Pebble Beach debuted as the top-ranked course in our inaugural America’s 100 Greatest Public Courses list in 2003. Two decades later, Pebble continues to hold onto the top spot.

Situated on the southern tip of the Monterey Peninsula, Pebble Beach is not only the greatest meeting of land and sea in American golf, it’s the most extensive one, too. Nine holes are perched immediately above the crashing surf—including the sixth through eighth—which our long-time Architecture Editor Ron Whitten once wrote is golf’s real Amen Corner.

Yet, our expert course panelists evaluate courses based on seven scoring criteria, so a high mark in Aesthetics alone is not enough to yield a top ranking. Along with the unrivaled seaside visuals, Pebble’s architectural merits—its tiny, angled greens, varying hole lengths and demanding cliffside shots—make it our nation’s best public course.

Click here to see a comprehensive review of Pebble Beach, including panelist scores and reviews, as well as an exclusive drone tour of all 18 holes, narrated by Jim Nantz. And if you’re planning a trip to The Golden State, check out our collection of the Best Courses You Can Play in California, where you’ll find PGA Tour courses, affordable munys and high-end resorts.