Hole 9 at Spyglass Hill Golf Course
Par 4 • 431 Yards • Pebble Beach, California
Named "Captain Smollett" after the steadfast ship's captain in Treasure Island, the 9th hole at Spyglass Hill marks the final ocean-view challenge before players venture into the dense Del Monte Forest. This strategic par 4 serves as a memorable transition point, with The Grill offering spectators a perfect vantage point to watch the drama unfold on the green.
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Hole Stats
- Par
- 4
- Yardage
- 431 yds
- Green
- 5430 sq ft
- Bunkers
- 4
- Course Slope
- 147
- Course Rating
- 75.5
Recommended Gear
Bunkers everywhere — a versatile wedge is your scoring club on this hole.
Shop Wedges →Strategy Tips
Target your tee shot to the 200-yard landing zone where the fairway provides a generous 43 yards of width. This positions you perfectly for your approach while avoiding the fairway's narrowing to just 39 yards at the 250-yard mark.
Avoid the temptation to bomb your drive past 250 yards, as the fairway narrows significantly to only 39 yards wide at that distance. A controlled 200-230 yard tee shot keeps you in the safe zone.
From a well-positioned drive at 200 yards, you'll face approximately a 230-yard approach shot to this 431-yard par 4. Club selection is critical as you'll need enough distance to clear hazards while landing softly on the green.
Be aware of the bunker complex positioned at 411.7 yards from the tee. While most approach shots won't reach this distance, longer hitters who find the narrow 250-yard fairway section could face these greenside hazards.
The relatively compact green measures just 5,430 square feet (24 yards by 38 yards), demanding precision on your approach shot. Focus on hitting the center of this target rather than attacking pins, especially given the challenging Del Monte Forest setting.
This 431-yard par 4 is ideal for working on your driver accuracy. Launch monitors from $600 let you practice this exact shot with real course data from home.
See launch monitors & simulatorsWith bunkers guarding the green, pick the side with the most room and let the slope feed the ball toward the pin.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the best strategy off the tee?
For this 431-yard par 4, most players will hit driver to set up a comfortable approach.
How difficult is hole 9?
This hole is a good scoring opportunity for most golfers.
What hazards should I watch out for on hole 9?
Key hazards include: 1 greenside bunker. Plan your shots to avoid these trouble spots.
How big is the green on hole 9?
The green is medium-sized with moderate targets. The green is deeper than wide, so club selection is crucial. Pay attention to pin placement when selecting your approach club.
What's a good score on hole 9?
This hole is a demanding hole where bogey is not unusual. This longer par 4 will test most golfers. Focus on position over distance.
Can I practice hole 9 on a golf simulator at home?
Yes — many modern launch monitors and simulators include real course data for Spyglass Hill Golf Course. You can play this exact 431-yard par 4 shot-by-shot at home. Entry-level options like the SkyTrak+ (around $2,500) and Garmin Approach R10 (around $600) support course play, while premium systems from Trackman and Foresight offer tour-level accuracy. Most systems pay for themselves in a season or two versus green fees and range balls. Shop home golf simulators →
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For course operators and clubs
Play This Course at Home
Practice Spyglass Hill Golf Course Year-Round
Launch monitors from $600 and simulators from $2,500 include real course data. Play every hole without leaving home.
Browse Launch Monitors & SimulatorsAmazon · Top brands compared · Free returns on most items
We may earn a commission when you buy through links on this page, at no extra cost to you.
Hole Stats
- Par
- 4
- Yardage
- 431 yds
- Green
- 5430 sq ft
- Bunkers
- 4
- Course Slope
- 147
- Course Rating
- 75.5
Recommended Gear
Bunkers everywhere — a versatile wedge is your scoring club on this hole.
Shop Wedges →Get the Free Strategy Guide
All Spyglass Hill Golf Course holes — tips, yardages, and pro strategies delivered to your inbox.