Course Reviews
Where to travel for golf this winter – Europe
Explore 33,000+ golf courses in 180 countries.
Follow the latest news and trends in golf.
Connect with like-minded golfers.
Find everything you need for your golf equipment and gear needs.
Travel, golf resorts, lifestyle, gear, tour highlights and technology.
All Square
Suggestions
Course Reviews
Where to travel for golf this winter – Europe
Course Reviews
Camiral Golf & Wellness: A New Era in Luxury
Course Reviews
Apes Hill Resort, Barbados
Course Reviews
Stay & Play in Mallorca
Course Reviews
Most challenging golf courses in Europe
Course Reviews
La Cala Golf Resort, Costa del Sol
Course Reviews
Golf trips to book in 2024: Unveiling Europe’s Best
California’s Monterey Peninsula has held a special place in the hearts of golfers for nearly a century. Beautiful ocean views, challenging layouts, and 5-star accommodations make this destination a must-visit for golf enthusiasts of all skill levels.
Boasting a storied history of both professional and amateur golf, this area is a hotbed for great courses, featuring timeless gems like Quail Lodge, Spanish Bay, and, of course, Pebble Beach.
All Square offers a number of golf packages for you to choose from so you can cross a trip to the Monterey Peninsula off your golf bucket list!
Which one will be right for you?
Suggested Arrival: Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport
Getting there
Located in Carmel, the Quail Lodge Golf Club is just an 80-mile drive from San Jose International Airport.
The Course
The 6500-yard layout at Quail Lodge stretches over the expanse of a beautiful 850-acre property that basks in the inviting Carmel sunshine. Designed in 1964 by Robert Muir Graves, this pet-friendly track features a playable set-up that has attracted talented golfers and their recreational counterparts for years.
Holes like the iconic yet tricky uphill par-4 4th call for a combination of strategic course management and excellent shot-making ability in order to score low.
A recent 28-million dollar facelift completed in 2015 has added appealing contours and landing areas to the perfectly maintained fairways at Quail Lodge in order to appeal to the modern player. However, those who have played here agree that the pristine conditions of the carefully manicured greens are the most noticeable feature of this golf course. Perhaps that’s why it was awarded “best playing conditions” for all of central California by GreensKeeper two years in a row (2016,2017).
Suggested Accommodations
Quail Lodge ($$$): Quail lodge is located right near the golf course and includes 93 luxurious rooms with layouts that will have you waking up to golden California sunshine seeping through your windows every morning. Amenities to take advantage of during your stay at Quail Lodge include tennis courts, an outdoor pool, and a top-rated restaurant that offers outdoor dining options with spectacular views of the Santa Lucia mountains.
Carmel Mission Inn ($$): A stay at the Carmel Mission Inn puts you in close proximity to Cannery Row, Fisherman’s Wharf, Monterey Aquarium, and other popular Monterey attractions. After you’re finished touring these famous Monterey landmarks, unwind by cooling off in the outdoor pool or stay in shape by getting in a quick workout at their fitness center.
Getting there
Spanish Bay overlooks the pacific ocean from the coastline and is one of the first stops on the famously scenic 17-mile drive that most people take when they visit the Carmel/Pebble Beach area. To get here, your best bet is to rent a car or hire a shuttle for the 1.5-hour drive from San Jose International Airport to Spanish bay.
The Course
This course was built in 1984 and is situated on top of an old sand-mining operation. Designed by Robert Trent Jones, Jr. with the help of Tom Watson and Sandy Tatum, Spanish bay’s rolling fairways, wild fescue, and naturally rugged bunkers capture the true essence of links golf on one of the most beautiful pieces of land on the planet.
Its 6821-yard layout shares hosting duties with Spyglass Hill and Pebble Beach for the Taylormade Pebble Beach Invitational which is regularly attended by top tour pros like Bubba Watson, Anikka Sorenstam, Natalie Gulbis, and Rickie Fowler.
From stunning ocean views throughout the course to a brief 4-hole stretch through the forest, every hole at Spanish Bay features postcard-worthy scenery courtesy of the breathtaking natural landscape found throughout the area.
Suggested Accommodations
The Inn at Spanish Bay ($$$$): Surrounded by views of towering pine forests, the rolling waves of the pacific ocean and sweeping sand dunes, The Inn at Spanish Bay offers an experience as close to paradise as one can get. Each room here gives off an aura of homely comfort and includes a crackling fireplace and the option for a private balcony or patio. Whether you’re looking to indulge your senses by experiencing the wide range of aromas and flavors provided by Stave Wine Cellar or treat your tastebuds to the mouth-watering menu options at Peppoli restaurant, here the gastronomic possibilities are second to none.
Carmel Country Inn ($$): Located just 5 miles from the Links at Spanish Bay, Carmel Country Inn provides guests with a comfortable experience. Each guest has access to top-notch amenities like a spa bath, cozy fireplace, and a gourmet breakfast every morning. Take a short walk away from the Inn and you’ll be able to enjoy fine dining and plenty of shopping options provided by the Carmel Plaza.
Getting there
Without question, first-time visitors to Pebble Beach should consider taking the world-renowned 17-mile drive to get to the course. Although you will incur a charge of $10.50 per vehicle, the scenic drive is worth far more than the price paid.
The Course
The crowning jewel of the Monterey golf experience, Pebble Beach is simply one course you must play while visiting the Gold coast. Founded in 1919 by Samuel Finley Brown Morse, this course is arguably the most iconic of any ever built. The grounds at Pebble Beach have witnessed some of the greatest moments in golf history, including Tiger Woods’ 15-shot victory at the 2000 US Open.
Pebble Beach is home to several memorable holes like the short but difficult 7th which is often coined the most famous par-3 in all of golf. While playing here, you’ll constantly find yourself feeling like you’re standing at the edge of the world as you gaze out from the towering cliff sides from which this magnificent course was carved.
Suggested Accommodations
The Lodge at Pebble Beach ($$$$): Elegant design, aesthetic scenery, and exquisite amenities have all blended together seamlessly at the Lodge at Pebble Beach since its construction in 1919. Located just a few short steps away from the course, a quick glance out your window exposes the famous 18th hole that has decided the fate of so many championship events throughout its history.
Tally Ho Inn ($$): Not only is the Tally Ho Inn just a 7-minute drive from the grounds of Pebble Beach, but it’s also a prime location for taking advantage of other popular venues in Carmel like Monterey Bay Aquarium and Point Lobos. Rooms in this homely Inn include a warm fireplace and a spa bathtub for your comfort.
Looking to test your skills on some of the world’s most beautiful courses? Check out All Square’s golf packages for Monterey today!