--- title: "Pebble Beach vs TPC Sawgrass: Bucket List Golf Courses Compared (2026)" slug: pebble-beach-vs-tpc-sawgrass description: "Comparing Pebble Beach and TPC Sawgrass: ocean views vs island greens, playability, cost, and which legendary course to play first." date: 2026-01-05 author: Golf Courses Close-To-Me featured_image: /images/blog/pebble-beach-vs-tpc-sawgrass.jpg keywords: pebble beach vs tpc sawgrass, tpc sawgrass or pebble beach, best golf courses in america, bucket list golf --- # Pebble Beach vs TPC Sawgrass: Which Bucket List Course First? Two of the most famous golf courses in America. Both host major professional events. Both are bucket list destinations. Here's how they compare. --- ## Quick Comparison | Factor | Pebble Beach | TPC Sawgrass (Stadium) | Winner | |--------|--------------|------------------------|--------| | Famous Hole | #7 (clifftop par 3) | #17 (island green) | Personal preference | | Setting | Pacific Ocean cliffs | Florida marshland | Pebble Beach | | Pro Event | US Open, AT&T Pro-Am | THE PLAYERS Championship | Tie | | Green Fee | $625+ | $450-550 | TPC Sawgrass | | Difficulty | Challenging | Very challenging | Tie | | Resort Experience | World-class | Very good | Pebble Beach | | Accessibility | Requires resort stay | Open to public daily | TPC Sawgrass | | Weather Risk | Fog, wind | Heat, afternoon storms | Tie | | Caddie Required | Yes | Available | TPC Sawgrass | | Advance Booking | Months ahead | Weeks ahead | TPC Sawgrass | --- ## The Courses ### Pebble Beach Golf Links Pebble Beach is regularly ranked the #1 public course in America. The clifftop holes along the Pacific are among the most photographed in golf. Host of 6 US Opens. Signature Holes: - #7 - Short par 3 on the cliff, most photographed hole in golf - #8 - Spectacular 2nd shot over ocean chasm - #18 - Par 5 along the bay, iconic finishing hole The Experience: - Caddie required ($150+ tip) - Resort guest priority for tee times - 5:30 AM tee times common - Fog can delay play Cost Breakdown: - Green fee: $625 - Caddie: $150+ tip - Cart: Included but walking encouraged - Total: $800+ per round --- ### TPC Sawgrass (Stadium Course) TPC Sawgrass is the PGA TOUR's flagship course, home to THE PLAYERS Championship. The island green 17th is the most famous par 3 in golf. Signature Holes: - #17 - Island green par 3 (150,000+ balls in water annually) - #16 - Risk-reward par 5 - #18 - Water left, bunkers right, pressure finish The Experience: - Forecaddie available but not required - Public tee times year-round - Easier booking than Pebble - TPC Clubhouse experience Cost Breakdown: - Green fee: $450-550 (season dependent) - Cart: Included - Forecaddie: $50+ tip (optional) - Total: $500-600 per round --- ## Playability ### Pebble Beach - From the tips: 6,828 yards, Rating 74.8 - Elevation changes: Moderate - Wind factor: Significant (ocean wind) - Walk: Hilly but manageable Average Score (15 handicap): 90-100 The course is fair but punishes wayward shots with ocean-side cliffs. ### TPC Sawgrass - From the tips: 7,245 yards, Rating 77.0 - Elevation changes: Minimal (Florida flat) - Water hazards: 12 holes with water - Walk: Easy, flat terrain Average Score (15 handicap): 95-110 The water and narrow fairways are unforgiving. The 17th claims thousands of balls daily. --- ## Best Time to Play ### Pebble Beach - Best: May, June, September, October - Avoid: January-March (peak fog season) - Book: 90+ days in advance (resort guests) ### TPC Sawgrass - Best: March-May, October-November - Avoid: July-August (extreme heat) - Book: 3-4 weeks ahead typically works --- ## The Experience Beyond Golf ### Pebble Beach Resort - 4 courses total (Spyglass Hill, Spanish Bay, Links at Spanish Bay) - 17-Mile Drive access - The Lodge at Pebble Beach - Multiple dining options - Complete destination experience ### TPC Sawgrass - Dye's Valley Course (2nd course) - Marriott resort on property - Close to Jacksonville/St. Augustine - Ponte Vedra Beach access Verdict: Pebble Beach is the more complete resort destination. --- ## Choose Pebble Beach If... - Ocean views are essential to you - You want the ultimate golf destination - You can afford the premium price - You're willing to book months ahead - You want to play multiple world-class courses Explore Pebble Beach → --- ## Choose TPC Sawgrass If... - You want to experience the island green - Budget matters (saves $200+) - You want an accessible booking process - You prefer flat terrain for walking - March/April timing (near THE PLAYERS) Explore TPC Sawgrass → --- ## Final Verdict For Pure Golf Experience: Pebble Beach wins. The Pacific coastline setting is unmatched in American golf. For Bucket List Value: TPC Sawgrass delivers an iconic experience at a more accessible price point. Our Take: Both deserve a spot on every golfer's bucket list. Play TPC Sawgrass first (easier to book, lower cost), then save up for the Pebble Beach pilgrimage. --- Explore Pebble Beach → | Explore TPC Sawgrass →