If you're playing golf in Monterey, there are courses ranging from $50 to over $600.

The Monterey Peninsula and golf are truly inseparable. It's not just that there are a few golf courses here.

For golf enthusiasts, this area is a kind of holy land. The biggest draw is that regular people can play on the same courses where world-class players compete, as long as they can pay. Of course, the prices make you think twice.

The most famous course is undoubtedly Pebble Beach Golf Links. Even those who aren't big golf fans have probably heard the name. It opened in 1919 and hosts major tournaments like the US Open and the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am.

The green fees have now skyrocketed to over $600. When you add in the cost of a cart or caddy and accommodations, a day of golf can end up costing as much as a trip. Still, there's a reason why golfers around the world list it as a bucket list destination. The holes right next to the Pacific Ocean keep coming, and even a short par 3 like the 7th makes you think, "I want to play here just once." The 17th and 18th holes are also incredibly famous. Especially the scene on the 18th hole, hitting with the ocean on the left, is synonymous with Pebble Beach.

Also part of the Pebble Beach resort is Spyglass Hill Golf Course. This is not an easy course either. The first few holes show you the ocean before you head into the woods, and it's known for being quite challenging. The green fees are also in the hundreds of dollars, so it's not cheap, but those who value the difficulty of the game and course design hold Spyglass in high regard, just like Pebble Beach.

The Links at Spanish Bay is another option. This is a links-style course, so the atmosphere is different. Playing while feeling the ocean breeze is enjoyable, and it's famous for its bagpipe music at sunset. It's a great place to play golf and enjoy a drink by the ocean in the evening.

However, living in Monterey, you can't play golf every time for $400 or $600. Regular golfers like us need to find more realistic courses.

In that case, Del Monte Golf Course is worth checking out. Opened in 1897, it's known as one of the oldest continuously operating golf courses west of the Mississippi River. It's conveniently located near the Hyatt Regency in Monterey. Prices vary depending on the date and tee time, but compared to the top-tier courses in the Pebble Beach group, it's much more affordable. You can often expect to pay around $100 or a bit more.

If you want to lower the price even more, you can look for courses like Laguna Seca Golf Ranch. It's not far from downtown Monterey and is a relatively easy public course to play. Depending on the tee time and day, you can find options starting in the dozens of dollars, making it a more realistic choice for those who play golf weekly.

Ultimately, the fun of golfing in Monterey lies in the variety of options. You can play at relatively inexpensive courses with friends most of the time, and then splurge on a trip to Pebble Beach for a birthday or special occasion.

For golf lovers, living in Monterey is a bit special. The courses where PGA players play are right next door, and once you enter the 17-Mile Drive, world-famous golf courses line up. The issue isn't skill; it's the wallet. Losing a few balls is fine, but if you pay over $600 in green fees and shoot a hundred, you might feel a bit sick that night.