Pebble Beach recap

deadsolid...shank · April 5, 2012

Well unfortuantly it's over, but what a trip.

Pebble is everything it's cracked up to be. Just beautiful and spectacular. It just felt so surreal to actually be there on the first tee, and it seemed to go so fast.

Everything is so perfect, from the service from the time you arrive, to the sand in the bunkers, to how they treat you when you're finished. It truly is worth the money.

We were short on time getting there, (big tip, turn left right after you enter the Highway 1 gate, otherwise you have to drive almost all of 17 mile drive, and it's not a quick trip), but they still got us up to the range for a few balls before our tee time.

We were first out at 7:20 with a single to make up our threesome, we had Rocket carrying double for us. If you haven't played there before, take a caddy. It will be worth it just for the help on the greens (uphill and downhill are sometimes pretty tough to tell, and can make a HUGE difference). For those playing in the next few days, the punched and sanded greens don't look too bad.

It's hard to believe how short #7 is, and how small the green really is, and how steep the cliff is on #8, and how small that green is. And it's easy to see how the pros had fits with #14 green, that spot on top is small and the drop off is huge.

It does go really fast, I think it's important to slow down and look around and really take it all in. We're already trying to figure out how to go back.

For our other courses Bayonet and Blackhorse were really good, but being our first day, I'm really struggling to remember indiviuall holes. But I do remember really liking Bayonet's layout and Blackhorse's green complexes. Poppy Hills was a lot of fun, but seemed to have a lot of really similar holes. Pacific Grove we really liked, great price, a lot of different shots on two very distinct nines, and some great views.

Pasatiempo was probably our biggest dissapointment. We made the trek up there to experience the greens, but they were so slow I don't think we got that experience. They had a womens outing in the morning, maybe thats why they had them at that speed. We really liked the layout, and some of the holes were really good, but the speed of the greens combined with cart path only made it seem like by far the worst value of the trip at $250.

But despite the finish, it was a incredible experience. A lot of really good courses, and Pebble is just special. I can remember every swing there (and there were too many of them).

Oh, and one other thing they did. My friend used my camera for the shots on 18 tee, and somehow messed up with the camera and we didn't get any shots there. We drove down yesterday moring before heading for the airport. Asked the guy at the bagdrop if we could walk out to 18 for some photos, he went and got us a cart and showed us how to get out there. They do take good care of you.

Not me hitting on #7, my ball is on the green about 8" left of the pin :yahoo: , but I missed the putt :cry: .

kekoa · April 5, 2012

awesome review. still can't beleive you don't have more than the one pic to share. :partytime2:

Interesting that you thought pasatiempo was a dissapointment.

deadsolid...shank · April 5, 2012

[quote name='kekoa' timestamp='1333655202' post='4659017']
awesome review. still can't beleive you don't have more than the one pic to share. :partytime2:

Interesting that you thought pasatiempo was a dissapointment.
[/quote]

Sorry Kekoa, I have pictures, I'm just struggling to get them to load, I'll keep working on it.

I don't want to give the wrong impression on Pasatiempo, it seemed like a good course with a lot of really good holes. It's just that the main draw (for us) to go there was the thought of playing Augusta style greens, and they were just so slow. I would guess the stimp on them would have been around seven. I had a putt on number five, a par three, of at least 30 yards, very uphill. You couldn't hit the ball hard enough on the greens to get it there.

It was just that combined with cart path only + a big $ green fee (and maybe being worn out too) that we didn't feel Pasatiempo lived up to our expectations.

And I'll keep trying to edit my original post and add some pictures.

tucsondivots · April 5, 2012

[quote name='deadsolid...shank' timestamp='1333652375' post='4658629']
Well unfortuantly it's over, but what a trip.

Pebble is everything it's cracked up to be. Just beautiful and spectacular. It just felt so surreal to actually be there on the first tee, and it seemed to go so fast.

Everything is so perfect, from the service from the time you arrive, to the sand in the bunkers, to how they treat you when you're finished. It truly is worth the money.

We were short on time getting there, (big tip, turn left right after you enter the Highway 1 gate, otherwise you have to drive almost all of 17 mile drive, and it's not a quick trip), but they still got us up to the range for a few balls before our tee time.

We were first out at 7:20 with a single to make up our threesome, we had Rocket carrying double for us. If you haven't played there before, take a caddy. It will be worth it just for the help on the greens (uphill and downhill are sometimes pretty tough to tell, and can make a HUGE difference). For those playing in the next few days, the punched and sanded greens don't look too bad.

It's hard to believe how short #7 is, and how small the green really is, and how steep the cliff is on #8, and how small that green is. And it's easy to see how the pros had fits with #14 green, that spot on top is small and the drop off is huge.

It does go really fast, I think it's important to slow down and look around and really take it all in. We're already trying to figure out how to go back.

For our other courses Bayonet and Blackhorse were really good, but being our first day, I'm really struggling to remember indiviuall holes. But I do remember really liking Bayonet's layout and Blackhorse's green complexes. Poppy Hills was a lot of fun, but seemed to have a lot of really similar holes. Pacific Grove we really liked, great price, a lot of different shots on two very distinct nines, and some great views.
Pasatiempo was probably our biggest dissapointment. We made the trek up there to experience the greens, but they were so slow I don't think we got that experience. They had a womens outing in the morning, maybe thats why they had them at that speed. We really liked the layout, and some of the holes were really good, but the speed of the greens combined with cart path only made it seem like by far the worst value of the trip at $250.

But despite the finish, it was a incredible experience. A lot of really good courses, and Pebble is just special. I can remember every swing there (and there were too many of them).

Oh, and one other thing they did. My friend used my camera for the shots on 18 tee, and somehow messed up with the camera and we didn't get any shots there. We drove down yesterday moring before heading for the airport. Asked the guy at the bagdrop if we could walk out to 18 for some photos, he went and got us a cart and showed us how to get out there. They do take good care of you.
[/quote]

deadsolid.... Thanks for the write up and I am glad that after all the anticipation it wss still a great experience. I will remember the tip about turning left after entering the Hwy 1 gate! Kekoa and I are both playing on Monday. I am teeing off at 9:50am, he is a little earlier, I think. Watching the HD cams the greens look better everyday. I saw them doing #18 "live" There must have been 20 people on that little green! How much effect did sea level golf have on your distances? How long did it take you to play and how much did you tip Rocket? Did you find a PB souvenir shop in Carmel or Monterey? I have to load up on souvenirs for my buddies (guess the $100 credit for the aeration will help some).

tucsondivots · April 5, 2012

P.S.: I see you wore shorts after all. You missed the putt?????

:cry:

deadsolid...shank · April 5, 2012

[quote name='tucsondivots' timestamp='1333658037' post='4659331']
[quote name='deadsolid...shank' timestamp='1333652375' post='4658629']
Well unfortuantly it's over, but what a trip.

Pebble is everything it's cracked up to be. Just beautiful and spectacular. It just felt so surreal to actually be there on the first tee, and it seemed to go so fast.

Everything is so perfect, from the service from the time you arrive, to the sand in the bunkers, to how they treat you when you're finished. It truly is worth the money.

We were short on time getting there, (big tip, turn left right after you enter the Highway 1 gate, otherwise you have to drive almost all of 17 mile drive, and it's not a quick trip), but they still got us up to the range for a few balls before our tee time.

We were first out at 7:20 with a single to make up our threesome, we had Rocket carrying double for us. If you haven't played there before, take a caddy. It will be worth it just for the help on the greens (uphill and downhill are sometimes pretty tough to tell, and can make a HUGE difference). For those playing in the next few days, the punched and sanded greens don't look too bad.

It's hard to believe how short #7 is, and how small the green really is, and how steep the cliff is on #8, and how small that green is. And it's easy to see how the pros had fits with #14 green, that spot on top is small and the drop off is huge.

It does go really fast, I think it's important to slow down and look around and really take it all in. We're already trying to figure out how to go back.

For our other courses Bayonet and Blackhorse were really good, but being our first day, I'm really struggling to remember indiviuall holes. But I do remember really liking Bayonet's layout and Blackhorse's green complexes. Poppy Hills was a lot of fun, but seemed to have a lot of really similar holes. Pacific Grove we really liked, great price, a lot of different shots on two very distinct nines, and some great views.
Pasatiempo was probably our biggest dissapointment. We made the trek up there to experience the greens, but they were so slow I don't think we got that experience. They had a womens outing in the morning, maybe thats why they had them at that speed. We really liked the layout, and some of the holes were really good, but the speed of the greens combined with cart path only made it seem like by far the worst value of the trip at $250.

But despite the finish, it was a incredible experience. A lot of really good courses, and Pebble is just special. I can remember every swing there (and there were too many of them).

Oh, and one other thing they did. My friend used my camera for the shots on 18 tee, and somehow messed up with the camera and we didn't get any shots there. We drove down yesterday moring before heading for the airport. Asked the guy at the bagdrop if we could walk out to 18 for some photos, he went and got us a cart and showed us how to get out there. They do take good care of you.
[/quote]

deadsolid.... Thanks for the write up and I am glad that after all the anticipation it wss still a great experience. I will remember the tip about turning left after entering the Hwy 1 gate! Kekoa and I are both playing on Monday. I am teeing off at 9:50am, he is a little earlier, I think. Watching the HD cams the greens look better everyday. I saw them doing #18 "live" There must have been 20 people on that little green! How much effect did sea level golf have on your distances? How long did it take you to play and how much did you tip Rocket? Did you find a PB souvenir shop in Carmel or Monterey? I have to load up on souvenirs for my buddies (guess the $100 credit for the aeration will help some).
[/quote]

Hey Walter, you are going to have a great time. It really is a case where the reality lives up to the hype.

They really do have quite a crew doing the greens, they really know what they're doing and waste no time or effort. The altitude played havoc on my distances. I thought I was a decent player and longer than average, I don't any more. I've GPS verified my distances at home, and usually average around 270-280 (and I think those are truthful numbers), I was struggling to get the ball out to 260 on well struck drives. Irons were about a club and a half (remember I normally play at around 4,000' of altitude). Humbling, and makes me even more astounded at what the pros do.

We were first off and were comfortably around in about 3:45 which included some lost ball time and picture taking time. We each tipped Rocket $50, it did look like he was laboring at times, said he has a bad hip. We didn't have time to look for any other shops so were forced into using the proshop. I bought three hats ($34 each) and two headcovers (driver & putter @ $35 each), so the credit will be very usefull.

We were really surprised that we really saw nothing referencing PB around the town of Montery, if you weren't aware it was there, you could bypass the entire pennisula and never have known you were close. It probably cut 25-30 minutes off our drive, wish we had known Monday morning, we would have been a little less rushed, and #1 tee is nerve wracking enough without feeling rushed. Playing a little later will be nice, we were so early that #'s 1 & 2 were brutal looking into the sun.

I think you'll be fine on the putting, they looked pretty playable yesterday morning (can't believe it was just yesterday we were out there). You are going to have such a great time (by the way, don't be above the hole on #11....wow).

tucsondivots · April 5, 2012

Hey Walter, you are going to have a great time. It really is a case where the reality lives up to the hype.

They really do have quite a crew doing the greens, they really know what they're doing and waste no time or effort. The altitude played havoc on my distances. I thought I was a decent player and longer than average, I don't any more. I've GPS verified my distances at home, and usually average around 270-280 (and I think those are truthful numbers), I was struggling to get the ball out to 260 on well struck drives. Irons were about a club and a half (remember I normally play at around 4,000' of altitude). Humbling, and makes me even more astounded at what the pros do.

We were first off and were comfortably around in about 3:45 which included some lost ball time and picture taking time. We each tipped Rocket $50, it did look like he was laboring at times, said he has a bad hip. We didn't have time to look for any other shops so were forced into using the proshop. I bought three hats ($34 each) and two headcovers (driver & putter @ $35 each), so the credit will be very usefull.

We were really surprised that we really saw nothing referencing PB around the town of Montery, if you weren't aware it was there, you could bypass the entire pennisula and never have known you were close. It probably cut 25-30 minutes off our drive, wish we had known Monday morning, we would have been a little less rushed, and #1 tee is nerve wracking enough without feeling rushed. Playing a little later will be nice, we were so early that #'s 1 & 2 were brutal looking into the sun.

I think you'll be fine on the putting, they looked pretty playable yesterday morning (can't believe it was just yesterday we were out there). You are going to have such a great time (by the way, don't be above the hole on #11....wow).
[/quote]

Tom, thanks again for all the good info. Like the kid says on the Disneyland commercial "I'm too excited to sleep!".

kekoa · April 5, 2012

[quote name='tucsondivots' timestamp='1333658680' post='4659405']
P.S.: I see you wore shorts after all. You missed the putt?????

:cry:
[/quote]

Yikes. I just noticed that. wasn't it low 50's that morning?

deadsolid...shank · April 5, 2012

[quote name='kekoa' timestamp='1333664079' post='4660047']
[quote name='tucsondivots' timestamp='1333658680' post='4659405']
P.S.: I see you wore shorts after all. You missed the putt?????

:cry:
[/quote]

Yikes. I just noticed that. wasn't it low 50's that morning?
[/quote]

That wasn't me in the picture, but yep, shorts too. Long sleeve mock turtleneck, polo, and a mizuno windlite jacket. Legs rarely get cold, but upper body and hands are a different story. I finally took the jacket off for the last seven or eight holes at Pasatiempo. Pretty cool all three days, that breeze off the water is cool. We might have been able to lose a layer the last few holes at PB, but really didn't want to add any weight to the bags for our caddy.

Yep Walter, just lipped that putt, and also birdie trys from inside 10' on #11, #15, & #17. Felt like I rolled the ball well all day, but you'd better put it in the heart if you want it to fall. I did however make my four footer for eight on 14 :swoon: .

leftypga · April 7, 2012

This is getting exciting now. I was worried about the greens, but It sounds like they are doing fine. Glad you had a good time. Guys going on Monday, have fun and give us an update.

I just booked our round at Black Horse. We are just waiting to make one more tee time. We were going to play Pasatiempo, but decided to hang around Monterey for one more day. Looks like our schedule is:

Friday 4/20- Buddies fly in late and get settled
Saturday 4/21- Black horse 8:10, Pacific Grove 2:06 (thought that would be a good start and not over-do it before Pebble)
Sunday 4/22- Pebble Beach 11:10
Monday 4/23- Poppy HIlls 8:00, Bayonet 2ish
Tuesday 4/24- Half Moon Bay Ocean Course 8:20, HMB Old Course 2:00
Wednesday 4/24- Back to the Airport

It's going to be a busy four days.

deadsolid...shank · April 7, 2012

[quote name='leftypga' timestamp='1333806607' post='4670476']
This is getting exciting now. I was worried about the greens, but It sounds like they are doing fine. Glad you had a good time. Guys going on Monday, have fun and give us an update.

I just booked our round at Black Horse. We are just waiting to make one more tee time. We were going to play Pasatiempo, but decided to hang around Monterey for one more day. Looks like our schedule is:

Friday 4/20- Buddies fly in late and get settled
Saturday 4/21- Black horse 8:10, Pacific Grove 2:06 (thought that would be a good start and not over-do it before Pebble)
Sunday 4/22- Pebble Beach 11:10
Monday 4/23- Poppy HIlls 8:00, Bayonet 2ish
Tuesday 4/24- Half Moon Bay Ocean Course 8:20, HMB Old Course 2:00
Wednesday 4/24- Back to the Airport

It's going to be a busy four days.
[/quote]

Looks like a great intineriary, very similar to ours. That looks like a good way to warm up for Pebble. We played Bayonet and Blackhorse the day before and it was tiring. We were pretty concerned about being physically stiff and sore, but walking at Pebble actually really helped.

Have you played them before Lefty? Like Kekoa and Tucson, let us know how it goes. I'm envious, already ready to go back.

leftypga · April 7, 2012

Yeah, we originally planned to play Bayonet and Black Horse on Saturday, but I thought it would just be too much before Pebble, especially since my playing partners aren't flying in until 9:30 pm on Friday, then the drive to Monterey. Pacific Grove won't kick our butts as much and we can walk it to loosen up.

I've played all of the courses we'll be playing except for the Half Moon Bay courses. Can't wait to play Pebble again. I've played Bayonet and Black Horse a couple of times with one of the other guys that is coming in. Pacific Grove is basically my second home course. I"m often in Monterey on weekends with diving classes and the other instructor and I play after we are done on Saturdays.

deadsolid...shank · April 7, 2012

[quote name='leftypga' timestamp='1333810892' post='4670800']
Yeah, we originally planned to play Bayonet and Black Horse on Saturday, but I thought it would just be too much before Pebble, especially since my playing partners aren't flying in until 9:30 pm on Friday, then the drive to Monterey. Pacific Grove won't kick our butts as much and we can walk it to loosen up.

I've played all of the courses we'll be playing except for the Half Moon Bay courses. Can't wait to play Pebble again. I've played Bayonet and Black Horse a couple of times with one of the other guys that is coming in. Pacific Grove is basically my second home course. I"m often in Monterey on weekends with diving classes and the other instructor and I play after we are done on Saturdays.
[/quote]

Sorry, I forgot you had already told me that you are from the area and play there regularly.

We really liked Pacific Grove a lot. Fun course that required a lot of different shots. Two very distinct nines. Just a lot of fun to play.