Each September, a rare kind of magic unfolds along the Monterey Peninsula—where iconic fairways roll toward the Pacific and the game of golf is elevated into something far more personal. That’s when the PURE Insurance Championship returns to Pebble Beach Golf Links and Spyglass Hill, transforming two of the world’s most legendary courses into the backdrop for a PGA Tour Champions event like no other.
What makes the PURE Insurance Championship so special isn’t just the world-class setting or the caliber of players—it’s the format. The tournament brings together seasoned PGA Tour Champions, leading First Tee junior golfers from across the country, and amateurs for a truly intergenerational experience. It’s an event defined by mentorship, tradition, and the timeless spirit of the game.
But beyond the action on the course, the PURE Insurance Championship is one of the most enjoyable and elegant ways to experience Pebble Beach as a spectator. Whether you’re attending for the first time or returning as part of an annual tradition, here’s everything you need to know to make the most of the experience.
A Tournament That’s Open to All—And Free to Attend
One of the most gracious aspects of the PURE Insurance Championship is that it’s entirely open to the public. No ticket purchases, no credentials required—just walk into one of the most storied venues in the world of golf and enjoy the tournament up close.
Play begins on Friday and continues through Sunday, with the final round always held at the Pebble Beach Golf Links. Friday and Saturday alternate between Pebble and Spyglass, but it’s important to note that Spyglass Hill is closed to spectators. Your on-the-ground viewing experience will be centered entirely at Pebble Beach Golf Links, and truthfully, there’s no better place to be.
Arriving in Style (and with Ease)
Parking is refreshingly simple. Spectator lots are located at Lot 10—Special Events Field, where complimentary shuttles run on a continuous loop to the tournament entrance. Shuttles are clean, comfortable, and frequent, making transportation seamless and stress-free, even during peak hours.
Once on the grounds, you’ll find yourself walking among the greens, fairways, and oceanside views of Pebble Beach, able to follow players from tee to green at your own pace. For golf enthusiasts and casual fans alike, the ability to walk the course with the pros is a rare luxury.
What to Expect on the Course
There’s no grandstand seating or bleachers on the course, so come prepared to stroll. A small bag with essentials—such as sun protection, layers for cool coastal mornings, and comfortable walking shoes—will serve you well. Though Pebble Beach Resort’s dining venues and restrooms are open throughout the event, there’s a subtle elegance to simply walking the course, pausing under Monterey pines, or finding a perch along the cliffs to take in the action.
The tournament also features a Family Fun Zone, a thoughtful addition for those attending with children. Here, families will find interactive activities and a place to recharge away from the course, all while staying within the spirit of the event.
Dining at Pebble Beach: Where to Unwind Between Rounds
One of the most delightful elements of attending the PURE Insurance Championship is the opportunity to dine at Pebble Beach’s renowned restaurants, most of which remain open to the public during tournament week.
For a relaxed yet refined lunch, The Bench at The Lodge serves up wood-roasted dishes and stunning ocean views, all steps from the 18th green. Craving something more indulgent? Pèppoli at The Inn at Spanish Bay offers an elevated take on Tuscan cuisine. At the same time, The Tap Room, a classic steakhouse, is a perennial favorite for golfers and non-golfers alike. Whether you’re sipping a signature cocktail or enjoying an espresso with a view, the culinary experience here is never an afterthought.
Where to Stay: Resorts, Rooms, and Rare Views
To turn your tournament experience into a complete Pebble Beach getaway, the best option is to stay on-site. The Lodge at Pebble Beach, The Inn at Spanish Bay, and Casa Palmero all offer premium accommodations and immediate access to the championship golf course.
For those looking to explore the surrounding area, luxury lodging is available in Carmel-by-the-Sea, Pacific Grove, and Monterey, each with its own charm and proximity to the course. Accommodations book quickly during tournament week, so advance reservations are essential.
VIP Hospitality and Elevated Experiences
For those who prefer a more exclusive vantage point, the tournament offers hospitality packages designed to enhance the experience. Semi-private decks on the iconic 18th hole provide shaded seating, gourmet catering, premium cocktails, and unbeatable views of the final moments of play.
Corporate and personal packages can also include custom signage, access to shared hospitality lounges, and limited “inside-the-ropes” observer opportunities, allowing you to watch from just feet away as pros and juniors navigate Pebble’s most challenging holes.
It’s a quietly elite way to enjoy the championship, one that blends Pebble Beach’s legacy of excellence with the welcoming tone of the tournament itself.
Enhancing Your Stay: Off-Course Excursions
Outside the ropes, the Monterey Peninsula offers no shortage of elegant diversions. Consider extending your visit to include a drive down 17-Mile Drive, wine tasting in Carmel Valley, or a stroll through Carmel’s high-end galleries and boutiques. For those with a love of the water, kayaking at Stillwater Cove or sailing out of Monterey Harbor adds another layer of luxury to the weekend.
Ready to Explore More of Pebble Beach and Carmel Real Estate
The 2025 PURE Insurance Championship at Pebble Beach promises to be an unforgettable experience for both golf fans and those seeking yet another way to soak in the vibrant lifestyle of Pebble Beach. Between the competition, worthy cause, and incredible scenery, this event embodies everything that makes the Monterey Peninsula a desirable place to visit—and call home. For visitors in attendance, considering a move, or locals seeking to upgrade their current Monterey Peninsula lifestyle, contact Katy Harrison today to begin your real estate journey.
