Your Guide to the Grandstands at the U.S. Open
There are more than 20 grandstands strategically scattered throughout Pebble Beach for the U.S. Open, enough to seat 13,500 fans. Some locations will be familiar haunts for AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am regulars – wrapping around the 18th green, lining the 17th hole, overlooking the picturesque Arrowhead Point at No. 7 – but others set up new scenes.
Here’s a tour of some of our favorite spots:
The First Tee
It’s not the most thrilling drive – pros are trying to place a well-positioned layup 230 yards – but the pageantry around the opening tee shot for each group will be fun to take in.
The Fourth Green
Daydream between groups while gazing at the glassy Stillwater Cove in front of you, and then watch pros fire wedges at this tiny green. You could even see pros launching drives at this short par-4, like they did during the third round of the 2010 U.S. Open, when it played just 290 yards. Position yourself along the left railing and you can also catch golfers teeing off on No. 5.
The Seventh Hole
It’s probably the most popular spot on the course. So get here early and enjoy the scene for as long as you’d like, or put in your time waiting for a seat to vacate once the grandstands fill up. Remember to bring your layers…and your sunscreen – Arrowhead Point is susceptible to the most volatile swings in weather at Pebble Beach.
The Eighth Green
It’s Jack Nicklaus’ favorite approach shot in golf, and it’s one of the best to watch, too. Every ball hangs like a half-court shot as you wait to hear it safely thump on the ground, then find the green. If you can grab a seat along the right railing, you can catch pros rip driver on the 526-yard ninth hole.
The 10th Green
The grandstands are actually across from the 11th tee, so you can see players tee off directly in front of you, while also catching shots into the 10th green along Carmel Beach. It’s worth the walk to the farthest point from the clubhouse, although these grandstands could be a popular first stop for fans entering the nearby Carmel Gate.
The 14th Green
This hole could be birdied or butchered. You will see the full spectrum of emotions the USGA seeks to poke and provoke. It could be a reachable par-5, a birdie opportunity after a perfect wedge, or a one-man tennis match, with shots volleying back and forth across the volcano-like green complex. Spend some time here and you’ll probably come home with a story or two.
The 17th Green
There are a pair of grandstands here – behind the tee and to the right of the green. Sitting at the tee means awaiting the cheers or hushes of the gallery by the green to determine how the shot you just watched finished. Both spots have beautiful ocean views, but the greenside gallery has the added bonus of looking out to Arrowhead Point. If you can snag a seat along the right railing, you can also see players tee off the famous 18th tee.
If Sunday does come down to a playoff, you’ll want to be stationed at one of the final two holes. A two-hole aggregate playoff would be played over the 17th and 18th holes.
The 18th Green
A birdie has never been needed to win a U.S. Open at Pebble Beach, but regardless of how tight the final few holes become, this perch above the most famous finish in golf is a special spot. If Sunday does come down to a playoff, you’ll want to be stationed at one of the final two holes. A two-hole aggregate playoff would be played over the 17th and 18th holes.