Pebble Beach Golf Links has brought back a beloved feature on its iconic 18th hole, replanting a second cypress tree that was lost during a fierce winter storm on Dec. 11, 2014. The new tree, sourced from the 17th hole at nearby Spyglass Hill, now stands approximately 30 yards closer to the green than its companion pine, restoring a landmark that long challenged tee shots and layups on this legendary par-5 finisher.

For golf enthusiasts, this isn't just any tree—it's a piece of the course's soul. The 18th hole at Pebble Beach, ranked 15th on GOLF's Top 100 Courses in the World list, has been a stage for countless memorable moments since the course opened in 1919. Over the years, Pebble has evolved through subtle and significant changes, like Jack Nicklaus's 1997 redesign of the par-3 5th hole, which moved it to the cliff's edge overlooking Stillwater Cove.

Since 2010, Pebble has undergone a series of refinements—longer tees on the 2nd and 9th holes, restored bunkers, and recontoured greens—all aimed at reviving classic features and creating new strategic options. This latest tree planting is part of a broader preparation for the 2027 U.S. Open, which Pebble Beach will host for a record seventh time.

Interestingly, this isn't the first time a tree has been replaced at Pebble. In 2002, an 80-foot Monterey cypress was transplanted to the 18th green from the 1st hole, replacing one lost to pitch canker disease. That replanting was a spectacle of its own—a giant hole dug, a massive root ball maneuvered into place—but it happened in a quieter era before Instagram made every course change go viral.

Now, as the new tree takes root, it's a reminder that Pebble Beach's magic lies in its ability to honor the past while embracing the future. For those who love the game, this restoration is a small but meaningful touch that keeps the course's character alive.