The Inside Swing

Cypress Point Club

Pebble Beach, California

Alister MacKenzie's jewel on the Monterey Peninsula, Cypress Point is considered one of the most beautiful and strategically brilliant courses ever built. The iconic par-3 16th over the Pacific, the lone cypress, and the wind-swept clifftop setting create golf's most romantic and revered experience.

History & Heritage

Cypress Point Club was conceived by Marion Hollins, a former U.S. Women's Amateur champion, and designed by Dr. Alister MacKenzie with Robert Hunter. The course opened in 1928 on a spectacular stretch of the Monterey Peninsula weaving through dunes, Monterey cypress groves, and dramatic rocky coastline. Samuel F.B. Morse formed the club and selected MacKenzie based on Hollins' recommendation.

MacKenzie considered Cypress Point his finest work. The routing moves from inland meadows through dark cypress forest to exposed oceanside cliffs. The course hosted the Bing Crosby Clambake rotation from 1947 until 1991, when the club withdrew. The 2025 Walker Cup returned elite competition to the course.

At just 6,524 yards, Cypress Point proves great golf does not require excessive length. MacKenzie's genius lay in creating holes offering multiple strategic options, all framed by some of the most breathtaking scenery in the game.

Signature Holes

15
Hole 15 Par 3 · 137 yards

A short, enchanting par 3 perched on the rocky coastline with the Pacific crashing below. Ocean winds and a small green surrounded by ice plant make this one of the most memorable short holes anywhere.

16
Hole 16 Par 3 · 231 yards

Perhaps the most famous par 3 in all of golf. This heroic one-shotter plays entirely over the Pacific Ocean to a green on a rocky headland. Players can lay up left, but the bold carry over the churning ocean is golf's most iconic shot.

17
Hole 17 Par 4 · 381 yards

Often overshadowed by the 16th, this stunning par 4 plays along clifftops with ocean on the left. The approach navigates cypress trees to a green perched on the edge of the rocks.

What to Expect

Cypress Point journeys through three distinct landscapes: rolling dune land on opening holes, dense Monterey cypress forest in the middle, and dramatic rocky coastline on the famous finishing stretch. At 6,524 yards, the course rewards finesse and imagination far more than power.

Ocean winds are constant on coastal holes. The course is walking only with caddies, and the terrain is very manageable. The small membership means you will likely have the course largely to yourself.

Playing Tips

Course management is everything at Cypress Point. The inland holes through cypress forest demand accuracy while the coastal stretch demands courage and restraint. On the 16th, assess the wind honestly before attempting the ocean carry. The bail-out fairway left still allows a chance at par.

MacKenzie's greens reward approach shots played to specific quadrants. Favor the wide side of each green, as the coastal greens can be firm and wind-swept.

Highlights

  • Alister MacKenzie architectural masterwork
  • Iconic par-3 16th over the Pacific Ocean
  • Perennially ranked among the world's top 3 courses

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the public play Cypress Point Club?
No. Cypress Point is one of the most exclusive private clubs in the world. Access is only through a member invitation.
What makes the 16th hole so famous?
The 16th is a 231-yard par 3 playing entirely over the Pacific Ocean to a green on a rocky headland. It is considered the most iconic hole in golf.
Why did Cypress Point leave the AT&T Pro-Am rotation?
Cypress Point withdrew from the tournament rotation in 1991 and was replaced by other Monterey Peninsula courses.
How does Cypress Point compare to Pebble Beach?
Both are among the world's greatest courses. Cypress Point is shorter, more intimate, and exclusively private, while Pebble Beach is longer, has hosted more championships, and is open to the public.

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