JD Cuban
The view from behind the 12th green at MPCC Shore.
LC Lambrecht/Courtesy of Monterey Peninsula CC
The approach to the eighth green at MPCC Shore.
LC Lambrecht/Courtesy of Monterey Peninsula CC
Behind the sixth green at the Monterey Peninsula Country Club Shore course.
Approaching the 413-yard par-4 15th hole at Monterey Peninsula Country Club's Shore course.
The par-3 third hole, before the layout opens up to 17 Mile Drive.
LC Lambrecht/Courtesy of Monterey Peninsula CC
Monterey Peninsula Country Club: Shore
Pebble Beach, CA • Private
Monterey Peninsula Country Club: Shore
3000 Club Rd
Pebble Beach, CA 93953-2542
United States
Overview
Mike Strantz was battling cancer while transforming the bland, low-budget Shore Course into a scenic and strategic marvel that rivals next-door neighbor Cypress Point. Strantz reversed the direction of the fifth through 15th holes to provide a Pacific Ocean backdrop to most of them. He weaved fairways among trees so players could “dance among the cypress,” and added native grasses for a coastal prairie look. The stunning landscape would be Strantz’s last work of art. He died six months after completing the redesign. Former PGA Tour player Forrest Fezler, who was Strantz’s associate on the project, later served as a consulting architect to retain the Strantz vision, until he passed away, also from cancer, in 2018. Designer Dave Zinkand completed a renovation of the bunkers in 2025 to keep Strantz's artistry vivid.
About
Awards
Ranking history:
100 Greatest: Ranked since 2007.
Highest ranking: No. 53, 2021-'22.
Previous ranking: 62nd.
2025-'26 ranking: 55th.
Best in State: Ranked eighth, 2013-'22. Ranked 10th, 2011-'12. Ranked inside the top 10, 2007-'10.
2025-'26 ranking (and previous): 7th.
Panelists
Ratings from our panel of 1,900 course-ranking panelists
100 GREATEST/BEST IN STATE SCORES
Shot Options
Character
Challenge
Layout Variety
Fun
Aesthetics
Conditioning
Reviews
Review
“* The bunkering seems a bit too jagged and straight-lined for a course on the ocean and doesn't blend well with the environment which is why the aesthetics isn't higher. * Strong layout variety. 5 Par 3's cover 4 directions and 9, 11 & 14 play different clubs from one another despite the card yardage being the same because of the wind direction and slope. 5 Par 5's cover 4 directions with 10 & 12 doglegged in opposite directions from one another. * Interesting to see Strantz's rework at the 60's design where you can find his footprints within the wild greens at times and imposing bunkering around the course. The course feels more constructed than natural and while it's fun to play along the ocean, the character score suffers a bit."
Read More2025
Review
“A private club that has several holes overlooking the ocean. The course is playable with hole number #1 a par 5 with a wide inviting fairway. The greens are undulating and quick and most have bunkers surrounding the sides of the green. The facility staff was friendly and helpful. Do not pass up a chance to play if you get the opportunity."
Read More2024
Review
“Mike Stranz masterpiece on the Monterey Peninsula. Stranz used his artistic background to carve out this beauty that cemented his legacy. Wonderful views throughout and plenty of challenge especially when the wind is up. This place should be on everyone's bucket list. Do not pass up the opportunity to enjoy this beauty if asked to play here."
Read More2023
Review
“beautiful course - fair and fun to play"
Read More2023
Review
“Well designed private course that overlooks the ocean. It's big undulating quick greens are accessible both through air and ground."
Read More2023
Review
“Rerouted and reimagined by Mike Stranz, opened for play in 2004. He sadly passed away the following year. A beautiful sea side course on the Monterey Peninsula very close to the 17-mile drive. Rolling fairways, undulating fast greens and several ocean views make this course a pleasure to play."
Read More2023
Review
“Horseshoe green at #4 which would be out of view from the right tee box is an incredible test of shot shaping, accuracy and creativity, almost a new age Redan. That, followed by the 'elephant under blanket' green on a great risk-reward short par 4 is exquisite. The environmental surroundings with dolphins, seals, wild turkeys amidst purple flower majesty is only outdone by the design excellence at the par-five 9th hole with a Frodo Baggins climb to the 10th tee box ocean reprieve."
Read More2022
Review
“Fantastic seaside course. Large boulders around a few tee boxes felt contrived but great shot values and and beautiful scenery."
Read More2022
Review
“Beautiful golf course! The shot options and challenge were incredible. Wind plays such a huge factor being right on the ocean for most holes. This is one of the most fun golf courses I have ever had the privilege of playing.."
Read More2022
Review
“The redesign of the Shore course by the late Mike Strantz was a fantastic transformation, as he reversed the direction of the 5th-15th holes bringing the Pacific Ocean’s beautiful backdrop more into focus. Aesthetically this is one of the finest properties in the country, as they utilize natural rock formations framing greens and teeing areas while offering continuous views of one of the finest pieces of land and sea in this world. The vegetation and natural sand areas / dunes are a fantastic blend offering one of the most pleasurable rounds I have ever played."
Read More2022
