This week the AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am is being held over three courses on the Monterey coast in California. Numerous players tweeted photos of playing Cypress Point, an ultra-private golf club located just minutes from the courses where the tournament is held.
No, you’re not getting a round there anytime soon, even if the course’s 16th hole is among the most photographed in golf. Canadian Mike Weir is among the latest to tweet out a photo while standing on the 16th hole, a heroic par three that forces players to carry more than 200-yards of the Pacific Ocean with their shot from the tee.
But just because you can’t get a round at Cypress doesn’t mean there aren’t other similarly great ocean courses worth kicking out the cash to play. Yes, some of these will cost the same as a month’s mortgage payment, but what will you remember—where that $500 went, or that you played one of the great courses in the world?
Pebble Beach Golf Links
The past host of the U.S. Open and the regular stop for the AT&T tournament this week, Pebble Beach isn’t cheap—it’ll set you back $495 (US) to play, and the only way to guarantee a tee time is to stay at the equally pricey lodge. Is it worth it? You bet. The stretch of holes that run along the ocean, from the par three 5th through to the 11th, is among the best in the world, and no one will ever forget playing the short par three 7th hole, or trying for the green over the cliff on the 8th hole. Iconic.
Pacific Dunes
Located in a remote stretch of the Oregon coast, this links-like gem peaks out at $310 (US) if you’re not staying at the resort. Created by designer Tom Doak, it’s regarded as one of the best in the world since it opened 14 years ago. This is seaside golf that makes you feel like you’re overseas, but also has elements of Pebble Beach, with some holes resting high on bluffs overlooking a broad beach.
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Cabot Cliffs
Just a short drive from Cabot Links in Inverness, N.S., this new Canadian course will open in July. Built on one of the most impressive sites for golf anywhere in the world, Cabot Cliffs has elements of the best of Irish golf—with holes swinging into natural dunes—while the incredible finish is high on cliffs overlooking the ocean. Like Cypress Point, Cabot Cliffs’ 16th hole, a par three over the beach, will surely become one of the most discussed in golf, and it isn’t even the best hole on the course. Majestic. Rates haven’t been set yet, but last year the top rate for Cabot Links was $190.
Teeth of the Dog
A gem on the south shore of the Domincian Republic, legendary designer Pete Dye crafted this resort course, with seven holes playing hard along the Caribbean Sea. Though it starts calmly enough with several inland holes, by the time you hit the first par three, the short and sporty 5th, with its green perched out in the ocean, you’ll have forgotten the earlier inland holes. The course then heads inland again before the back nine reemerges on the crystal blue waters. At $255 (US) for a round, this isn’t inexpensive golf—but you won’t forget it anytime soon.
Ailsa Course at Turnberry
One of Scotland’s most dramatic courses, this facility was recently purchased by American businessman Donald Trump and will see some changes this fall. In the meantime, you can still play a course where history has been made time as some of the most noted British Opens have been contested on its fairways. The opening holes are inland, but much of the front nine runs along a rocky, dramatic coastline. Some will debate the cost—those not staying at the resort will pay $575 (Canadian with current exchange) to tee it up at the Ailsa, but who doesn’t want to say they played the same holes where Jack Nicklaus battled Tom Watson in the Battle Under the Sun?
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