--- title: "Augusta National vs Pebble Beach: Golf's Holy Grails Compared (2026)" slug: augusta-vs-pebble-beach description: "Comparing Augusta National and Pebble Beach: accessibility, prestige, cost, and which legendary course you can actually play." date: 2026-01-12 author: Golf Courses Close-To-Me keywords: augusta vs pebble beach, pebble beach or augusta, best golf courses in america, bucket list golf courses --- # Augusta National vs Pebble Beach: Golf's Ultimate Comparison Two of the most famous golf courses in the world. But there's one crucial difference: you can actually play one of them. --- ## Quick Comparison | Factor | Augusta National | Pebble Beach | Winner | |--------|-----------------|--------------|--------| | Can You Play It? | Invitation only | Yes (public) | Pebble Beach | | Green Fees | N/A | ~$625 | Pebble Beach | | Famous Tournament | The Masters | US Open | Tie | | Scenery | Iconic flowers, azaleas | Pacific Ocean cliffs | Pebble Beach | | Prestige | #1 in the world | Top 5 worldwide | Augusta | | Location | Augusta, Georgia | Carmel, California | Tie | --- ## The Reality Augusta National is the most exclusive golf club in America. You cannot book a tee time. You cannot walk the grounds except during the Masters. Becoming a member requires an invitation from an existing member, and the waiting list is essentially forever. Pebble Beach is a public course. Anyone can book a tee time. It costs ~$625, but you CAN play it. And the ocean views rival any course on earth. --- ## Choose Pebble Beach If... - You want to actually play one of the world's best courses - Pacific Ocean scenery appeals to you - You're willing to pay premium green fees - You want a bucket list experience you can book today Explore Pebble Beach → --- ## "Choose" Augusta If... - You know a member (lucky you) - You can attend the Masters tournament - You're content watching it on TV --- ## Bucket List Alternative If Augusta is your dream but you want to play TODAY: Pacific Dunes (Oregon) - Often called the closest thing to Augusta ambiance Pinehurst No. 2 (North Carolina) - Classic southern golf, actually playable TPC Sawgrass (Florida) - Home of THE PLAYERS, public access --- Explore All Golf Courses →