Pacific Grove Golf Links is a municipal golf links in Pacific Grove, CA. It sits adjacent to Monterey Bay and the Pacific Ocean, at the Point Pinos Lighthouse. It’s known colloquially as “poor man’s Pebble Beach,” as Pebble Beach is only five miles away. Pacific Grove links is two distinct nine-hole tracts, built by two different architects, in two different eras. The front nine, designed by Chandler Egan, plays through the neighborhood, and features views of the bay. It plays strategically, using undulating fairways, prevailing winds, and strategically placed trees to challenge players. The back nine, designed by Jack Neville, puts players on the coastline of the Pacific. Play on the back may be more straightforward but is arguably more challenging, with strategy dominated by the ocean wind, and prioritizing control and local knowledge over power.

Egan Nine

“The front nine, designed by two-time United States Amateur Champion H. Chandler Egan, offers the golfer a glimpse of architecture reminiscent of some of the world’s most memorable courses. The out and back, figure-eight design was originally conceived with opening and closing par fives; however, when a modern clubhouse was built in 1960, the routing was changed. This new routing features one of the most unique opening stanzas in all of golf. Two par threes followed by two par fours and two par fives greet the golfer as he makes his way out to the farthest point on the course and turns for home. Although the Monterey Bay is visible on several of the holes, the narrower fairways and small greens demand the player’s attention before the visual feast that awaits him on the second nine.”

Neville Nine

“Built in the manner of a traditional links course, the second nine at Pacific Grove Golf Links transports you “across the pond” without ever leaving home. Designed in 1960 by Jack Neville of Pebble Beach and Bel Air Country Club fame, the Neville Nine is a testament to the rugged and natural beauty found on the Monterey Peninsula. Winding out from beneath the watchful eye of the Point Pinos Lighthouse, the holes tumble into the windswept dunes before heading directly toward the ocean and then turning home. With views of the ocean and Point Pinos Lighthouse from every hole, you can smell the salt in the air and feel the ocean spray on your face, just as the founders of the game experienced centuries ago.”

Source: Pacific Grove Golf Links

Point Pinos Lighthouse sits across the street from the clubhouse. It is the oldest continuously operating lighthouse on the West Coast of the United States. It is available to visit on weekends.

The Grill at Point Pinos is the restaurant at the clubhouse, and it is a popular bunch spot in the community.

The wildlife at the course can be impressive, with and numerous species of birds along the coast an inland area. Deer are frequently roaming the fairways. Interestingly, bucks are typically seen on the back nine while does tend to be found only on the front nine.