Advice Re: Pacific Grove Muni

[David Stamm]

Anyone think part of the problem with the current range (viewed in a vacuum, independent of the course) is the fact that the teeing area is not near the clubhouse?  Any reason why they couldnt basically put up huge fences (ugly, sure) but put the 18th hole where the range currently is and the range where 18 currently is, hitting downhill?

I think the residents on Asilomar would freak out. I wouldn't blame them either.

[Adam Clayman]

Drainage issues abound on this site. The entire corner of the town drains through this fairway.

From this aerial, I see losing most of the thick trees starting from near the front corner of the driving range pad, to about the two or three trees, tee side of the existing small water hazard.

 If nets were utilized for the range, still allowing some ball flight, it could be moved slighly towards the 16th fairway and re-oriented well into the tree towards Crespi pond, affording great views which would add revenue potential. Sure the nets would suck, but it's a necc evil if you want the revenue, or, to hit balls.

[rjsimper]

Is there any precedent for courses in this mid-range daily fee type class REMOVING ranges from their property?

I classify PG as more than a simple muni because of the pricing for out-of-towners and the frequency of play at that rate.

[Mike Benham]

The city should have used eminent domain to acquire the lighthouse property, build the new clubhouse/grill/upscale eatery around the lighthouse affording wonderful views of Monterey Bay and the Pacific.  This would allow the old 9th to be revived and lengthen #1 ...

Alternative Option:  Sell the property of the front 9 to a developer who would build affordable housing that is eco-friendly, self-contained and doesn't harm the harbor seals or sea otters, leaving 9 holes of bouncy links golf and a restaurant that has to be profitable.

[Adam Clayman]

Mike, The charter does not allow for the selling of the land on the front side.

I like you idea for the lighthouse  BBBUUUTTTT......The lighthouse and it's surrounding housing buildings are likely tied up in too much red tape to mess with, otherwise Stan might have mentioned the opportunity to use them.

The Coasties use to use that housing, and I for one, don't think that should change.


Stan, What is the status of the lighthouse and the out buildings? Has the transfer from the Feds been completed?

[Stan Dodd]

Yes, the transfer was completed last spring.
I agree with Mike as far as what shoulda been done.  But the reality is it was and now we deal with it.

[Ulrich Mayring]

Kind of makes me wonder where the Pro would teach, if the range were abolished... well, he could always give putting lessons, but am not sure where the business model is there...

Ulrich

[James Bennett]

Re; the 18th as a finisher. Go up and look around during magic time. With a little tree clearing, the experience could rival the closer at the real Pebble Beach.

I always saw the hole as a split fairwy hole. Leaving the current fairway, hazard, and, even some of the trees to deliniate the split. Then cut down most of not all the trees to create a second corridor that would utilize the current range grass as fairway.

Returning the narly old rightside bunker complex at the base of that steep hill it would become a leftside bunker with the green raised high above it, ala an L&M greensite. I would leave the existing steep grade down to that bunker, raising the difficulty and the therfore the slope and rating for the entire course.

I'm sure Dan Proctor could build the whole thing for less than 100k. But, the council, in their infinite wisdom, will want Mike to do it, which i'm sure will come in at about 2.3m.

For those who haven't been to Pacific Grove (a lovely, lovely town), here is the 18th.  The practice fairway can be seen to the left.  I have also re-posted a couple of photos which reveal the true character(s) of Pacific Grove's back 9.







James B