Here comes the advice thread . . . our old friend Pebble Beach!

[Robert Kimball]

Wife and I are going to a Sacramento wedding in late June. We have decided to make it a bucket list trip and I am going to play Pebble.

I already have the rooms reserved so I have my tee time all set. I was hoping to get some advice from the treehouse on what to honestly expect and some tips to try to get the best of the trip.
 
I’ve been a long time GCA participant, but just don’t post that much, but I have to say I respect everyone’s opinion on here. So, I will try to bullet point some questions and see if I can get some help.

•   I have already secured my tee time for Thursday, June 26 at 8:00. I figure I can at least get something to eat and maybe hit a few putts or chips before its time to go. Do you think that is early enough before the course gets too crowded? I don’t know if I want the very first one off, but they start at 7:30 so I figure I should be OK.
•    Caddies – Any recommendations? Good stories? Guys to stay away from? I am a good enough golfer where I can pretty  much hit it where he/she points to. Didn’t Adam Clayman used to caddy out there a long time ago?
•   Weather. What’s it like in late June in Montery? Start off with a pull over just to be safe.
•   What is the best picture out there if I had to take one? And only one.
•   I assume lots of fun stuff for the wife while I am out (shopping, spa, pool)

Looking forward to it – and no I am not bringing my white rabbit with me to document the trip, sorry guys. 

Thanks guys, you have always been a great resource for information.

Rob Kimball, Winston-Salem

[Terry Lavin]

No matter what you do, no matter what the weather is, no matter who you play with, the first time you play Pebble will be a lifetime memory, so make sure that you relax and have a great time.  It could be a better experience if all four players are walking.  It could be a better experience if all four of you are not stopping to take photographs on all of the scenic holes.  It could be a better experience if you wind up with a great caddie as opposed to somebody who is trying to figure out how to best fleece you out of more than he deserves.  But no matter what, it will probably be a Top Ten memory in your golfing career, so just try to focus on your game a little bit and focus on all of the magical moments that you will play out in your head.

And after that, given how expensive it is and how rudely Pebble generally treats its customers, I'd say avoid the place at all costs and go to Bandon where the golf is better, the people are better and the experiences are better, IMHO.  The only thing that Pebble has that Bandon doesn't have is all of the tournament/championship memories we collect from watching the pros on television.

[Jon McSweeny]

As far as caddies I would only say to make sure you get one. Course is beautiful, but it's also very difficult. Particularly your first time around. Even a very good player will need all the help he can get.

I can't speak to your likely POP but I would be willing to bet that if it takes you 5 hours to play- and it almost certainly won't- you won't be upset about the POP even a little bit. Once you've played it 50 times, you can gripe about not playing in 3 hours. On your first go round, five hours isn't nearly enough to appreciate all that is there.

For pictures, some of the best shots (and least intrusive for the rest of the course) are taken while you walk from the 14th tee to your ball in the center of the fairway (hopefully.) That walk/ride lets you take in almost the entire property while you appreciate how stunning the holes you just played truly are.

[Jason Topp]

Rob - I once took five hours to play despite a 6:30 am tee (first of the day) time.  I wanted to kill the guys I was paired up with.  I do not recall being pushed from behind so there are no guarantees on pace of play. 

Nonetheless - I say don't worry about pace of play and enjoy the experience.  There are worse places to wait for someone to hit a golf shot. 

The most dramatic moments on the course for me were the entire 4th hole, the 2nd shot on six and the 2nd shot on 8.  I am not sure you can adequately capture them with a camera.  Everyone knows about those shots but they are so much more dramatic in person than they are on television.  The most disappointing from a visual standpoint was the tee shot on 17.  It seems like you are playing on someone's lawn rather than at the spot of some of the most dramatic shots in the history of US golf. 

Have a great time!

[Howard Riefs]

Caddie:  Brandon Spangler. Friend had him earlier this year and couldn’t say enough good things about him.

Recommended playing partners:  Have a rabbit?  http://www.golfclubatlas.com/forum/index.php/topic,18015.0.html

Weather:  The morning can be a little chilly (50s) in Pebble Beach. Bring a pullover that you can later shed if it warms up.

Area restaurants:  Mission Ranch, Cassanova, La Bicyclette, Red House Café


Enjoy!

[Brett Wiesley]

Enjoy, Enjoy, and Enjoy.  8am should be fine.  5 hours is about right to take it all in, but at 8am maybe 4:30

Caddies:  Don't get the Rocket, and you might.  As early tee time, he has rank, being the #1 caddie.  This is not due to being pleasant, nice or great.  It's about tenure in time.  His main focus is to get around fast, thus disallowing you to enjoy the round, so he can loop in the afternoon again = $$$.  I've heard he then spends in all on ponies and a flammable liquid.

I was shocked at how hard it really was.  Swallow your pride, forget the back tees unless you are pro-long.  Heavy see air, a breeze, makes for a long course.  As mentioned above, the view from 14 is wonderful, as are all the views.  14 just gives you a bit more perspective on how much of the course is on the ocean and even most those not on the ocean have views.

Tip:  play to the right side of 14 green.  Don't even mess with the pin if up on the left.  14 green is the worst part of PB.

[JMEvensky]

 

The most dramatic moments on the course for me were the entire 4th hole

Especially very early in the morning. We may be the only 2 who think this.

[JLahrman]

It might not be the best picture, but I thought the approach to 6 was the most dramatic point in the course. If you hit a good drive you HAVE to go for it in two on your second shot. Then you're trying to get some long iron or hybrid up a 30 foot hill, not being entirely sure where the green is but knowing that the ball is going off the cliff if you let it go just a little right (which happens to me when I try to get a little extra loft).

Based on my one play, I thought #6 was the most bad-ass hole out there.

Prepare yourself for some tiny greens! I still can't believe how small they were.

[Kevin_D]

What a timely thread - playing Pebble this Sunday for the first time.  Very excited!

[cary lichtenstein]

The greens are grainy. Listen to your caddy about the breaks.

[Bob_Huntley]

When it is costing you a king's ransom to stay and play at Pebble Beach make the most of it. Do not let the length of time to get around  the course dominate your thoughts, pick the right tees, relax and enjoy the ride. As mentioned, the fourth seems to be a very short hole but my children made a handsome living finding balls on Stillwater Cove Beach. I do believe that the par three 12th is the hardest to hit and hold on the course.

In Carmel the favorite restaurants seem to be Casanova, Cantina de Luca, and a few others. My choice would be La Balena, fairly new in town good Italian food, moderately priced, a wee bit loud.

As a guest at the Lodge you can have lunch at the Beach Club. It overlooks the 17th hole and the view and food are wonderful.

Your wife may want drop some change at Madrigal and Boy, Girl, Boy.

Whatever you do take clothes as though you were going to Alaska. It can be sunny, cold, windy, calm, and that's just on the first nine.

IF you have questions IM me.

Bob














thta

[Patrick_Mucci]

Rob,

Listen to Bob

[JimB]

In Carmel the favorite restaurants seem to be Casanova, Cantina de Luca, and a few others. My choice would be La Balena, fairly new in town good Italian food, moderately priced, a wee bit loud.

Will second La Balena. Cantinetta Luca used to be my favorite in Carmel but joined a friend here last fall on his suggestion. Had a GCAer along and as he said "That was a great strip steak".

[mike_beene]

The birds are very aggressive. Guard your expensive snacks

[Tom Allen]

Take a caddy your first time for sure.  You've invested a lot already, and it adds immeasurably to the experience, IMO.

I highly recommend Tino Fernandez: he was great.  He is a long time caddy there, knows the course, told a lot of good stories about the place, and was fun to be around.  I just wanted to give you another name in case the one mentioned above did not work out.

Get there as early as you can before your tee time to enjoy your surroundings, soak it in, hit the range, hit the putting green, etc.

[Robert Kimball]

Thanks so far guys!! I appreciate the advice. I was going to go either really early or really late as far as tee times. I figured if I got one of the last ones tee times it wouldn't be bad.

But, I am a morning person and it will let the wife and I enjoy the day together without me constantly looking at my watch!


It's definitely bucket list, as my wife and I live on combined incomes (no kids), like a lot of America we are getting by with a little savings if were lucky.

I will call about those caddying recommendations. SO, you are 100% sure to try and avoid "The Rocket" and maybe go for "Brandon Spangler?"

In case you are wondering ( I know I would be), I did reach out to a few people I have known from CGA about the possibility of a visit to that little "MacKenzie Gem" next door, but it just wasn't in the cards. Maybe maybe next time. I love golf and playing a course like Pebble is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. SO, no problems there.

Thanks and keep 'em coming. . ..  Rob

[Brett Wiesley]

James - very nice, good caddie.

AW Shucks Cocktail & Oyster Bar in Carmel is also a nice spot, especially if you are a single malt scotch lover!

If you have extra time, play Pacific Grove Muni.  Cheap, great walk and while short the back nine will never be forgotten.  As a GCA fan, you'll look around at what could be done with the property in a remodel/reno.  As little short currently.

[Bill Vogeney]

I was last out there in March 2011, teed off around the same time, and we were done in maybe 4:10 on a Monday morning. The caddies will keep you moving. One of the stalwards there, "Rocket" double bagged for my son and I. He's legendary for his ability to read greens, but doesn't move too fast and is kind of grumpy. I echo the sentiments previously voiced on him.

Unless you have a real photography nut, just bring your iPhone and take pictures with it. The real camera, DSLR, will just slow you down too much. I think you can take plenty of pictures and still play in 4:15

[Tim Leahy]

Stop and take in the views from behind the green on #8 in both directions, unbelievable. Have dinner at sunset at Roy's at Spanish Bay and listen to the bagpipes playing.
If you get the chance to play in Sacramento, make the drive to Yoche De He at Cache Creek indian reservation. Nice casino and great course.

[Mike Sweeney]

 The only thing that Pebble has that Bandon doesn't have is all of the tournament/championship memories we collect from watching the pros on television.

Other attributes of Pebble Beach:

1. It is on the Monterrey Peninsula.

2. There are 25 kick ass restaurants on the MP.

3. It is 30 minutes above the Big Sur.

4. It is 2 hours (no traffic) from San Francisco.

5. Your wife will freakin love shopping in Carmel while you play fancy expensive courses.

6. There is a 50/50 chance that Cypress will sell you a shirt and you can lie to your golf buddies back home.

7. It is on the Monterrey Freakin Peninsula.

8. There are the greatest lodges in the world on The MP.

9. There is reasonably priced lodging just off The MP.

10. Mortgage rates are at historic lows, mortgage the house!

11. Send Bob Huntley a golf book and he is a sucker for having dinner with GCA lunatics. Top 10 dinner type of stuff!

[Patrick_Mucci]

Mike Sweeney,

I'm taking my son on a golf trip to Monterey and we're having dinner with Bob Huntley at one of his favorite restaurants.

If you don't like golf on Monterey Peninsula you should take up tennis or bowling

[Tommy Williamsen]

As far as pictures, I agree on the second shot on 8, but take it from the green looking back toward the fairway.

[Kevin_D]

I am currently flying back from the west coast after playing Pebble and thought I would share my thoughts:
- The course is terrific. I knew it would be scenic (and it does not disappoint) but the golf is legit. I thought the inland holes were pretty good too. Bunkering kind of reminded me of Merion without the tufts of grass. Gold tees (6400 yards) were plenty challenging for me - you can't hit driver on many holes and the wind can be a factor. Placement in fairway really matters on many holes
- As others have said, smallest greens I have ever played on a non-chip and putt. Granted, my general preference is for the opposite, but one thing I didn't anticipate is the excitement created by such small greens - if you manage to hit one in regulation, you pretty much have a chance at birdie.  I didn't sink any but came close a couple times.
- The course is immaculately maintained, though they could ease up on the water a bit
- My caddie was great, really one of the best I've ever had.  Very helpful and a super nice guy, without talking my ear off.  His name was Mark, didn't get last name.  Though other caddies in my group weren't on his level.
- I can't speak to anyone else's experience, but everyone at the resort was INCREDIBLY friendly and hospitable. No one even slightly rude.
- My pace of play was slow, but not terrible.  I teed off at 7:40 and finished around 12:20.  We actually weren't held up at all until 17, which had a bit of a bottleneck and probably added 15 minutes to the round on the last two holes, at least.  One guy in my foursome (I played as single) thought he was on tour and was painfully slow.
- Do take some pictures, especially if you are waiting anyway
- For those traveling with a non-golfing spouse or significant other, my wife walked the course with me (she doesn't really play) and loved it. She also used the fitness center at the beach club the next day while I played elsewhere and thought it was very good.
- Bob Huntley does not steer you wrong. Carmel is one of the most charming towns I've ever seen, and has a slew of terrific restaurants.  Casanova is fantastic - lot of great food with incredibly fresh ingredients.  We also went to Andres Bouchee, which is a very authentic French bistro.  I highly recommend them both
- Big Sur is more like an hour away, but is well worth the drive - breathtakingly beautiful
- Leave plenty of time getting back to SFO, or you may miss your flight...like I did last night  

[Robert Kimball]

Mike Sweeney,

I'm taking my son on a golf trip to Monterey and we're having dinner with Bob Huntley at one of his favorite restaurants.

If you don't like golf on Monterey Peninsula you should take up tennis or bowling

Thank you, I have been in contact with Bob offline and we might be able to meet up depending on schedules. I'd just love to shake his hand. And maybe hear the "Nick Price Story" once again. A car trip on 17-mile drive will definitely be made with perhaps a quick stop for a photo of any CPC holes viewable from the road (14, I believe).

I'm excited. Problem is I am playing like crud right now, so hopefully it's all getting out of my system.

Rob

[Rich Goodale]

A few thoughts from one who first played Pebble in 1976 and most recently last October.

Firstly and mostly, it is your experience and you can and should make of it what you can.  So....take note of, but heavily discount everything that has been said on this thread so far (including what I have said) and what I and others will further say.

Secondly, do NOT take a caddy!  By being here you are a lover of golf and golf course architecture, and if you have to rely on a stranger to tell you where and how to play you will be diminishing your experience drastically.  Rather than looking and smelling the flowers and touching the turf and imagining how to play each shot, you will be in the thrall of someone who knows very little about you and your game and your aspirations of this most exquisite experience, and will probably deluge you with mindless chatter in the hope of getting a large tip from you at the end of the round.  I have played Pebble 25-30 times and have never employed a caddie, and enjoyed and tremendously learend from every one of those rounds, regardless of how I played and how I scored.

Finally, the Peninsula is one of the most magic places in the world, but it needs to be explored, not ticked off one's bucket list.  Eat at a dive that spurs your interest, shop in stores that intrigue you and not those "in the know," spend some time in Pacific Grove and Monterrey and maybe even Salinas (if your are a Steinbeck fan).

Above all, Enjoy!

Rich