Monterey Peninsula Country Club aka MPCC, is cradled between Spanish Bay and Spyglass Hill. It's a 36 hole private preserve. The emenities are endless, the golf is superb, and the scenery is glorious. Maybe Jack Nicklaus would play Pebble if he only had one round to play, but there is no doubt in my mind he would enjoy MPCC far more.
In my three sojourns to the Monterey Peninsula, I've been truly honored to be hosted by the inimitable Bob Huntley. A more gracious accomodating man you cannot find. His classic setup and putting skill are matched only by his keen wit and sense of humor.
Also in our group is a good friend from San Jose, Tom Huckaby. Tom is a first rate golfer, and his tips on hitting into the wind are priceless. He's also a member of the NCGA and when I have any questions about golf in California, Tom is my go-to-guy. I think often of them both. The stories, the golf, my enjoyment of their company and the unmatched beauty of the 17 mile drive.
Enjoy the 26 photos and the comments ....
As with most great venues, the entrance is an understated elegance.
The new Driving Range...
Black Tail Deer that really own the place.
The first hole of the Shore Course is a par 5. This is the 2nd shot area.
The par 3 Third hole replete with crosswinds. It's the strength of the Par 3's that are the backbone of The Shore Course.
The Par 4 4th Hole with a waste area on the right. 2nd shot area.
A scenic view....
Bob Huntley with his deft chipping style.
As you will note, save the first 3 holes, Carmel Bay is ever present.
Note the architecture of this green. The left side with the protruding shelf over the bunker in a mirror image of a wave from Carmel Bay.
A closer view...
You'll find the snack bar, with chef, between the 5th and 6th hole. Neither the Shore or the Dunes Course goes back to the clubhouse at the 9th.
One of Tom Huckaby's perfect finishes.
Bob with his Hoganesque finish.
Par 3 7th hole - 203 yds - all carry. We were playing Wolf. Bob was the Wolfman, and chose me after my 5 wood shot sailed directly over the flag. I went Pig. Or, triple the bet. It was me against the other three. I made a lot of money on this hole.
While T. Huckaby was hot for the entire round, I was hot in the middle of the round. My tee shot is pictured. I had an 8 iron to the green, but the wind, once again, landed it on the front edge of the green.
The meandering Par 5 10th on the Shore Course.
Bob and Tom have reached the 15th green. My ball resides on the right edge.
The most majestic hole on the Shore Course is the Par 3 11th. It's 178yd into a right to left wind from Carmel Bay. And we had a blustery day. My 5 wood landed in the greenside bunker in the swail. You'll notice the dunes of Spyglass Hill in the upper left, and on a clear day, the 14th hole of Cypress Point.
We're teeing it from where? Bob is with another guest from Dallas. Very nice man, and a fine player.
From the teeing area with Bob
..and with Tom
One view is more scenic than the other.
With the strong winds from Carmel Bay, the course played long.
That's Spyglass Hill in the background.
In the rough, into the wind, and a back flag. The only good news was my ball was sitting up.
An aerial view of the Par 5 10th, and the Par 4 11th, and its green to the right. The 17 Mile Drive below.
Also included a few pics from the 18th Hole at Pebble Beach. And who was playing that day? President Bill Clinton. The former President may have taken 3 to get out of the 18th greenside bunker, but he's a Pro President, not a Pro golfer.
Hope you enjoyed the photos as well as the reduced size so there is no need to move each post to view the entire photo.
tom