Rate Pebble Beach

[Bill_McBride]

I rate Pebble a 9 because of 1 and 11-13, pre cart paths, but after they put in those bloody wall to wall cart paths with curbs, it fell to an 8 in my very humble opinion.

Too bad.  There was never a finer place to stroll with your Sunday bag than the old Pebble Beach.

[Sean Leary]

I think that the "lesser" holes at pebble show themselves worthy over time and multiple playings. Isn't that the case with all the great courses. Due to the cost and the fact that it is an occasional or 1 time opportunity for most people due to cost, people don't get a chance to play it THAT much for the most part. I have played it 5 times now and I appreciate these "lesser holes" much more now than after my first or second play. The people that have played it much more than I appreciate them even more, I would think.

What do people dislike so much about 12?  I don't see why people feel so negatively about that hole.  If 7 were tucked away in the forest, people would dismiss that hole as well, I think.

It is my favorite place on earth...

[Kalen Braley]

Hey Sean,

Careful with the talk about the 12th and 7th hole, Mr. Mucci may be lurking to pounce, because the forest and the ocean don't exist.  

[David Stamm]

If this is dogmeat, then pile my plate wide and high with it.

Kalen, amen brother!!

[Bill_McBride]

If this is dogmeat, then pile my plate wide and high with it.

Kalen, amen brother!!

Is that #18 Cypress Point?

I'm not sure because that's the first time I've ever seen it from the fairway!  

[David Stamm]

Bill, that's okay, it's the first time I've seen it ever, at least from the fairway! Photo's of 18 don't pop up that often it seems.

[Kalen Braley]

David,

Its tough being the red-headed step child hole on a course like CPC.  But that being said, I sure wish I had a hole like that on my local course, Cypress trees and all.  

[Mark_Fine]

Like most great golf courses, the more you play them, the more you appreciate just how good they really are.  Furthermore, the anticipation of getting to the great holes at Pebble, makes some of the others a lot like foreplay.  If every hole was like #8, the course would just wear you out.  Cypress is very similar in that regard.  

[JESII]

I think this notion of the worthy holes showing their value over time is bogus. I think the phenomenon is that we all love playing golf and like Huckaby frequently says (or at least implies), many of us would play golf anywhere anytime. These lesser holes do two things over time...they prove to have nearly as many ways to let us make bogies and doubles as the "great" holes, and they let us "play golf" until those great holes come along.

Just don't try to tell me #1 at Pebble is anything but a mediocre uninspiring start to a great golf course.

[JESII]

Much more enjoyable playing 9 and 10 down the hill than it would be to play them up the hill, don't you think? 8 is out of your conversation for two reasons; 1) it doesn't go the same way as 9 and 10...almost perpendicular isn't it? 2) It's #8.

[Mark Bourgeois]

Since everyone agrees the first is a dog, why doesn't anyone fix it? They sure fixed 5.

Those who don't like the hole, how would you fix it?

[JESII]

Yeah yeah yeah...must have been the UF part of my education kicking in...

[Tom Huckaby]

I don't agree at all that the first is a dog.  I like the hole.  I'd never tout it as a great hole, but I certainly wouldn't call it a dog.  To me it requires a thoughtful tee shot, and the green is a killer with subtle and not so subtle breaks.  I think it works very well as an opener for that course.

And I like the new #5 better.  A lot better.  But I think I made that point clear in another certan 11 page thread.

 

[JESII]

KILLER?

[Tom Huckaby]

KILLER?

It's killed me more than I killed it.

So yes, I shall stand by it's a killer green. But more importantly, it's a perfect introduction to what comes later, as good first holes should be (I think).

[Kalen Braley]

I think what Huck meant to say here, if I may insert some thoughts.

The green is small and missing left will lead to a tricky downhill chip.  Missing right leads to a semi-blind uphill bunker shot.  In addition one must hit to the correct side of the fairway on the tee shot or they will be blocked out for thier approach in.  

I agree with Huck, its not a great hole, but its not a dog either.  Also remember the 1st hole jitters as everyone is watching and you are praying you don't slice it into the lodge.  I think it works.

[Tom Huckaby]

Yes, Kalen fleshed out my intentions quite nicely.  Muchas gracias, mi amigo.

 

[Mark Bourgeois]

This is my point exactly. It hasn't been "fixed" because no one has an idea clearly superior to what's already there; thus, if no one has come up with an obvious improvement then the hole can't be that bad.

[Bob_Huntley]

If this is dogmeat, then pile my plate wide and high with it.

Kalen, amen brother!!

Is that #18 Cypress Point?

I'm not sure because that's the first time I've ever seen it from the fairway!  

Ah, but how did he get there? That's the question. Give me you handicap and I'll have a guess.

Bob

[James Bennett]

Bob

I expect the following is a common line from all of our weekend play but ....  

You are playing your regular game with an average golfer friend, who busts a rare drive which gets a good kick and he finishes 40 yards closer to the green than his normal 'good' drive.

He says 'what do I do from here?  I've never been this far with my drive before.'

The obvious answer 'just imagine you are playing your third!'

 

James B