I have been mulling over the question posed. I do think that one has to consider whether the place is affordable. The Monterey Peninsula has a plethora of good golf, but the cost of housing here would dictate that not many could avail themselves of the opportunity of living here. To attract young doctors to practice on the Peninsula, the local Community Hospital has to subsidize their housing costs.
The private clubs such as Cypress, MPCC and Tehama have initiation fees reaching $200,000.00. The quassi private clubs such as Quail Lodge and Carmel Valley Ranch go for something like $60,000.00. Those courses in Pebble Beach controlled by the Company, i.e., PB, Spyglass and Spanish Bay have green fees greater than the GDP of some sub-Saharan African countries.
There are some bargains to be had. The Bayonet and Black Horse course at Fort Ord, Poppy Hills if you join the NCGA for a nominal sum, together with Laguna Seca and Ranch Canada offer golf at reasonable prices.
All in all a wonderful place, but it has become the playground of the rich and not so famous.