Top 9 Iconic Pebble Beach Golf Shots in History
Pebble Beach Golf Links, perched on the rugged California coastline, isn't just a golf course—it's a theater of drama, where the Pacific Ocean crashes against cliffs and the wind whispers challenges to the world's best players. Since opening in 1919, this Monterey Peninsula gem has hosted countless PGA Tour events, including the prestigious Pebble Beach Pro-Am and six U.S. Opens, the latest in 2019. For golf enthusiasts, Pebble Beach evokes images of impossible recoveries and triumphant fist pumps. As the 2024 AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am approaches, let's rank nine of the most memorable shots that have etched this course into golf lore. These moments blend skill, audacity, and sheer luck, captivating audiences worldwide.
The Allure of Pebble Beach
What makes Pebble Beach so special? Designed by Jack Neville and Samuel Morse, its layout hugs the shoreline, with holes like the par-3 seventh and the iconic 18th testing even the pros. The course's natural beauty—think cypress trees and ocean views—pairs with brutal conditions, turning routine shots into potential highlights. The Pro-Am, a celebrity-filled spectacle since 1937, draws stars like Bill Murray and Tom Brady, but it's the elite play that steals the show. U.S. Opens here amplify the pressure, as seen in 2019 when Gary Woodland claimed victory. Now, dive into the shots that defined eras.
9. Jordan Spieth's Cliffside Par Save (2022 Pro-Am)
In the 2022 AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am, Jordan Spieth found himself in a nightmare on the 11th hole: his ball teetered on a sheer cliffside, ocean waves roaring below. Most players would concede, but Spieth, ever the scrambler, dropped a ball and executed a delicate pitch that saved par. This Houdini act kept him in contention, finishing solo second at 17-under, just two strokes behind winner Tom Hoge. Spieth's creativity under duress exemplifies why Pebble's hazards are as famous as its fairways.
8. Tiger Woods' Pitching Wedge Eagle (2000 Pro-Am)
Tiger Woods in 2000 was a force of nature, and his Pebble Beach Pro-Am win showcased it. Trailing by seven shots entering the final round, Woods holed a pitching wedge for eagle on the par-4 12th, igniting a comeback victory by two over Matt Gogel and Vijay Singh. Clad in his signature red polo, Tiger's fist pump became iconic, symbolizing dominance. This shot wasn't just a hole-out; it was a declaration of supremacy during his peak years.
7. Jack Nicklaus' 1-Iron Miracle (1972 U.S. Open)
The Golden Bear, Jack Nicklaus, faced gale-force winds on the par-3 17th during the 1972 U.S. Open at Pebble Beach. Playing 218 yards into the teeth of the storm, he opted for a 1-iron—a club rarely seen today—and striped it pin-high for a two-putt par. Needing only to hold steady, Nicklaus' shot, dubbed a '1-in-a-million,' helped secure his second U.S. Open title. It remains a testament to old-school power and precision against nature's fury.
6. Tom Watson's Chip-In Thriller (1982 U.S. Open)
The 1982 U.S. Open at Pebble Beach pitted legends Tom Watson against Jack Nicklaus. On the par-3 17th, Watson's tee shot left him a tricky chip from rough. Instead of playing safe, he chipped in for birdie, stealing momentum and ultimately the title from Nicklaus, who was eyeing his fifth Open. Watson's caddie later revealed his bold prediction: 'I'm going to make it.' This clutch play denied the Bear and cemented Watson's nine major wins.
5. Tiger Woods' Bold 7-Iron from Rough (2000 U.S. Open Prep)
Building on his 2000 dominance, Woods' 7-iron on the sixth hole during U.S. Open preparations stunned onlookers. Buried in thick rough, commentators doubted escape, but Tiger gripped down and lashed it to 10 feet for birdie. This aggressive mindset foreshadowed his 15-stroke victory at Pebble, widening the chasm between him and the field. It was vintage Woods: turning peril into par, redefining what's possible.
4. Gary Woodland's Wedge Wizardry (2019 U.S. Open)
Host to the 2019 U.S. Open, Pebble Beach saw Gary Woodland conquer the field. On the 17th, Woodland's drive left him in barren waste area—his longest putt of the week or a risky chip. He chose the wedge, holing it for birdie, then added another on 18 to win by three over Brooks Koepka, pocketing $2.25 million. This miracle shot turned a potential collapse into major glory, highlighting Woodland's mental fortitude.
3. Christopher Meyers' Historic Albatross (2014 First Tee Open)
Not every legend is a tour pro; amateur Christopher Meyers made waves at the 2014 Nature Valley First Tee Open. On the par-5 18th, his second shot—a towering 3-wood—dropped for an albatross (double eagle), a rarity at Pebble. The crowd erupted as the ball kissed the cup, marking one of the course's most improbable feats. Meyers' shot reminds us Pebble welcomes dreamers of all levels.
2. Rory McIlroy's Ocean Splash and Recovery (2019 Pro-Am)
Though not in the original list, Rory McIlroy's 2019 Pro-Am drama deserves mention. Driving into the Pacific on the 18th, he dropped and stuck his approach to six feet, saving par in the celebrity event. This resilience fueled his strong finish, showcasing how Pebble tests adaptability. McIlroy's flair adds modern spice to the course's history.
1. Payne Stewart's Iconic Putt (1999 Prep, Echoing Legacy)
Topping our list is Payne Stewart's poignant 15-foot birdie on the 18th during 1999 U.S. Open practice, though his actual Open win elsewhere resonates. At Pebble, Stewart's knuckled putt in windy conditions became legendary post-tragedy. His spirit lives in every seaside putt, making this a heartfelt No. 1 for emotional impact.
Why These Shots Matter
These nine shots—from Spieth's scramble to Meyers' albatross—illustrate Pebble Beach's magic: blending beauty with brutality. They've inspired generations, boosting the course's status as a bucket-list destination. As pros return, expect more history. Whether you're a fan or planning a visit, Pebble's legacy endures, one unforgettable swing at a time.
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