Definately endorse Pajaro over Bayonet, but please note it may be considered an acquired taste.
Give us a rundown on your return, Ben. The drought is pervasive, and I'm curious about your impressions as to how it may affect (enhance?) playability.
Just waiting for the plane at SFO, trip was amazing. When I have more time I'll post a few thoughts and some pictures.
Ok, so Sunday afternoon/evening at Pasatiempo was great! Of the 5 places we played they have been hit hardest by the drought, but the layout and design ARE all they are cracked up to be. Had to play the last 2 in the dark as we basically ran the back side to try and get it all in before dark after teeing it up just before 3 PM. I really want to go back and experience the place when it's not had such a lack of rain or even irrigation in the fairways, as well as when I'm able to not feel rushed trying to get done before dark.
The next morning at Pacific Grove was amazing as well, each nine has a distinctly differing feel, and while both very cool and fun in their own way, the closing nine is pretty spectacular right on the water. This might be the best value facility I've encountered. Not overly tough and the only real area I felt protected scoring would be the wind and the elements which we didn't have.
We then took 17 mile to see Spanish Bay, Spyglass, Cypress, the lone cypress and then Pebble. Did a little walking around, and shopping at Pebble, enjoyed that as well.
That afternoon at Bayonet was great. Difficult course from the back tees for sure. Greens took some getting used to after putting at Pasatiempo and Pacific Grove in the previous two rounds as those two were much slower, 8-9ish, where Bayonet was close to 12. The vistas from Bayonet are fantastic. After the round having a cocktail on the patio and watching the sunset over the peninsula was pretty awesome as well.
Next morning at Poppy was also spectacular, the wind picked up a bit this day, but not to bad. The new course is amazing. I'd not played the old rendition but 2 gentleman in my group who live in the area said to the effect. The way this new track plays it is for sure back in the rotation of courses to play. Greens were firm and fairly quick and the feel with the wall to wall fairways and tall pines with large sandy native areas made me feel a little like they were trying to meld Augusta, with Pine Valley in the Del Monte Forest. Is a very stern test, but if you hit it well, you can score.
Final round at The Cal Club was also a fantastic experience. We took a caddie who helped a ton as nothing is marked and there are some nuances that a first time player wouldn't see or know about. He saved me and my co worker at least 2 or 3 shots. The place is immaculate and the bunkers are my favorite I've ever seen.
Pics....all taken with just an iPhone
Pasatiempo (very dark since we played so late in the day)
Pacific Grove
Bayonet
Poppy
Cal Club
