Maiden voyage to the peninsula

[Geoffrey_Walsh]

Just confirmed I'm playing Pebble, Cypress and SFGC during three glorious days in mid-July (thanks to a wonderful friend).  It is my first time visiting the area.  Any advice for a first-timer?

[Mike Sweeney]

Just confirmed I'm playing Pebble, Cypress and SFGC during three glorious days in mid-July (thanks to a wonderful friend).  It is my first time visiting the area.  Any advice for a first-timer?

Seriously, bring long pants and warm clothes. Enjoy.

[Mac Plumart]

You playin' anywhere good or just those dog-tracks?

 
 

[JLahrman]

How long are you staying? Obviously those are high priority courses, but there is a ton to do and see in the SF area so hopefully you leave time for some non-golf activities as well.

[David_Tepper]

Geoffrey W. -

Unless you have early morning teetimes at Pebble and Cypress, head over to the Pacific Grove muni course around 7:30am one of the days you are there and play the back-9, which is linksy and big fun. You may want to call there beforehand, but I think they still allow it.

Be sure to drive up from Monterey to San Francisco along the coast on Highway 1. Very scenic (if the fog is not in!).

After your round at SFGC, have lunch or dinner at Joe's of Westlake in Daly City which can't be much more than a mile from SFGC. If you are by yourself, sit at the counter and watch the line cooks work their magic. Have a "Joe's Special," the grilled pork chops or the veal parmesan.

http://www.joesofwestlakerestaurant.com/

P.S. Mike S. isn't kidding about bringing warm clothes!

DT   

[Brian Chapin]

leave yourself an extra 15 minutes to get to SFGC... you will most likely get lost tying to find the entrance.

[Brett_Morrissy]

If you happen to be flying into Monterey Airport - grab and drink and meal at the the restuarant bar at the airport (was full of locals)- upstairs - thought it was great. As was the Italian restuarant in Carmel.

[Simon Holt]

Try to eat at Passionfish in Pacific Grove. Awesome spot.  Seriously, one of the best places I know to eat anywhere.

[Adam Clayman]

The aquarium. Big Sur. Breakfast at First Awakenings. (near Aquarium) Cocktails, outside, at dusk at Spanish Bay.

Avoid Cannery Row. And don't let your wife anywhere near Carmel.

[Howard Riefs]

Restaurant options...

*   La Bicyclette, Carmel -- www.labicycletterestaurant.com
*   Casanova, Carmel -- www.casanovarestaurant.com/
*   Red House Cafe, Pacific Grove -- www.redhousecafe.com/

For cocktails...

*   Mission Ranch, Carmel -- www.missionranchcarmel.com
           ... hopefully you'll catch a glimpse of Clint
*   Park Hyatt, Highlands Inn, Carmel Highalnds -- highlandsinn.hyatt.com

[Chris Buie]

Well, the people who live there can do a better job of guiding you than I can but from one tourist to another driving down the highway to a restaurant called Nepenthe in Big Sur was easily worth the effort. That area is almost unbelievably brilliant. You're way up there on the road and the restaurant looking down at the Pacific.

[Rich Goodale]

Minimize your non-golfing time in Carmel/PB.  Maximize your non-golfing time in the City.

[Mike Benham]

Any advice for a first-timer?

Invite a local, one who has played the courses previously, to play with you, it will heighten your experience.



Ps:  I happen to be available that week ...

[Mike Hendren]

If traveling with a Mrs. stay at The Tickle Pink Inn.  Seriously

Bogey

[Will Lozier]

Don't even think about the lay-up option on 16 at CPC...until you've hit at least one in the Pacific!   Just kidding!  But, in all seriousness, relish the walk from 15 green to 16 tee as it is as spiritual a walk as I've experienced in golf...and do go for it on 16 unless the wind is absolutely howling in your face!  Have fun!

Cheers

[William_G]

Any advice for a first-timer?

Invite a local, one who has played the courses previously, to play with you, it will heighten your experience.



Ps:  I happen to be available that week ...

hahaha

spend time on Carmel Beach
drive 17 mile drive
drinks at Mission Ranch
coffee and donuts on Ocean Ave.

[Bill_McBride]

Play Pasatiempo on the way to San Francisco from Carmel.

Try to buy Bob Huntley a drink.

Have breakfast at the Buena Vista with at least two Irish coffees.  You will have a fine day!

Follow the clothing advice, that's the coldest time of the year in SF.

[Marty Bonnar]

Try to buy Bob Huntley a drink.

That's funny, uncle Bill. That's the exact line I was just thinking of posting.

[David_Tepper]

"Have breakfast at the Buena Vista with at least two Irish coffees.  You will have a fine day!"

To clarify Bill's post (and very good recommendation), the Buena Vista is in San Francisco.

www.thebuenavista.com

[J_ Crisham]

Dinner at Scoma's on the wharf in SF - eat in the Ken Venturi room. Some nice memorabilia on the walls.

[Bob_Huntley]

All of the suggestions made have merit but the best food in town is at La Balena, a recently opened small Italian restaurant on Junipero Street. Reasonably priced and has a good atmosphere.

By all means go down to Big Sur and depending on the weather have lunch at Rockey Point, (newly re-opened), Ventana, or the Post Ranch, the latter somewhat pricey.

The back nine at PG is a must if you have the time for it.

If you are into wine drive out to Carmel Valley Village and try out the wine at any one of sixteen tasting rooms.

Clint's Mission Ranch is a hive of activity in the evening with a chap tickling the ivories and and would be singers joining in.

Depending on your religious persuasion you might want to take in the Carmel Mission. The Bach Festival is held in July and you could kill two birds with one stone by attending all things Bach including the Mass in, ;oops' I have forgotten  the key.

Bob

[JLahrman]

Dinner at Scoma's on the wharf in SF - eat in the Ken Venturi room. Some nice memorabilia on the walls.

Now that is an old-school suggestion. Personally I like Greens up at Fort Mason, but my wife and I are hippy-dippy vegetarians. Scoma's is a fun place to go though, despite limited options for me.

[J_ Crisham]

Dinner at Scoma's on the wharf in SF - eat in the Ken Venturi room. Some nice memorabilia on the walls.

Now that is an old-school suggestion. Personally I like Greens up at Fort Mason, but my wife and I are hippy-dippy vegetarians. Scoma's is a fun place to go though, despite limited options for me.

Great dinner there 2 weeks ago after a battle at SFGC- hard to beat for great seafood. Always my choice for dinner when in SF.

[David_Tepper]

"hard to beat for great seafood"

Jack C. -

For seafood in San Francisco, the Tadich Grill beats Scoma's at least 3&2.

http://www.tadichgrill.com/

DT

[JMEvensky]

"hard to beat for great seafood"

Jack C. -

For seafood in San Francisco, the Tadich Grill beats Scoma's at least 3&2.

http://www.tadichgrill.com/

DT

Tadich Grill 7&6 on the cioppino alone.