Pebble Beach Itinerary

RSinSG · May 31, 2018

Im finally making the pilgrimage to one of the premier US courses in early July. My buddy turned 60 and his wife surprised him with the trip and she wants him to take a friend. He and I have been playing together since 1982 so I got the nod.

I spent lots of time reeading through threads on how to plan and I followed many of the recommendations. I used to spend a week each year in Monterey so I already have some favorite places to eat, but it’s been 9 years and I’m sure things have changed. Anyways, here’s our trip:

Fly into San Jose and rent a car. San Jose vs Monterey airport for a couple of reasons including cost of flight, length of flight with lay overs, one way vs plane changes, and golf clubs fly for free on Southwest.

First night staying at the Portola Hotel and Spa next to the wharf so I can walk to the Old Fisherman’s Grotto for dinner.

Saturday we check into the PB Lodge and play Spyglass at 1:40. Sunday we play at Pebble at 2:40. Both days are predicted to be sunny and high 60’s. Any morning for will be burnt off before we start.

Not sure about eating at the Lodge as it is so pricey for what you get. I’ve eaten at the Taproom (19th Hole before and it was OK, but not great. I’ve never tried the Stillwater and am undecided. I’ve heard the experience is outstanding but the food isn’t as good as off Resort places. Maybe go there after the round to relax and have a beverage and watch the golfers finish 18.

We’re walking with a caddy but I’m unsure about getting a single strap bag just for this trip. I’m thinking it may be better to let him put my clubs in one of the bags they supply. Anyone have thoughts on that? How about a good caddy’s name?

Also, I’d appreciate restaurant suggestions. Like I said, it’s been a while for me and what was good back then may not be anymore. For the record, we’re both in our 60’s and like you would think we like quieter places. Good food is much more important than a hip vibe / atmosphere as we’ll probably be asleep by 10:00. :)

Lookin forward to a great experience. And FYI- effective July 22 the Resort is changing their minimum stay to 3 nights.

2putttom · May 31, 2018

if your into seafood ya gotta try PassionFish in pacific Grove.

RSinSG · May 31, 2018

Thanks - my buddy likes seafood more than I do, though the last time I was in Monterey I had Sand Dabs at The Sardine Factory and they were pretty good.

txeconomist · May 31, 2018

I liked Casanova’s, pretty good Italian food. Can someone comment on The Lodge v the Inn at Spanish Bay? I stayed at SB three years ago and going again first week of July. The Lodge seemed like a circus v SB but don’t really have a great perspective... is it worth the price difference? I can’t imagine.

aloha b. · May 31, 2018

I liked Casanova’s, pretty good Italian food. Can someone comment on The Lodge v the Inn at Spanish Bay? I stayed at SB three years ago and going again first week of July. The Lodge seemed like a circus v SB but don’t really have a great perspective... is it worth the price difference? I can’t imagine.

Personally my wife and I prefer SB over The Lodge and we've stayed at SB many times. No tour buses or many tourists at SB compared to PB. You can walk down along the beach if you'd like. Lots of parking if you don't want to valet. The outside fire pits for drinks and watching the bagpiper. If you like to drink wine Stave Wine Cellar on property has excellent wines by the glass.

aloha b. · May 31, 2018

Im finally making the pilgrimage to one of the premier US courses in early July. My buddy turned 60 and his wife surprised him with the trip and she wants him to take a friend. He and I have been playing together since 1982 so I got the nod.

I spent lots of time reeading through threads on how to plan and I followed many of the recommendations. I used to spend a week each year in Monterey so I already have some favorite places to eat, but it’s been 9 years and I’m sure things have changed. Anyways, here’s our trip:

Fly into San Jose and rent a car. San Jose vs Monterey airport for a couple of reasons including cost of flight, length of flight with lay overs, one way vs plane changes, and golf clubs fly for free on Southwest.

First night staying at the Portola Hotel and Spa next to the wharf so I can walk to the Old Fisherman’s Grotto for dinner.

Saturday we check into the PB Lodge and play Spyglass at 1:40. Sunday we play at Pebble at 2:40. Both days are predicted to be sunny and high 60’s. Any morning for will be burnt off before we start.

Not sure about eating at the Lodge as it is so pricey for what you get. I’ve eaten at the Taproom (19th Hole before and it was OK, but not great. I’ve never tried the Stillwater and am undecided. I’ve heard the experience is outstanding but the food isn’t as good as off Resort places. Maybe go there after the round to relax and have a beverage and watch the golfers finish 18.

We’re walking with a caddy but I’m unsure about getting a single strap bag just for this trip. I’m thinking it may be better to let him put my clubs in one of the bags they supply. Anyone have thoughts on that? How about a good caddy’s name?

Also, I’d appreciate restaurant suggestions. Like I said, it’s been a while for me and what was good back then may not be anymore. For the record, we’re both in our 60’s and like you would think we like quieter places. Good food is much more important than a hip vibe / atmosphere as we’ll probably be asleep by 10:00. :)

Lookin forward to a great experience. And FYI- effective July 22 the Resort is changing their minimum stay to 3 nights.

After the round if you eat at The Tap Room, the prime rib chili with cornbread is really good and so is the Kobe burger with truffle fries. You may want to eat at the Bench after the round as they also have views of 18 instead of Stillwater's although if you eat at Stillwater's I can give you the name of a waiter that's really good.

Two of the best caddies are Casey Boyns or Robert Lytle.

txeconomist · May 31, 2018

Pretty much 100% what I experienced. Literally bus loads of people not staying or playing golf at the resort hanging around making everything seemingly inconvenient.

I liked Casanova’s, pretty good Italian food. Can someone comment on The Lodge v the Inn at Spanish Bay? I stayed at SB three years ago and going again first week of July. The Lodge seemed like a circus v SB but don’t really have a great perspective... is it worth the price difference? I can’t imagine.

Personally my wife and I prefer SB over The Lodge and we've stayed at SB many times. No tour buses or many tourists at SB compared to PB. You can walk down along the beach if you'd like. Lots of parking if you don't want to valet. The outside fire pits for drinks and watching the bagpiper. If you like to drink wine Stave Wine Cellar on property has excellent wines by the glass.