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