Pebble Beach is often synonymous with the grueling beauty of the U.S. Open and the steep price tag of a bucket-list round at the Links. However, a significant shift in the Monterey Peninsula’s golf landscape has been solidified over the last few years. The Hay Pebble Beach, a reimagined nine-hole short course, has transformed from a local secret into an essential component of the Pebble Beach experience. Whether you are a scratch player looking to sharpen your wedges or a family seeking a casual afternoon, this TGR Design project offers a version of golf that prioritizes speed, accessibility, and sheer enjoyment.

The evolution of Peter Hay’s vision

The site where The Hay sits today has been a fixture of the resort since 1957. It was originally established by Peter Hay, the long-time head professional at Pebble Beach and Del Monte, who was a pioneer in advocating for junior golf and accessible short-form courses. For decades, the Peter Hay Golf Course served as a gateway for newcomers.

In 2021, the property underwent a total transformation led by Tiger Woods and his firm, TGR Design. The goal was not to create a mini-championship course, but to amplify the original intent of its namesake. Woods re-routed the entire layout to better utilize the terrain and the stunning vistas of Stillwater Cove. The result is a facility that feels community-oriented yet carries the meticulous conditioning and prestige associated with the Pebble Beach brand. By 2026, it has matured into a lush, strategic playground that proves nine holes at 700 yards can be just as memorable as 18 holes at 7,000 yards.

A tour through Pebble Beach history: The nine holes

One of the most engaging aspects of The Hay is that every hole tells a story. Each yardage was chosen to correspond with a significant year in Pebble Beach history, and tee plaques explain the context. This isn't just a gimmick; it creates a rhythmic journey through the resort's legacy.

Hole 1: The Hay (57 yards)

Named for the year Peter Hay founded the original short course (1957), the opening hole features a Biarritz-style green. This architectural feature, characterized by a deep gully bisecting the putting surface, requires precise distance control. It’s a sophisticated start for such a short yardage, signaling that while the course is fun, it respects the traditions of golf course architecture.

Hole 2: Seven (106 yards)

This is arguably the most photographed spot on the property. It is an exact replica of the world-famous 7th hole at Pebble Beach Golf Links. While the original 7th sits on the edge of the Pacific, this tribute allows every visitor—regardless of whether they have a tee time on the main course—to experience the confounding challenge of hitting a short iron into a small, wind-swept target surrounded by sand. It is a democratization of championship golf.

Hole 3: Watson (82 yards)

Honoring Tom Watson’s legendary chip-in at the 17th hole during the 1982 U.S. Open, this hole demands a similar level of touch around the greens. The contours here are tricky, and a miss on the wrong side of the slope can lead to a humbling three-putt, even on a hole this short.

Hole 4: Bing (47 yards)

This hole pays homage to 1947, the year Bing Crosby brought his "Clambake" (now the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am) to the peninsula. Despite being only 47 yards, it is one of the most difficult shots on the course. Woods designed this as a "mini-dell" hole—a blind par-3 where the green is sunken and hidden by mounds and trees. It requires trust in your yardage and a high, soft landing.

Hole 5: Grace (49 yards)

Commemorating Grace Lenczyk’s victory in the 1948 U.S. Women’s Amateur at Pebble Beach, this hole highlights the resort's rich history in women’s competitive golf. The green is framed by beautiful oaks, creating a chute that requires a very narrow line of flight.

Hole 6: Lanny (77 yards)

In 1977, Lanny Wadkins won the only PGA Championship held at Pebble Beach in a sudden-death playoff. This hole features a unique horseshoe-shaped green, offering multiple pin positions that can drastically change the strategy from one day to the next.

Hole 7: Jack (61 yards)

Jack Nicklaus has long stated that Pebble Beach is his favorite course in the world. This hole honors his 1961 U.S. Amateur win and his 1972 U.S. Open victory. The green shape is a subtle nod to the 17th at the Links, where Nicklaus hit his famous 1-iron off the flagstick.

Hole 8: Kite (92 yards)

Tom Kite’s gutsy win in the 1992 U.S. Open was defined by his ability to handle 30-mph winds. As you play the 8th hole, which faces directly toward Stillwater Cove, you are likely to encounter the same coastal breezes. It’s a test of ball flight control and club selection.

Hole 9: Tiger (100 yards)

The final hole is the longest, reflecting Tiger Woods’ record-breaking 15-stroke victory at the 100th U.S. Open in 2000. The green features a "thumbprint" indentation that funnels well-placed shots toward the hole—a feeling many golfers imagine Tiger had during his dominant run that year.

The 20,000 square-foot putting course

Adjacent to the short course is a sprawling putting course that is arguably the best value in Monterey. Open to the public at no cost, this massive surface is designed with wild undulations and endless possible routings. It serves as a social hub where juniors, resort guests, and locals mingle.

The putting course at The Hay is more than just a practice area; it’s a recreational space. You’ll often see groups of friends competing for lunch stakes or kids learning the game without the pressure of a traditional tee box. The lack of a fee for this specific area is a deliberate move to lower the barrier to entry for the sport, reinforcing the "community" feel that Woods and the Pebble Beach Company aimed for.

Dining at Hay’s Place

A round at The Hay isn't complete without a visit to Hay’s Place, the Mexican-inspired restaurant perched just above the course. The design is casual and airy, with an expansive outdoor patio that offers some of the best views of Point Lobos and the short course below.

The menu focuses on shareable plates and craft beverages, making it a perfect post-round spot. The "taco and tequila" vibe is a refreshing departure from the more formal dining rooms found at the Lodge or the Inn at Spanish Bay. It’s an environment where golf shoes are the standard dress code and the conversation is more about the near-ace on the 2nd hole than corporate boardrooms.

Practicalities: Cost, gear, and booking

Playing at the world’s premier golf destination usually requires significant financial planning, but The Hay is surprisingly accessible. Currently, general public and resort guest rates hover around $75. In a move that truly honors Peter Hay’s legacy, juniors aged 12 and under play the short course for free. There is also a significant discount for re-rounds, which is tempting because the nine holes take less than an hour to play.

In terms of equipment, you do not need a full bag. Most players carry three or four clubs: a sand wedge, a gap wedge, perhaps a short iron for the longer holes (depending on the wind), and a putter. The course is walking-only, making it a light, breezy stroll. If you didn't bring your clubs, the pro shop provides high-quality rentals specifically tailored for the short course.

Reservations are highly recommended, especially on weekends and during the peak summer months. While it’s easier to snag a time here than on the championship courses, the popularity of the "short course movement" has made The Hay a busy spot. It’s often best to book an afternoon slot, allowing you to finish just as the sun begins to dip over the Pacific, followed by a fire-pit session at Hay’s Place.

Why the short course model works in 2026

The golf world has changed. While 18-hole championship tests will always have their place, there is a growing appetite for "snackable" golf. The Hay meets this demand by providing a high-quality aesthetic and architectural experience in a fraction of the time. It removes the intimidation factor that often prevents newcomers from visiting a place like Pebble Beach.

Furthermore, the design philosophy of TGR Design at The Hay emphasizes width and creative recovery options. You won't find punishing rough or lost-ball hazards here. Instead, you find slopes that can be used to funnel balls toward the hole, and short-grass areas that encourage creative chips and putts from off the green. It’s a design that rewards imagination over raw power.

Maximizing your Monterey trip

If you are planning a trip to the Monterey Peninsula, think of The Hay as the perfect "arrival day" or "departure day" activity. It’s a great way to acclimate to the local turf conditions (predominantly Poa annua greens and Rye fairways) before tackling the larger courses.

Alternatively, for those staying at The Lodge or Casa Palmero, The Hay serves as a late-afternoon extension of the day. After a morning round at Spyglass Hill or Spanish Bay, a quick loop at The Hay followed by sunset drinks is the definitive Pebble Beach itinerary. It offers a sense of playfulness that complements the more serious nature of the championship links.

Ultimately, The Hay Pebble Beach is a testament to the idea that golf is at its best when it is inclusive and fun. By honoring the past through its hole designs and the future through its accessible format, it has become a must-visit destination in its own right. It isn't just "the other course" at Pebble Beach—it is the heart of the resort's modern identity.