Pebble Beach, one of the most famous golf courses in the world, carries a hefty price tag that often leaves golfers wondering if it’s truly worth the expense. From April 1, 2024, to March 31, 2025, the cost for non-resort guests is $675 to play a round, plus an additional $55 for a cart fee. If you want a caddie to accompany you, that’s another $52.50 per person. And let’s not forget about accommodation—the nightly rates for Casa Palmero start at $1,345, The Lodge at $1,145, and the Inn at Spanish Bay at $995. All in all, it’s easy to spend upwards of $2,000 just for a single round of golf, not including any meals or additional activities. So, is this level of expense justified for 18 holes?
For those who have experienced it, the price is often seen as a reflection of the prestige that comes with playing such an iconic course. According to Alex Perry, Pebble Beach is “up there with the best” in terms of golf course prestige. The course is well-known for hosting major events like the Pebble Beach Pro-Am and U.S. Open, both of which are widely followed by fans. Imagine being out there with the sun on your face and breathtaking ocean views surrounding you. For golfers like Perry, this is a rare opportunity—one that makes the significant cost of the round seem worth it. He likens it to playing other iconic courses like Augusta, where the experience itself is priceless, regardless of the hefty price tag.
However, not everyone agrees that the expense is justified. Steve Carroll, who walked Pebble Beach during the 2019 U.S. Open, appreciates certain holes, particularly the dramatic 7th and 8th, but he also finds some parts of the course less impressive. While the standout holes are undeniably stunning, he feels that the rest of the course doesn’t quite live up to the same level of awe. Carroll compares the cost of playing Pebble Beach to the price of playing three legendary Open venues like Muirfield, Birkdale, and Hoylake. For him, the decision is a tough one, and ultimately, he decides against shelling out the money for a round at Pebble Beach.
While the question of whether the cost is truly worth it depends on individual preferences, there’s no denying the course’s historical significance. Pebble Beach has hosted seven U.S. Open tournaments, as well as a variety of other prestigious events, including the PGA Championship and the Pure Insurance Championship. For some, playing the course is an opportunity to immerse themselves in the history of golf, walking the same fairways that have hosted legends. Even if certain holes don’t leave as strong an impression, the opportunity to be part of the course’s legacy is something that many golfers find appealing.
So, would you pay the extortionate green fees to play at Pebble Beach? For some, the experience of playing on a course that holds such iconic status and offers unparalleled scenery is worth every penny. For others, the cost might feel excessive, especially when there are other courses of equal historical significance that are more affordable. It ultimately comes down to personal priorities—whether the experience of playing Pebble Beach outweighs the hefty price tag. Only you can decide if it’s a dream worth chasing.