Pebble Beach - A Legend Ups Its Game
With a stunning California coastal setting and a guaranteed spot on every golfer’s must-play list, one might think Pebble Beach Resorts could rest on its laurels. But keeping the experience fresh for its guests and members has been a Pebble Beach hallmark for more than 100 years, and this year is no different, as the resort rolls out a major enhancement to its famed golf portfolio this spring: a new short course created in partnership with Tiger Woods and his TGR Design firm. And that’s not all there is to discover, as the brand-new Sloat Building at The Lodge offers guests a literal window to a never-before-seen view of Stillwater Cove.
A Reimagined Short Course
The new nine-hole, par three course is located on the site of the former Peter Hay Golf Course, tucked between the Pebble Beach Golf Academy and the first tee of America’s #1 public course: the legendary Pebble Beach Golf Links. Also part of the new facility are a 20,000-square-foot putting course and, slated for a mid-year opening, a food and beverage venue with the resort’s largest outdoor patio.
Although the course itself has been completely transformed, its spirit advances the legacy of its original creator, the Scottish-born Peter Hay. During his many years as the head professional at Pebble Beach and Del Monte, Hay was a fierce ambassador for the game he loved. It was in part because of his dedication to bringing newcomers—and particularly juniors—into the world of golf that Pebble Beach Company approached him in 1957 to develop one of the country’s first short courses.
In his redesign of Hays’ original course, Tiger Woods has amplified the Scotsman’s vision in a way few could have imagined. Every aspect of the course has been designed for playability and to encourage creativity. The result is a golf experience that promises to draw new players to the game, bring families together, and provide a fun challenge for players of all ages, abilities and skill levels—from first-timers to low-handicappers.
A Milestone Round
Woods has reoriented the routing of the entire course to take full advantage of the property’s incomparable views. Four of the new holes now play directly toward Carmel Bay, creating a never-ending visual treat for golfers. For eight of the nine holes, yardage corresponds to a significant year in Pebble Beach history, with plaques on each tee telling the story. The notable exception is Hole #2. For this hole, Woods created an exact replica of Pebble Beach Golf Links’ legendary 7th (absent the cliffs of Arrowhead Point)—making one of golf’s most iconic experiences accessible to more people.
The new 20,000-square-foot putting course is the perfect place to introduce a beginner to the game or for an avid player to sharpen their skills, ramp up competitive juices or unwind before dinner, and anything in between. Open to the public at no charge.
A 5,000-square-foot restaurant will feature a full kitchen and bar, with indoor and outdoor seating. The resort’s largest outdoor patio will be outfitted with firepits and positioned for expansive views of the short course, putting course, Carmel Bay and Point Lobos.
Booking It
Green fees for the short course are $65 for the general public and resort guests, $40 for residents of the Del Monte Forest, $30 for teens, and complimentary for juniors 12 and under. Youth on Course members through age 18 can play for $5. Re-rounds are available at a 50% discount and annual memberships are available through the Pebble Beach Practice Facility. The course is also available for group events and buyouts. To book, call 866-214-8180.
A Room with a View
Resort guests who come to check out the short course can be among the first to stay in the brand-new Sloat Building at The Lodge. Mere steps from Stillwater Cove, the Sloat Building is home to Pebble Beach’s most spectacular views yet. The ocean beckons from every one of its 26 rooms, where guests enjoy all the signature amenities and services that define the Pebble Beach resort experience.
But it's the five luxury suites that are the Sloat Building’s true showstoppers. Occupying the end of the building on the first, second and third floors, three Sloat Suites directly overlook the cove through wraparound, floor-to-ceiling windows, affording panoramic vistas that extend from the water to the 18th green of Pebble Beach Golf Links. Two additional suites, the Vizcaino Suites, are in the center of the building.
All five suites measure over 1,300 square feet and feature king bedrooms with the ability to connect a second bedroom to create a two-bedroom suite, large living areas with entertainment seating, and a separate guest bath with shower off the living area. Private patios and balconies with lounge seating invite guests to step out to savor the view and coastal breeze over morning coffee or evening cocktails. Vaulted ceilings add to the expansive feel of the suites while clerestory windows maximize natural light. And at the end of the day, gas-burning fireplaces in the bedrooms and living areas add the perfect cozy touch to come home to on a cool California night.