Pebble/Monterey Buddies Trip - October 2020

[Roody]

My wife and I were supposed to be in Pebble earlier this month, but we decided to cancel and re-book for next year. Just seemed too risky with pandemic, fires, etc going on. I'm kinda surprised you're still able to do the trip and enjoy it to a reasonable level. My wife wasn't keen on hanging at the bar with a mask on, or sitting outside at Spanish Bay watching the ocean with a mask. 

[Mullenboy]

I'm with Roody here.  I live in San Jose and well... the pandemic and fires rule everything here.  Just be aware of this.... very strict rules here in CA.  If it were me I'd wait until next year when hopefully the world is real again.

 

But since the deed is done....

 

Have you decided on your Wednesday golf?  One thing to be aware of is all public courses are crazily crowded these days... getting tee times pretty much anywhere is problematic to say the least.

 

 

 

 

[toddmanley]

1 hour ago, Mullenboy said:

One thing to be aware of is all public courses are crazily crowded these days... getting tee times pretty much anywhere is problematic to say the least.

 

100% agree - if you don't plan ahead there's no way you're getting out.  It's crazy busy on all of our courses.  Too bad we've had a few in the area shut down (Santa Clara, The Ranch, Sunol) because it would be nice to have a bit more "supply" to meet the current demand.

[Roody]

2 hours ago, Mullenboy said:

I'm with Roody here.  I live in San Jose and well... the pandemic and fires rule everything here.  Just be aware of this.... very strict rules here in CA.  If it were me I'd wait until next year when hopefully the world is real again.

 

 

I mean, it's one thing if you live reasonably close by. Drive in, play golf, head home. But if you're on the other side of the country in NY, as I am, it's an awful long way to travel and a lot of money to pay to not be able to enjoy things to the fullest. We were going to stay in San Francisco for a couple days before driving down to Pebble, but the hotel we were going to stay at is closed until January. 

I've even modified one of our yearly local golf trips we do this summer. Normally my wife and I go with another couple and drive 2 hours to Turning Stone for golf and an overnight stay. We usually do 36 holes, the wives go to the spa, dinner, and some gambling at the casino. But things are so weird with limiting how many people can sit at a poker table, and the limitations at the spa, etc. It was just us guys that went up this year, played 36 in one day, and we drove back home.

[aloha b.]

On 9/29/2020 at 4:55 AM, Roody said:

My wife and I were supposed to be in Pebble earlier this month, but we decided to cancel and re-book for next year. Just seemed too risky with pandemic, fires, etc going on. I'm kinda surprised you're still able to do the trip and enjoy it to a reasonable level. My wife wasn't keen on hanging at the bar with a mask on, or sitting outside at Spanish Bay watching the ocean with a mask. 

Roody, 

I can't blame you for canceling your trip since you're in New York and I would do the same. We only live 1 hr. 20 minutes to Spanish Bay so it's a quick trip for us and we felt that Pebble Beach Resorts was doing everything they could to keep their guests safe. This was the first time that we stayed at a hotel since COVID19. They have hand sanitizer in many locations through out the resorts and social distancing is required and if we have to use a public restroom, we know where to go that most don't know about. When we checked in they gave a PPE package for both my wife and I. Since we've stayed at Spanish Bay so many times we were able to check in at 10:30 in the morning and had a room on the lobby level so we didn't have to ride in an elevator. We've been going to Pebble Beach Resorts for ~25 years and visit many times through out the year, sometimes I golf and other times I do things with my wife and that includes The Spa that she enjoys. I kept an eye on the air quality (AirNow) during the week that we were going down there and fortunately for us it was good for the entire week. At Roy's they've increased the dining area by using some of the grass area and also Peppoli outside area and the tables are at least 6' apart probably more.

The outside area with the firepits people were having cocktails without having to wear masks.

[Roody]

9 hours ago, aloha b. said:

Roody, 

I can't blame you for canceling your trip since you're in New York and I would do the same. We only live 1 hr. 20 minutes to Spanish Bay so it's a quick trip for us and we felt that Pebble Beach Resorts was doing everything they could to keep their guests safe. This was the first time that we stayed at a hotel since COVID19. They have hand sanitizer in many locations through out the resorts and social distancing is required and if we have to use a public restroom, we know where to go that most don't know about. When we checked in they gave a PPE package for both my wife and I. Since we've stayed at Spanish Bay so many times we were able to check in at 10:30 in the morning and had a room on the lobby level so we didn't have to ride in an elevator. We've been going to Pebble Beach Resorts for ~25 years and visit many times through out the year, sometimes I golf and other times I do things with my wife and that includes The Spa that she enjoys. I kept an eye on the air quality (AirNow) during the week that we were going down there and fortunately for us it was good for the entire week. At Roy's they've increased the dining area by using some of the grass area and also Peppoli outside area and the tables are at least 6' apart probably more.

The outside area with the firepits people were having cocktails without having to wear masks.

That's good to hear. It gives me better hope that our rescheduled trip for next year will almost certainly happen. We have been to Pebble once before, back in 2013. So I can say that softened the blow a little for me when we had to cancel, because if it had been our first-ever trip I'd probably be more bummed about not getting to play Pebble for another year.

[Karch]

I went back first week of October, spectacular weather.  Played PB, SH, Del Monte (second day it was reopened) and Pacific Grove (highly suggest you skip this one).

 

I have to say, I love Spyglass!!!

[krtgolfing]

On 10/20/2020 at 12:22 AM, Karch said:

I went back first week of October, spectacular weather.  Played PB, SH, Del Monte (second day it was reopened) and Pacific Grove (highly suggest you skip this one).

 

I have to say, I love Spyglass!!!

Or play the back nine twice if possible. 

[Mullenboy]

4 hours ago, krtgolfing said:

Or play the back nine twice if possible. 

there's no way that can be done.  They don't allow back 9 only due to covid, and getting a tee time is hard as hell anyway.. the place is always packed.  ON top of that... I'd agree with Karch that it can be skipped.  I can't think of many more over-rated courses than PG Muni (in that people call it poor man's Pebble, etc. - it's not - even the linksy holes on the back 9 are not that great).

 

[duffer987]

1 hour ago, Mullenboy said:

there's no way that can be done.  They don't allow back 9 only due to covid, and getting a tee time is hard as hell anyway.. the place is always packed.  ON top of that... I'd agree with Karch that it can be skipped.  I can't think of many more over-rated courses than PG Muni (in that people call it poor man's Pebble, etc. - it's not - even the linksy holes on the back 9 are not that great).

 

It's an easy moniker to put on the website and get a higher profile and playing golf along the ocean, why not, it's pretty easy to see it's a modest muni in a great location before you show up. If someone doesn't enjoy playing the back 9 at PG they should stick to CVR and the like.

And obviously Spyglass is the best example of most over-rated course in the neighbourhood and in the US really, but that's an easy one.

Edited October 26, 2020 by duffer987

[krtgolfing]

14 minutes ago, duffer987 said:

It's an easy moniker to put on the website and get a higher profile and playing golf along the ocean, why not, it's pretty easy to see it's a modest muni in a great location before you show up. If someone doesn't enjoy playing the back 9 at PG they should stick to CVR and the like.

And obviously Spyglass is the best example of most over-rated course in the neighbourhood and in the US really, but that's an easy one.

Plus the rates for PG are $58.00 on the weekends. It is an easy course to walk. You can also play the back 9 in the morning for only $33.00. 

Edited October 26, 2020 by krtgolfing

[Mullenboy]

 PG Muni does not allow back 9 only play these days (due to pandemic).   You have the rates correct; those are also however quite jacked up from what they were before the fancy new clubhouse was built.  In any case, it remains a good deal for the overall Bay Area for sure, and compared to the PB courses it does remain a steal.  I have played it many many times.  It is good fun.  I just do think people go way overboard touting it's greatness.  The front 9 is quirky but is basic muni fare.  The back 9 does get linksy - #12 is a great hole - but all the rest, well... is pretty cramped, back and forth, really not that big of a deal.

 

Go in expecting decent fun at a decent rate and you will not be disappointed.  Go in expecting poor man's Pebble Beach and you will be.

 

 

 

 

Edited October 28, 2020 by Mullenboy

[Mullenboy]

UPDATE - rules changed, PG Muni now does allow back 9 only play in the early am.  I did this Saturday morning and allow the greens were aerated, it was good fun.

[Brettwill1980]

Hi All,

me and my mates from the UK are heading to San Fran 1st week of November. Playing TPC Harding Tuesday, Spanish bay Wed, spyglass Thursday and then the pinnacle pebble beach on Friday. We was contemplating a rest day Saturday before looking to play another game Sunday. Where would you say is a must play seems this is a once in a lifetime trip that we’ve been saving for 4 years. Also just wondering what the weather is usually like beginning of November? If there’s any info or tips going that would be great. Cheers

[North Texas]

10 hours ago, Brettwill1980 said:

Hi All,

me and my mates from the UK are heading to San Fran 1st week of November. Playing TPC Harding Tuesday, Spanish bay Wed, spyglass Thursday and then the pinnacle pebble beach on Friday. We was contemplating a rest day Saturday before looking to play another game Sunday. Where would you say is a must play seems this is a once in a lifetime trip that we’ve been saving for 4 years. Also just wondering what the weather is usually like beginning of November? If there’s any info or tips going that would be great. Cheers

 

Pasatiempo

[T2GRNN2]

14 hours ago, Brettwill1980 said:

Hi All,

me and my mates from the UK are heading to San Fran 1st week of November. Playing TPC Harding Tuesday, Spanish bay Wed, spyglass Thursday and then the pinnacle pebble beach on Friday. We was contemplating a rest day Saturday before looking to play another game Sunday. Where would you say is a must play seems this is a once in a lifetime trip that we’ve been saving for 4 years. Also just wondering what the weather is usually like beginning of November? If there’s any info or tips going that would be great. Cheers

Play Pasatiempo Sat & Sun.....you can rest on the flight home.....🙂

[hammergolf]

17 hours ago, Brettwill1980 said:

Hi All,

me and my mates from the UK are heading to San Fran 1st week of November. Playing TPC Harding Tuesday, Spanish bay Wed, spyglass Thursday and then the pinnacle pebble beach on Friday. We was contemplating a rest day Saturday before looking to play another game Sunday. Where would you say is a must play seems this is a once in a lifetime trip that we’ve been saving for 4 years. Also just wondering what the weather is usually like beginning of November? If there’s any info or tips going that would be great. Cheers

Weather wise you’re susceptible to fog or rain coming from the coast occasionally, but historically you’re looking at mostly sunny with highs around the low 20c’s to lows at night and in the morning of 8c - 10c. And since it’s by the coast, the damp air will make it feel a little cooler than the actual temps. If you have other questions, feel free to pm me.

Edited October 24, 2021 by hammergolf

[aloha b.]

8 hours ago, North Texas said:

 

Pasatiempo

Since it's a once in a lifetime trip you don't want to miss Pasatiempo!

[aloha b.]

19 hours ago, Brettwill1980 said:

Hi All,

me and my mates from the UK are heading to San Fran 1st week of November. Playing TPC Harding Tuesday, Spanish bay Wed, spyglass Thursday and then the pinnacle pebble beach on Friday. We was contemplating a rest day Saturday before looking to play another game Sunday. Where would you say is a must play seems this is a once in a lifetime trip that we’ve been saving for 4 years. Also just wondering what the weather is usually like beginning of November? If there’s any info or tips going that would be great. Cheers

Lucky for you that you'll be here the 1st week of November. We've been in a really bad drought this year and today we're having heavy rain which is supposed to continue until Monday night and then supposedly no more rain in the forecast for at least one week. November at Pebble is usually in the 60's and typically there isn't the marine layer.

[PJ Blake]

I agree with Pasatiempo 100%, but just in case you want to play closer to the Pebble area, Poppy Hills is a great course.

 

You can always play Pasatiempo on your back to the airport! 🙂

[Roody]

17 hours ago, North Texas said:

 

Pasatiempo

 

Second'ed. When my wife and I went on our trip in September, we took a day and drove down to play Pasatiempo. We absolutely loved it. 

[jvincent]

4 hours ago, PJ Blake said:

I agree with Pasatiempo 100%, but just in case you want to play closer to the Pebble area, Poppy Hills is a great course.

 

You can always play Pasatiempo on your back to the airport! 🙂

 

Just a head's up for Poppy Hills. They are doing some work on the course right now.

 

Quote

During this project, the golf course will remain open and playable in a modified 18-hole form. However, temporary greens will be in use for holes #2 and #7 beginning on November 19, and hole #12 will be shortened during the bunker improvement work. It is currently envisioned that all golf course putting surfaces will re-open on January 1, 2022. Please refer to the Poppy Hills blog and website for continued updates during the project.

 

[aloha b.]

32 minutes ago, jvincent said:

 

Just a head's up for Poppy Hills. They are doing some work on the course right now.

 

 

I saw that the other day as well 

[Brettwill1980]

Thanks for the info guys, because we’re playing 4 days on the bounce, we didn’t really want to play on the Saturday and that’s the only day pasatiempo is available really, so I was thinking of booking black horse or bayonet, what would you prefer out of those 2? And are they worth a visit? 

[buckI]

What work is being done at Poppy?   Thought about trying to get a time there but not if there is work on the course.

 

In the area now and played Pasatiempo earlier today.    Course is in pretty good condition considering the amount of play but the bunkers and green architecture is amazing!
 

[aloha b.]

3 hours ago, buckI said:

What work is being done at Poppy?   Thought about trying to get a time there but not if there is work on the course.

 

In the area now and played Pasatiempo earlier today.    Course is in pretty good condition considering the amount of play but the bunkers and green architecture is amazing!
 

https://poppyhillsgolf.com/2021/09/poppy-hills-features-refinement-project/

[aloha b.]

4 hours ago, Brettwill1980 said:

Thanks for the info guys, because we’re playing 4 days on the bounce, we didn’t really want to play on the Saturday and that’s the only day pasatiempo is available really, so I was thinking of booking black horse or bayonet, what would you prefer out of those 2? And are they worth a visit? 

Others may disagree but I like Carmel Valley Ranch golf course which is the only Pete Dye course in NorCal and I also don't mind Quail Lodge golf course which is always in excellent condition.

[Chanceman]

10 hours ago, Brettwill1980 said:

Thanks for the info guys, because we’re playing 4 days on the bounce, we didn’t really want to play on the Saturday and that’s the only day pasatiempo is available really, so I was thinking of booking black horse or bayonet, what would you prefer out of those 2? And are they worth a visit? 

We’ll look at it this way - Bayonet is the tough one and Blackhorse is easier. Personally I found Blackhorse to be slightly more interesting.

[North Texas]

10 hours ago, aloha b. said:

Others may disagree but I like Carmel Valley Ranch golf course which is the only Pete Dye course in NorCal and I also don't mind Quail Lodge golf course which is always in excellent condition.

 

I think Carmel Valley Ranch is a very fun course to play.

[Mullenboy]

I assume price is no issue?  Each of CVR and Quail Lodge are very expensive.  But I'm with the last two posters... I too the CVR is a lot of fun, and Quail is vastly improved via a recent renovation - so it too is great fun.  As for Bayonet and Blackhorse... less $$$... but also likely less fun.  Both are relatively uninteresting difficult slogs... the way they are now.   Bottom line:  Pasatiempo (also crazy expensive) is clearly better than any of these.  But if you can't/won't play there.. do either CVR or Quail.