Bay Area and Monterey

[Malones19]

I am looking to fly into SF in late Feb for 4-5 days. I have played Harding Park in the past but I am looking for something new in the Bay area or enroute to Monterey.

 

When I get to monterey I am looking at playing the following:

 

Bayonent

Black Horse

Del Monte

Poppy Hills

 

Maybe - Pebble Beach and spyglass

 

Is there any recommendations on the courses i have listed or suggestions for replacement.

[SVonhof]

You can always play Pacific Grove Muni. It's back-9 is right on the water.

As for on-the-way courses, depends on what kind of course you want to play. If you want to get beat-up and amazed by a course, you could play "The Ranch" in San Jose. I have not played it, but hear it's total target golf and almost insane how difficult it is, but that could also mean that it's a blast if you get some good shots off on there.

Another choice would be to play Spanish Bay. I hear it's nice as well.

[slocagolfer]

Play Del Monte only if you can't get on anywhere else.

Pull out the wallet (or the plastic) and play Pebble and/or Spyglass if there's anyway at all you can, especially if you haven't played either. It will be a memory you'll cherish.

Bayonet, Black Horse, Poppy - good choices.

San Juan Oaks in Hollister isn't too far away. I haven't played it recently but it was a really nice track.

You can check out the NCGA website for courses in and near SF.

Olympic Club? Cypress Point? Oh well, one can dream.

Good luck!

[Malones19]

I wasnt sure if Pebble was worth the $500+ but now I will have to pull out the plastic and maybe try spyglass on twilight.

I will try calling Cypress and Olympic club for a tee time, maybe i can get a 4some. I will let you guys know if i have any open spots.

[tonster]

Pass on The Ranch, its terrible. And unless you know someone, you won't be able to get onto Cypress Point or Olympic.

San Juan Oaks is a great recommendation. Cinnabar Hills and Coyote Creek are both off 101 and won't necessarily break the bank. Pasatiempo is probably a bucket list course I did not see on your list either.

[SVonhof]

I forgot about Pasatiempo and as I said, I have never played the ranch.

And yeah, unless you happen to know the right people, you won't be getting on at Cypress or Olympic, as Tonster says.

[Malones19]

I forgot about pasatiempo as well. $220 doesn't break the bank either.

I know I pretty much have no chance on Cypress or Olympic but I am going to e-mail a couple of Pro's I know and see if they have any friends in the area that are members. Also I might try e-mailing the GM or Head Pro you never know what can happen.

[Jonny_Pepper]

I Agree with Slocagolfer. Del Monte only if you cant get at another place. I didnt think it was that great. Since your in that area you would be looking for something with the WOW factor.
Good luck with your trip and Shoot low!

[sharkiesj]

All the Monterey courses you've accounted for. One place that hasn't been mentioned on the way is Half Moon Bay.

2 outstanding tracts, one an open links course and the other a tight venue, course conditions are usually very, very good and "cheaper" green fees available by Golfnow.com

Half Moon Bay or Pasa on the way for sure. If you're going to open up the wallet, try doing 36 holes by playing Spy or Spanish in the morning, and while checking in there ask about a replay at Pebble. Both times I played Spy the guy checking me in offered a replay that afternoon at Pebble for an awesome rate.

[sharkiesj]

Pebble, Spy, and Spanish are all runnings specials right now good from middle of Feb. to middle of March.

Pebble: 395 includes cart and $50 buck credit towards 2010 US Open merchandise

Spy: 245 includes cart and the credit

Spanish: 150 includes cart and credit.

Mention this special when checking in.

[Malones19]

That is awesome. I will definately use your tips. I am just hoping the weather will be as nice as the AT&T.

[60footlipout]

Thanks for passing this on, but could you also give the link? I can't find these rates on the Pebble Beach website.

TIA


[quote name='sharkiesj' timestamp='1297904357' post='2985114']
Pebble, Spy, and Spanish are all runnings specials right now good from middle of Feb. to middle of March.

Pebble: 395 includes cart and $50 buck credit towards 2010 US Open merchandise

Spy: 245 includes cart and the credit

Spanish: 150 includes cart and credit.

Mention this special when checking in.
[/quote]

[sharkiesj]

Post your email address and I'll forward you the email.

[falken19150]

Poppy Hills is in superb shape right now. I played there 2 weeks ago as a ncga.org member for something like $72. Pebble just isn't worth it right now, even at $395. I would do the following:

1) Poppy Hills
2) Spyglass
3) Half Moon Bay - Old Course

If you are staying in the Bay Area, the Ritz Carlton at Half Moon Bay is incredible. We are in the middle of rainy season right now so don't be surprised if you get a little wet.

[bbslurp413]

You have to play Pebble. I played last September and it was worth every penny. I also highly recommend Pacific Grove. Boring front side but the back nine is all on the water. It's also an easier course so you can score pretty well as it's really short.

[TML]

I agree with Falken. Play Pebble if you absolutely must have to play, but I would much rather play Spyglass. Also, Bayonet and Blackhorse are some really great tracks.

[sharkiesj]

Malones, give me your email so I can forward it to you.

[9ccat9]

Heading to Monterey April 20-26, hope they have some sort of deal going on then. Not holding my breath! I will put up a post closer to the dates to see if anyone wants to join up and play. Probably looking to play 4 rounds or so.

[lopaca]

I played Black Horse and Poppy 3 weeks ago. Poppy Hills blew me away - it was in great shape and absolutely beautiful!
I booked it online with golfnow - $73.00 inlcuding cart! 10 minutes away and you are paying 5x that - unreal.

Black Horse is not as cheap but as I recall it was not more than 125.00 but don't quote me on that one as we were able to get some senior discounts at the counter.

Have fun!

[teejaywhy]

[quote name='Malones19' timestamp='1297313920' post='2965114']

I will try calling Cypress and Olympic club for a tee time, maybe i can get a 4some. I will let you guys know if i have any open spots.
[/quote]

lol

[jswaykos]

Del Monte is not worth the time out there, not with SO many other top tier options. I always find it kinda strange that Pacific Grove is included with these sorts of recommendations. Sure, the back nine is on the water, but the front nine is a waste, especially with the rinky dink par 3 to start, and if I recall, a VERY short par 4 (on hole two or three?). Granted, it's been a long time since I played there so there's a chance it has changed, but it's nowhere near the same class as Pebble, Spyglass, etc.

[slocagolfer]

I've played Del Monte once. I thought it was kind of a cool course. Very old fashioned.

So I think it is worth the time. What it's not worth is the money. Way too expensive for the traveling golfer.

Now if you have a Duke's Card, it might be more of a temptation.

[GolfinGuy]

I know the month is almost over, but believe that Bayonet and BH are running a June special right now for just around $65.