When will you play @ Pebble Beach?

[nearwater]

I've always admired the beautiful scenery at Pebble Beach Golf course. I've been there during my west coast trip few years ago, although I didn't play.

I'd assume that most golfers would love to play there at least once in their life time.. but when?
Or have you already? (Those of you who's already been there, I'd love to hear your experience.)

Me personally, I'm not going there any time soon until I get my game up to the level where it's worthy enough to be played at such a beautiful course.
A single digit handicap, maybe?
Until that day, it's just a dream course for me.

What are your thoughts?

Dan

[OCdude12]

Was fortunate enough in high school to play Carmel High School in a 9 hole practice match at Pebble over our senior year Spring Break. Absolutely kicked their butts on the 9 holes, they walked off (don't know how someone walks off Pebble, even if it is your home course), and we were able to continue on and finish our rounds just as the sun was going down. Only birdie I had was on #8, absolutely stiffed a 6 iron to 3 feet enroute to a 77. Thats the only time I've played there, but hope to go down in a couple years with some buddies. We've told ourselves, we're going to save $5 or $10 a month until we have enough to pay the green fees.

For anyone that is considering it, just do it, you won't regret spending that much for the experience. I can think of a lot worse ways people go through $500.

[Harmonious]

I went on vacation to Carmel about 10 years ago. Took the 17 mile drive, stopped at Pebble and walked out to the 18th green (didn't play). It was one of those spectacular days and it was truly breathtaking. But I couldn't justify paying over $20 per hole. Instead, I played Spyglass for $80 twilight rate. OK, some call me "cheap"; I prefer "frugal".

[OCdude12]

  Harmonious said:

I went on vacation to Carmel about 10 years ago. Took the 17 mile drive, stopped at Pebble and walked out to the 18th green (didn't play). It was one of those spectacular days and it was truly breathtaking. But I couldn't justify paying over $20 per hole. Instead, I played Spyglass for $80 twilight rate. OK, some call me "cheap"; I prefer "frugal".

Now that's a steal! $80??!!!! Did you still get in all 18? Just played there last week and I told myself if I had the choice, I would pony up the extra $150 to play Pebble over The Glass.

[Chris223]

Yea I'd love to play Pebble Beach someday. But I doubt I'll ever have the means to do so living in NY. That's a long trip for a round of golf. Plus like you said, I would need to get my game up first. Although it is a public course so I'm sure it's seen its fair share of duffers.

[Harmonious]

  OCdude12 said:

Now that's a steal! $80??!!!! Did you still get in all 18? Just played there last week and I told myself if I had the choice, I would pony up the extra $150 to play Pebble over The Glass.

Unfortunately, no. I think we got in 14 or so. But it was still great. The first 6 holes along the water are the real stunners. Plus, got the chance to chat a bit with Reggie Jackson on the putting green (he's a member). He's not as big as I thought he would be. But he wasn't wearing pinstripes, either.

[MFFNike]

I played Pebble about 8 years ago, and it was fantastic. I only wish I had been a better golfer at the time that I had the opportunity to play. The course scenery is breathtaking, and the rough is THICK.

I would recommend it to any golfer with the means and opportunity.

Edit to add: I'm still not good enough to consider myself worthy to play it, but I think I would still enjoy myself even more than I did.

[Naterater]

I've played Pebble many times growing up, as well as working for the Pebble Beach Co. as a "cart kid" at Old Del Monte. Pebble is a wonderful golf course, breathtaking views, and terrific course design. Please don't take this the wrong way, but I guess it's not as special when you grow up there. I kinda envy the pride you guys have of playing at Pebble. To me, Pebble was just one more of the many golf courses around. When I was 15, and really started to really get into golf, I realized that at nine I was riding my bike into the forest and playing Cypress Point! I was a kid with some clubs my grandma gave me, I never payed, they just let a kid play. Now if I got to play Augusta, then I'd be livin' the dream!!

[saevel25]

Before i die, then i will play it in heaven

[zeg]

I'm not sure, at the price they're asking unless I reach a point where money is irrelevant, I'm not sure I'll do it. I was there this year for the US Open, and while it's a beautiful place, I don't feel that it deserves that exorbitant a greens fee. I'd love to play there for sure, but IMO it's a ridiculous price.

[pavespawn]

I have been stationed at Vandenberg AFB that is not too far from there. We drove up there and I got a picture under the arch and did the 17 mile drive (backwards to beat the traffic). It was great. I am looking at getting stationed out there again and I told my wife that it can be a present to myself when I make Captain. Can't wait.

[bwdial]

When I sell my first novel/screenplay.
Or, rob a liquor store that is particularly flush with cash.

[soloredd]

My buddies and I have a pact to play it once we all hit 10 handicap. Since it's only a 3 hour drive or so, it's one of those courses I'll play when I get to it. I think I played Torrey Pines South a bit too early in my golfing life - definitely going to do that one again. The #3 par 3 at Torrey is my favorite hole that I've ever played. Can't wait to tackle #7 par 3 at Pebble.

One of my friends, who plays to a 2 handicap, played Pebble 2 weeks after the Open. He kind of had the same feelings as Zeg regarding green fees. Since we are NCGA members, we'll probably get around to Poppy Hills next year.

[tsdnorton]

  soloredd said:

My buddies and I have a pact to play it once we all hit 10 handicap. Since it's only a 3 hour drive or so, it's one of those courses I'll play when I get to it. I think I played Torrey Pines South a bit too early in my golfing life - definitely going to do that one again. The #3 par 3 at Torrey is my favorite hole that I've ever played. Can't wait to tackle #7 par 3 at Pebble.

When you guys decide to play let me know, I'll go out with you! I live in Visalia. Where do you guys usually play in Clovis? (assuming you play Fresno courses)

We should go golf sometime!

[soloredd]

  tsdnorton said:

When you guys decide to play let me know, I'll go out with you! I live in Visalia. Where do you guys usually play in Clovis? (assuming you play Fresno courses)

Sweet! Probably will be a while before we do :)

We play Sherwood, Madera Muni and Fig Garden a lot, and then courses like Ridge Creek, Riverbend, Riverside for a twist. One of my good friends lives in Oakland so I make a lot of trips up there for golf - the Bay Area has some of the most hidden and underrated courses in the country, in my opinion.

[sean_miller]

  saevel25 said:

Before i die, then i will play it in heaven

My biggest fear is I'll go the other direction where all the courses are designed by Pete Dye and all the clubs are left handed. Of course I'd still play.

[Fourputt]

Never. Not at the price they charge.

[ks8829]

I played the course approximately 19 years ago, shot 92, stayed at the Lodge, ripped my pants in the 6 hole bunker near the green, proposed to my wife the next day on the 7th Tee Box, hit my driver off the fairway on the 18th hole going for the green on two, good memories.

Got the money, you got to play the course, its the closest thing to golf heaven!