Yesterday my girlfriend's mom asked me how I got into golf and what sparked my interest in the game. Little did she know such an innocent question would lead to such a long and intricate dinner discussion.
During our talk I spoke to her of caddying at Seattle CC, then at Cypress Point, and from there rambled on about this website and the people I've met that have impacted me so much. In lieu of that, I felt it appropriate to come back and post a thread that will remind people of why this website is so great. Lately I have not posted much because there has been a lot of arguing, and whats seems to be an overwhelming consensus tha this website is going downhill. But, let us not forget all this website has done for us and not let a few arguments over the internet derail something so great.
So, what is your favorite moment and/or story relating to GCA?
I'll start with the story I told last night over dinner.
At my first KP, I teed off at Spyglass at around 9:00 in the morning with John Mayhugh, Bob Jenkins, and Tim Bert. Though I now call all of them friends, at the time I only knew Bob. I believe I was 17 at the event. This was my second round in Monterey, and was the first to open my eyes to the mystic and prestige that is Monterey and 17-Mile Drive. The day before I played Pacific Grove with Robert Ball and thought to this day that was one of the most fun times I have EVER had on a golf course, the day that began with Spyglass really opened my eyes to the treasures of GCA and great golf courses.
As we played our way through Spyglass I was awestruck at everything I saw. Yes, I had played it in many Tiger Woods games prior to the trip, but nothing could have prepared me for the sheer awesomeness and beauty of the place. The first five hole were beyond spectacular, and though they are without a doubt the best holes on the course, the final thirteen holes didn't let me down one bit. I was in awe throughout the entire round. Aside from the golf curse, the comraderie with Bob, Tim, and John was great and though this was our first rond all together it took us no time at all to become friends and click. On the sixteeneth hole, Bob looked to me and told me we would be trying to play Pebble that afternoon. I had no words as that was something unexpected and certainly to that point would have been my golfing highlight.
After our round at Syglass, we spoke with the pro shop and they informed us that Pebble was full and there was no chance of playing that day unless we went down and spoke with their pro shop personally, and on top of that got very lucky. So, we all ate a quick lunch at Spyglass and headed down to Pebble. Tim did not join as he had played Pebble a few days before and so we decided we would met with him the next day.
Pebble was packed when we got there. There were at least forty people surrounded by the first tee and it was standing room only. We went in the pro shop, Bob and John and I, to try and figure out how to work some magic. After looking around and surveying our options, we decided we would speak with Edawrd, a man with a friendly English accent that was behind the pro shop counter. I told Edward this was a once in a lifetime trip and that I had just received the Evan's scholarship, and it was my dream to see Pebble. He said to wait a minute, and he walked into the pro's office. After what seemed like forever, he came back and inromed us they would add an extra time and alow us to be the last group of the day - a threesome of John, Bob, and I.
That round was one I will never forget. I remember almost every shot, every picture frame moment, every view. I was perfect weather, Pebble was amazing, but it was the company that made the round. To this day that is still my favorite round I have ever played. The round went by too fast, almost in a blur from being so surreal, but by the time we reached the eighteenth the sun was setting and it provided the perfect picturesque ending to the best day of my life. We walked down the last farway together, in the sunset, all holding our heads high knowing that this is not a day that could easily be matched - ever.
As I reminisce I can't help but feel gracious and thankful for being part of such a wonderful and fantastic day. It never would have been posible without GCA. So, remember what this site has done for you. Without it, I would be short of many memories and many friends. I can't wait to hear some more stories.
Best,
Jordan