Can you overwhelm a golf trip?

[JJPIV]

Looking for thoughts on the question- Can you overwhelm a golf trip? Basically try to fit too many bucket list courses in and lose the experience.

 

Have a work/vacation trip coming up and already have an amazing schedule, but I am considering adding in a few stops because the trip has been extended for work reasons. Lucked out that business brings me to the Bay Area and plan to head to Monterey after for a long weekend of golf. Already booked on TPC Harding Park, planning to walk on Pebble as a single, Black Horse & Bayonet, Spyglass, and hopefully Pacific Grove if I have time. I have to go to Las Vegas after, so I have an additional day in California and time in Vegas. Would adding Passatiempo and Wolf Creek be overkill? These are both courses that I have had on my list for quite a while, but worried that playing them all in a 10 day stretch would hurt the experience. Anyone with thoughts or personal experiences good or bad?

[thejuice]

Why would that hurt? If you are a guy that loves new courses and loves bucket list courses even more, go for it!

[Phreddy]

I have a couple times taken too big of a bite from the apple. If you book in such a way that you are looking at your watch (to catch a plane/make a business dinner) it can steal the pleasure from a round. Other than that...Go Dog Go!

[JJPIV]

Why would that hurt? If you are a guy that loves new courses and loves bucket list courses even more, go for it!

 

Just worried that some courses will overshadow others. For example last year when I went to Bandon, I played BD/PD then BT/OM. I left feeling like Bandon Dunes was overrated and the weakest course on property. Looking back the main thing I would change is not playing Bandon and PAC the same day due to the similarity and how different the other two courses are. I know if I get to take another trip out there, I will plan differently and hopefully take away more appreciation for that course.

 

I am leaning towards adding both to the schedule on this trip. Thanks for the input!

[lincolnduff]

You’ll never be disappointed you played Pasatiempo, and you may like it better than Pebble....

[thejuice]

Why would that hurt? If you are a guy that loves new courses and loves bucket list courses even more, go for it!

 

Just worried that some courses will overshadow others. For example last year when I went to Bandon, I played BD/PD then BT/OM. I left feeling like Bandon Dunes was overrated and the weakest course on property. Looking back the main thing I would change is not playing Bandon and PAC the same day due to the similarity and how different the other two courses are. I know if I get to take another trip out there, I will plan differently and hopefully take away more appreciation for that course.

 

I am leaning towards adding both to the schedule on this trip. Thanks for the input!

 

I guess I look at it as 1st World issues. You played three tracks that are in the top 100 courses in the US, with two of them being top 20 on most rankings. I get you didn't like BD as much as PD, but you played two great courses nonetheless. Maybe play these new course for the fun of saying you played them instead of trying to rate them. You may have more fun. Look at it like this, I wish I could come with you, just as I'm sure others would like to come with you.

[JJPIV]

 

I guess I look at it as 1st World issues. You played three tracks that are in the top 100 courses in the US, with two of them being top 20 on most rankings. I get you didn't like BD as much as PD, but you played two great courses nonetheless. Maybe play these new course for the fun of saying you played them instead of trying to rate them. You may have more fun. Look at it like this, I wish I could come with you, just as I'm sure others would like to come with you.

 

It is definitely a 1st world problem and I am blessed to even have to consider it. I guess a better way to phrase the question is, if you had the opportunity to play 5 top courses, would you play them all in one trip or 2-3 trips? Assuming travel isn’t an issue.

[thejuice]

Tomorrow is not promised, why put off until tomorrow what you can do today, enjoy the sun while it shines on your life...

 

All of these quotes have one thing in common...they're telling you to do as much as you can when you can. If you won't be tired and if you don't have to rush, why plan multiple trips.

[deadsolid...shank]

This probably isn't true for the OP, but would be for me. I don't travel much. So if I'm in an area and get the opportunity to play one or several iconic courses in that area, I'm playing every single one I can squeeze in. Who knows when that chance will come again.

 

And OP, fwiw, on our three day trip there we played Bayonet/Blackhorse, PB, PG, and Pasatiempo. We very much enjoyed each for itself, none really diminished any of the others.

 

Have fun.

[Jungleland]

My advice would be to make sure you have time to enjoy your rounds and don't push for 36 in a day if it means feeling rushed. If you do have time for 36 then don't go bucket list both rounds. When I'm in Monterey I like to go over to Pacific Grove and either play a quick and early 9 or 18 then around 11 or NOON I'll play Spyglass or Pebble, got a little warm up and saved the star for when the conditions were best.

[CMCSGolf]

I think the only way to overwhelm yourself on a golf trip is to drive too much. Since all of these courses are within a few hours of each other, I don't think it would be a problem if you squeeze in all the golf you can. When golf trips to Scotland have Glasgow, Edinburgh, and Dornach in one week, that always seems like a little much to me. From SF down to Monterrey will be a relatively easy drive, so play as much as possible. Also, don't skip Pasa, it's better than everything but Pebble on your list.

[North Butte]

Here's my rules of golf travel.

 

No playing two different courses on the same day unless they are literally on the same property. Meaning no morning round, then drive somewhere, then play an afternoon round.

 

No more than three different hotel rooms in a one-week trip. Can't stand unpacking every night then repacking again the next morning.

 

Do my driving, if necessary, after golf rather than before. First, it's easier driving when you're still energized from having played golf. And second, it is terribly stressful to try to drive an hour or two to the course in the morning only to encounter traffic delays or get lost. Knowing your tee time is in 50 minutes and you're still 20 miles from the course is awful.

 

Final rule, a great golf course is just as much fun the second or third time you play it as it was the first time. If a second play would be boring, we ain't talking about a great golf course are we?

 

P.S. If you are a novelty junkie, belt-notcher or if your golfing plans are ruled by checking courses off lists feel free to disregard all my "rules".

[One_Putt_Blunder]

Can you overwhelm a golf trip? In general-Yes

 

Similar to North Butte above too many hotel rooms, too much time driving between courses are big detractors of mine when it comes to really enjoying a trip. Scotland another posted is a good example ,4 general areas for golf, trying to squeeze in all 4 or even 3 in week is a lot and really miss out on taking it all in because you're on the road so much.

 

In your case depending on where you are staying adding Pasatiempo should not be much of a stretch. Wolf Creek is a ways outside Vegas though and may be a bigger PITA Course wise Pasa is much more of a must play, where Wolf Creek is more of a should see, views over quality course design IMO

[puttnforthe8]

Looking for thoughts on the question- Can you overwhelm a golf trip? Basically try to fit too many bucket list courses in and lose the experience.

 

Have a work/vacation trip coming up and already have an amazing schedule, but I am considering adding in a few stops because the trip has been extended for work reasons. Lucked out that business brings me to the Bay Area and plan to head to Monterey after for a long weekend of golf. Already booked on TPC Harding Park, planning to walk on Pebble as a single, Black Horse & Bayonet, Spyglass, and hopefully Pacific Grove if I have time. I have to go to Las Vegas after, so I have an additional day in California and time in Vegas. Would adding Passatiempo and Wolf Creek be overkill? These are both courses that I have had on my list for quite a while, but worried that playing them all in a 10 day stretch would hurt the experience. Anyone with thoughts or personal experiences good or bad?

 

Absolutely. Last year we did a trip with 24 guys, with 36 a day...and in some cases we had long trips. We had one day when the start of the trip from the hotel was 5:30am and we did not get back until 9:30 at night. Some of us never saw each other, did things outside of golf, got ill and played bad golf. Not too mentions some of the overall group played 4-5 courses prior to the main trip! Me being one of them...by the end of the trip I could barely pick up my putter!

 

 

In previous years we had group dinners or social events. Golf was more pleasurable and the competition was better.

 

Next year we are doing Pebble and we all agreed to 1 round per day with limited travel btw. courses, later starting times, and group planned events.

[R4haehl]

I recently got back from a buddies bachelor party weekend trip to Monterey and played a handful of the courses you mentioned. Our schedule was:

• Thursday - arrived in afternoon and played Del Monte
  
• Friday - Spanish Bay in the morning - We walked the course and also went to the par 3 Peter Hay course this afternoon and had a blast
  
• Saturday - played 36 at Bayonet & Blackhorse as they are on the same property - Also they have a killer 36 hole special for $195 and includes range balls, cart, lunch, $20 gift card and 20% off in golf shop and a sleeve of Taylormade TP5 balls (http://www.bbhstore....7724.1504725982 )
  
• Sunday - 18 at Spyglasss - We also walked this course
  

 

It was a lot of golf over 4 days but I have done trips like this in the past so I was prepared. Yes it is exhausting and a ton of golf, but very doable. Had we been able to get onto Pebble one of the days, I would have gladly done it for either 1 round that day or as a 36 hole day. Totally worth it. We did go to the 18th at Pebble to see it and to grab a beer at the restaurant/bar they have overlooking it,We also had 2 guys who had Duke's Membership cards that got our whole group discounted rates at the PB Resort courses. We did not stay at the PB Resort or any affiliates, so we could not get a guaranteed time on PB.

 

While you are on a trip like this, it could be easy to overwhelm yourself if you are so focused on scoring well and not the beauty of these incredible golf courses. The trip was VERY memorable because I went into the trip ready to take pictures and to appreciate the beauty/design of these golf courses. I played decent and there are definitely shots I wish I could have back, but reminiscing on the trip I could care less how I played because it was more of the experience and trying to take it in to remember. Unless you are first off the tee box, there will be plenty of time between shots to look around as they are not golf courses that will be played quickly due to the amount of people there and the skill level of many players there.

 

I recommend walking at the main PB courses since they are cart path only and you will waste a ton of time going back and forth to your cart. We did not get caddies at either Spanish or Spyglass. Bayonet/Blackhorse you can cart right up to your ball, and this is key especially if you are playing 36. Del Monte is an old school course, very walkable although we carted and you can cart to your ball.

 

I had heard great things about Pasatiempo and that Pacific Grove is the best value on the peninsula but did not play either. I will be playing both of these courses, Poppy and of course Pebble next time I go to this area.

 

To the OP - if you have time to play them all, by all means DO IT! Enjoy it, take pictures and mental notes, don't stress yourself out too much about playing well and going low because that will take away from your overall enjoyment and experience. You never know when or if you will make it back to this very special place that is the Monterey Peninsula!!

 

Please come back and give us a recap!!!!!

[JJPIV]

Thanks a lot for all of the great insight guys. Really talked me into Passatiempo, although that wasn’t really twisting my arm. A majority of the golf trips I have been on have either been to RTJ Trail in Alabama or a destination with only one big name course. This trip will definitely have less driving than the RTJ route. While I am usually pushing for 36/day on a golf trip, I think having more 18 hole days will enhance the experience. I did get the 36 hole special at Blackhorse and Bayonet, what a deal. The only other 36 hole day would be Saturday with Spyglass and Pacific Grove, if I can get onto Pebble. I’m really looking forward to walking most rounds, as I feel it lets you take in more of the course and having some beers on the deck looking over 18 at PB.

[R4haehl]

Thanks a lot for all of the great insight guys. Really talked me into Passatiempo, although that wasn’t really twisting my arm. A majority of the golf trips I have been on have either been to RTJ Trail in Alabama or a destination with only one big name course. This trip will definitely have less driving than the RTJ route. While I am usually pushing for 36/day on a golf trip, I think having more 18 hole days will enhance the experience. I did get the 36 hole special at Blackhorse and Bayonet, what a deal. The only other 36 hole day would be Saturday with Spyglass and Pacific Grove, if I can get onto Pebble. I’m really looking forward to walking most rounds, as I feel it lets you take in more of the course and having some beers on the deck looking over 18 at PB.

 

You are going to have an incredible time. I am having hardcore withdrawals from the trip right now as I was there 2 weeks ago. Have fun!

[Argonne69]

Short answer, yes. I've played up to 10 rounds in 5 days, and it does take its toll. Having done it numerous times, I'd say skip the round if you think you'd be back in the near future. If it's a one time deal, go ahead and enjoy the round.

 

I played 9 rounds in 6 days in Monterey in July, and I was definitely running out of gas at Half Moon Bay the last two days.

 

I don't think you can go wrong with Pasatiempo. Great course, even if you are running out of steam. The key is to lower your expectations on the own play. Enjoy the design of the course without tying it to your level of play.

[cowbomb02]

36 holes in 1 day arent unheard of but doing that back to back is a bit much. I love golf but I dont think I could play 18 every day for a week unless if was at a good discount but that's just my opinion.

[sabram]

The answer depends on your stamina and how well you plan. I travel a lot and I've learned that it can make for a better trip by not playing every course that you want to. Drawing the line by eliminating a few courses from the itinerary will make for a better overall experience. It's not fun to be exhausted and playing poorly as a result. Planning a golf trip is like putting a puzzle together and is part of the fun. I'm in my mid 60's and play 36 holes most days, but try not to do so three days in a row. Last year on a trip to the north and west of Ireland I played 19 rounds in 12 days, walking them all, and driving 1,000 miles. I wouldn't say it was overwhelming, but I would say it was overly ambitious and would have been more fun if I had cut it back a little such as 12 rounds in 8 days. This year I did a Michigan trip that was 14 rounds in 9 days. That's the most I would do anymore.

 

Edit: I also did a 9 round, 5 day trip in August that started in Colorado(where my wife is from), followed by a flight to Kansas City where I drove south through Kansas, played 36 the next day (18 in Oklahoma and 18 in Arkansas in 100* heat and 95 Humidity, then on to Branson MO to play 36, followed by a round at Lake of the Ozarks and a final day in KC, MO.before flying home. That was an awesome trip, but the heat was brutal on that one day in OK and AR. I have 8 states left to play in.

[mallrat]

Why would that hurt? If you are a guy that loves new courses and loves bucket list courses even more, go for it!

 

Just worried that some courses will overshadow others. For example last year when I went to Bandon, I played BD/PD then BT/OM. I left feeling like Bandon Dunes was overrated and the weakest course on property. Looking back the main thing I would change is not playing Bandon and PAC the same day due to the similarity and how different the other two courses are. I know if I get to take another trip out there, I will plan differently and hopefully take away more appreciation for that course.

 

I am leaning towards adding both to the schedule on this trip. Thanks for the input!

 

Don't forget that most people change their opinions on the Bandon courses every time they go. I personally feel like PAC is the most overrated and Trails is the true gen of the property.

[BUCKEYERBALL88]

Looking for thoughts on the question- Can you overwhelm a golf trip? Basically try to fit too many bucket list courses in and lose the experience.

 

Have a work/vacation trip coming up and already have an amazing schedule, but I am considering adding in a few stops because the trip has been extended for work reasons. Lucked out that business brings me to the Bay Area and plan to head to Monterey after for a long weekend of golf. Already booked on TPC Harding Park, planning to walk on Pebble as a single, Black Horse & Bayonet, Spyglass, and hopefully Pacific Grove if I have time. I have to go to Las Vegas after, so I have an additional day in California and time in Vegas. Would adding Passatiempo and Wolf Creek be overkill? These are both courses that I have had on my list for quite a while, but worried that playing them all in a 10 day stretch would hurt the experience. Anyone with thoughts or personal experiences good or bad?

 

Play

Pebble

Pasa

Spy

Pac Grove

Wolf creek

[JJPIV]

 

Don't forget that most people change their opinions on the Bandon courses every time they go. I personally feel like PAC is the most overrated and Trails is the true gen of the property.

 

I know on other courses I have revisited, my opinions change with every trip. I hope to make another trip to Bandon next year, but nothing on the books yet. I also enjoyed Trails the most, but Mac was very close. It is just such a different style course.

[JJPIV]

 

Edit: I also did a 9 round, 5 day trip in August that started in Colorado(where my wife is from), followed by a flight to Kansas City where I drove south through Kansas, played 36 the next day (18 in Oklahoma and 18 in Arkansas in 100* heat and 95 Humidity, then on to Branson MO to play 36, followed by a round at Lake of the Ozarks and a final day in KC, MO.before flying home. That was an awesome trip, but the heat was brutal on that one day in OK and AR. I have 8 states left to play in.

 

What courses did you play in AR/OK and Branson? I live in NW Arkansas, and August can get brutal.

 

As far as stamina, I’m used to playing this many rounds in a trip. We will see how walking many of the courses affects the stamina. I typically walk about 20% of my rounds at home.

[Roody]

If you've got the stamina for it, do it. I've found I can do 36 holes per day for multiple days IF (and it's a big IF) the rounds move along reasonably fast. It's not the number of swings per day that tires me out, it's the mental drain of standing around waiting on every shot.

[Matt J]

Why would that hurt? If you are a guy that loves new courses and loves bucket list courses even more, go for it!

 

Just worried that some courses will overshadow others. For example last year when I went to Bandon, I played BD/PD then BT/OM. I left feeling like Bandon Dunes was overrated and the weakest course on property. Looking back the main thing I would change is not playing Bandon and PAC the same day due to the similarity and how different the other two courses are. I know if I get to take another trip out there, I will plan differently and hopefully take away more appreciation for that course.

 

I am leaning towards adding both to the schedule on this trip. Thanks for the input!

 

You're splitting hairs. Maybe focus on how lucky you were to play 4 of the best golf courses on the planet rather than focusing on the infinitesimally small thing that was "wrong"?

[JJPIV]

 

You're splitting hairs. Maybe focus on how lucky you were to play 4 of the best golf courses on the planet rather than focusing on the infinitesimally small thing that was "wrong"?

 

Sorry for having an opinion, but thanks for sharing yours.

[North Butte]

Why would that hurt? If you are a guy that loves new courses and loves bucket list courses even more, go for it!

 

Just worried that some courses will overshadow others. For example last year when I went to Bandon, I played BD/PD then BT/OM. I left feeling like Bandon Dunes was overrated and the weakest course on property. Looking back the main thing I would change is not playing Bandon and PAC the same day due to the similarity and how different the other two courses are. I know if I get to take another trip out there, I will plan differently and hopefully take away more appreciation for that course.

 

I am leaning towards adding both to the schedule on this trip. Thanks for the input!

 

You're splitting hairs. Maybe focus on how lucky you were to play 4 of the best golf courses on the planet rather than focusing on the infinitesimally small thing that was "wrong"?

 

Good luck with trying to suggest that there's more to golf travel than achieving a mathematically precise ranking of every niggling detail of each course. Done by playing one round on each, naturally.

 

Everybody's a cork sniffer nowadays.

[pearsonified]

Can you overwhelm a golf trip?

Only if your mates are chumps.

 

To me, a "golf trip" means you play 36 holes per day, and this is the absolute focus of the trip. Everything else—from dining to drinking to carrying on—is secondary to the golf.

 

If you don't like it, stay home.

[SilverBullets]

I kind of echo the sentiment that you can overwhelm a golf trip, but, for me it has only happened twice. Once was because we 36 holes 4 days in a row and slept a total of 12 hours in those 4 days. The 4th day was pretty much miserable for all involved. The other time was actually just 36 holes 2 days in a row. The issue with this one was we got in late at night. Woke up super early and played 36 but it was at different facilities about 20 minutes away from each other. We then went straight from the second course to a concert that night... woke up early and played 36 holes again. No one really wanted to play the morning round the second day. It was just too much jammed in there.

 

I have done a bunch of trips where we have stacked a bunch of awesome courses together (Monterey, Erin Hills + Whistling, Kiawah + HHI, No. Mi (Arcadia, Forest Dunes and courses in Gaylord))... I don't think stacking a bunch of great courses together is overwhelming... as long as you do it properly. Plan accordingly, don't play 36 holes a day where you have to get back in the car and drive to a different facility (unless it's right there) and make sure you account for some golf fatigue or trip fatigue so you don't stack a bunch of late nights and early mornings in a row.. one is fine but two or three in a row gets overwhelming.

 

With that said, skip Harding Park. It's not worth playing. If you're resident and are getting a resident Muni rate, that is one thing... but on a golf trip, paying a non resident rate, it's simply not even close to worth it. Cost aside, I thought Presidio was a better, more unique, more memorable course. Harding has a couple of good holes, a few decent holes, and a 9 or 10 completely unmemorable, jam packed, not very good holes. The entire front 9 feels like you are playing on a typical muni... the back 9, which loops around the perimeter of the course, is where things get a little better. Both 9's are Harding are worse than any other 9 you have scheduled on your trip... and IMO it's not even close..