Monterey in August?

We are considering a trip in August. Likely a few days in and around Dana Point and then driving up the coast highway for a couple of days to Monterey. No golf south, unless Monte is around and then I'll spend part of a day at Oak Creek. If I can hold out that long, may treat myself to a wedge/iron fitting at Oceanside as a gift to me for what I'm hoping is a successful recovery from elbow surgery (this whole post is premised on a good outcome, lol, will start that adventure at 6 a.m. tomorrow).

Pebble Beach has always been a huge goal for me, and will be trying to get on by calling in while there. I suppose there is no way to predict success, lol, but if anyone has anything reassuring to say about the odds, would love to hear about it. Considering strongly using a caddie for that round if I get to play, in fact I'd say that's 100% if it works out. Want to enjoy the walk and the experience and if a stroke or two or five are saved, so much the better!

I'll definitely be playing Poppy Hills for a couple of good reasons, so that is simply a given.

I'm not sure I'll play more than twice, but maybe get to play 3 times. As much as Pasatiempo would be thrilling I think from a course standpoint, I just don't see playing it.

Black Horse looks like a very intriguing course to me. Any thoughts or other suggestions would be great - it's not really going to be a golf every day visit, thought, so Pebble and Poppy could it all I play, but still want to think about one or two other choices.

Wife not playing this trip.

Can you be a NCGA member if not a resident? I see the membership comes with a free round at Poppy Hills and the discount at one other course (or maybe two if I somehow don't get on Pebble and play three times) might make that worth the price.

Other than golf, just plan to kick back and relax - enjoy the area and be outdoors. Will go to the Aquarium and also stroll around Carmel with my sweetie, any thoughts on places to eat or other sights always welcome - love to explore food!

Thanks!

On your Poppy Day, take advantage of the morning back-9 deal at Pacific Grove. It's an amazing experience and very affordable. Short and easy perhaps, but visually stunning (see my avatar picture) This is if you want some bonus golf but don't want the 4+ hour investment.

A great breakfast spot is the Red House Cafe on Lighthouse Avenue in Pacific Grove, a charming hole-in-the-wall spot with the usual offerings and a really good breakfast burrito.

And definitely make your way to Spanish Bay for the sunset bagpiper. You do not need to be a hotel guest or anything. Spanish bay also has paths you can walk through the course down to the beach, downside being you'll want to play it after.

I wish I could tell you about each of those courses but sadly my budget has never allowed me firsthand experience... Someday!

Get an NCGA membership. There's an e-club you can join. Big discounts at Poppy and Bayonet/Blackhorse. There are a lot of posts on this board about playing Pebble as a single. It seems not to be a big problem. Good luck with your surgery!

I have played all the Monterey courses except for Pebble (and of course Cypress)

Spyglass is still my top 3 must play.

Bayonet/Black Horse is a great course away from the water, a great test of golf as its pretty challenging. A lot of USGA qualifiers are held there

You can call Pebble 24 hours in advance to get a tee time when not staying on property. Definitely get an NCGA membership and you'll get discounted tee times at Poppy Hills, Bayonet & Blackhorse, Quail Lodge and Carmel Valley Ranch all in the Monterey area. You can sign up through the E club of Monterey Bay if you'd like.  My wife and I have eaten at close to 80+ restaurants at Pebble, Spanish Bay, Carmel, Carmel Valley, Monterey, Pacific Grove and lots of them many times so if you'd like some suggestions you can send me a message.

Not the same time of year, but same destination, have a read.

I'd strongly suggest Bayonet :)

I will always recommend Bayonet Black Horse, with Black Horse being my favored of the two, by a wide margin. I played there a few weeks ago when I was in town for the AT&T, and the greens are more tricked out than I've ever seen them. I feel like you have good personal reasons for playing Poppy, but it's one of my least favorite courses in Monterey.

If Pebble becomes a feasible option, I'd go for it; though I feel like I remember August around when maintenance happens...?

Thanks for the replies so far!

Poppy is fantastic, so much better than the first iteration. Bayo/Blackhorse are excellent as well, but can beat you up on an off day. Pacific Grove back 9 won't exactly having you thinking about West Kilbride but it's as close as you can get South of Bandon. I wouldn't look beyond those four + Pebble possibilities of course.

If you'll be playing Sat or Sun rounds, send me a PM and we can set something up. As I like to get down a couple times a year to play.

Passionfish in Pacific Grove and Bistro Moulin in Monterey are my two go-to recos for food. Admittedly I've not been to Bistro Moulin in a while now, but do try and eat at Passionfish when I'm down there, their duck confit is always top notch. I'd also stay in Pacific Grove vs Monterey or Carmel, but that's just me.

Thanks!!

Bayonet over Blackhorse ( search Combat Corner) Poppy is a great track, Pebble is must but I'd play Spyglass too.

If you like Italian food, Casanova's in Carmel is a must, Spinach Gnocchi is amazing sit on the back patio for lunch.