-the-Sea – charming, upscale, and often half the resort cost.

Even after adding green fees, you’ll likely save $1,000–$2,000 per night compared to the resort.

Insider Tips to Boost Your Odds

Be a single or twosome — easier to slot into existing groups.
Play midweek (Monday–Thursday) when fewer travelers compete for times.
Check for cancellations the afternoon before your target day.
Ask the pro shop if there’s a waitlist — golfers cancel all the time.
Visit in shoulder seasons (spring or fall) when tee times are easier to snag.

My Recommended Order: Pebble → Spanish Bay → Spyglass

Here’s my personal take after playing them all:

Start with Pebble Beach.
There’s nothing like walking those legendary fairways first. It sets the tone and makes the rest of your trip feel like a celebration.
Play Spanish Bay second.
It’s relaxed, scenic, and pure fun — the perfect middle round before tackling the toughest test.
If you can fit in another round, finish with Spyglass Hill.
Spyglass is the most challenging and technical of the three. Ending with it feels like a proper grand finale — a true test of everything you’ve learned.

That sequence also aligns perfectly with the booking windows: Pebble (1 day), Spanish Bay (6 months), and Spyglass (3 months).

Don’t Skip the Pebble Beach Experience

Even if you’re not staying at the lodge, make sure to:

Grab a drink at The Tap Room.
Walk around the 18th green and shop at the Pebble Beach Golf Links store.
Take a photo overlooking the Pacific — the one every golfer dreams of.

Final Thoughts

You don’t need a resort stay or a five-figure budget to live the Pebble Beach dream.
Call ahead, plan smart, and be flexible — and you can play Pebble Beach, Spanish Bay, and Spyglass Hill just like the pros.

Play Pebble first, Spanish Bay second, and finish strong at Spyglass.
It’s the perfect order for an unforgettable golf trip — and the best value play you’ll ever make.

Jacob Roche