At Golf Aficionado, we refused to let the year 2020 keep us down. After a pandemic forced shutdown, we dusted ourselves off and set forward to plan our most audacious golf trip yet, Destination Pebble Beach. Arguably, the most visually stunning golf course in the world. Dripping in history and prestige, Pebble Beach Golf Links is the crown jewel of American golf. At Golf Aficionado, we live the motto, go big or stay home.
This year because of COVID-19 and travel strains, we decided our Ultimate Golf Trip would be a two-person journey instead of our routine 4-person trip. We decided it would be best for this trip if I was accompanied by my wife, a.k.a. Editor in Chief, of Golf Aficionado Magazine.
First, we worked on this trip at the last minute, and we had no idea if such a prestigious location like Pebble Beach would be willing to work with us, let alone have any availability. It turns out even Pebble Beach had been feeling impacts from COVID-19 with numerous canceled or postponed reservations. They were open to having us come out on Labor Day Weekend and sharing the experience with our fellow Golf Aficionados.
Getting to Pebble Beach
Heading to Pebble Beach, we always recommend flying into San Francisco; it’s a major airport and has many direct flight options. I was able to fly direct to and from Orlando, which always makes for a more relaxing journey. Upon arriving at San Francisco International Airport, I took the train from the airport to the rental car center. After a few minutes, I was all packed and headed down US 101 for the 100-mile journey to Pebble Beach Golf Links.
Arriving at Pebble Beach
Access to the Pebble Beach area is controlled, and with COVID-19, the area was closed to non-residents or guests during Labor Day Weekend to help prevent the spread of the virus. Lucky for me, I was an invited guest and able to pass through the guard station and onto the iconic 17-mile drive. Insider tip #1, Pebble Beach is much more than a golf course or golf resort, it’s a neighborhood, and the residents are some of the world’s wealthiest people, so expect extra security.
The Golf Options
Heading to Pebble Beach, you have plenty of golf options. Pebble Beach Golf Resort consists of several courses, and while everyone always associates the resort with Pebble Beach Golf Links, it’s Del Monte Golf Course that started it all. Del Monte Golf Course was the first golf course in the Pebble Beach area and is the oldest golf course west of the Mississippi. During our visit, Del Monte was closed while the course was undergoing renovations, a bummer but a great reason to go back for another trip!
In addition to Pebble Beach Golf Links and Del Monte Golf Course, Pebble Beach Golf Resort offers two additional 18-hole championship golf courses; Spyglass Hill Golf Course and The Links at Spanish Bay. We decided to limit our play to only Pebble Beach Golf Links and Spyglass Hill during our short trip over Labor Day weekend. These are the golf courses used during the annual Pebble Beach Pro-Am, and what most people associate with the resort.
Pebble Beach Golf Links
A round at Pebble Beach is something most golfers always dream of playing. I’m no different. The anticipation leading up to the trip was enormous. Several thoughts went through my mind heading up to the trip, including; would I play well, would Pebble Beach live up to my expectations, will it take 6 hours to complete my round, and several others not worth mentioning.
Playing Well at Pebble Beach
Let’s start with the first question that went through my mind, let’s face it, I’ll admit it, I’m selfish. It’s all about me! The biggest concern I had heading into such an epic venue was would my game be up to the test. The short answer, hell no. Let’s face it, I’m a 16-handicap, and while I have my moments of glory, chances are, I’m going to have a few struggles regardless of the golf course.
The sensible thing to do is to relax. It’s easy to say but impossible to do. Just the fact you’re at Pebble Beach amps up the blood pressure, anxiety, and intensity. The best advice I can give you regarding playing your best at Pebble is to hire a caddie. I ended up going the cheap route and sharing a forecaddie with my foursome. Having a forecaddie helped, but I feel my experience and score would have been better employing a caddie to carry the bag and give me 1-on-1 attention around the course and on the greens.
The second-best advice I can share is to make sure to play more than one round. As soon as I walked off the 18th, my first thought was, I wish I could play it again. Why? I struggled tremendously. Between the nerves, jet lag, and just being unfamiliar with the course, I felt if I had a 2nd shot at the golf course, I would have played considerably better. A round at Pebble Beach is roughly $550, so this advice comes at a high cost. You only live once, right.
My final score was 101. I know dalmatians, and it was the first time I haven’t broken 100 in a long time. In my defense, I did take the red-eye out of Orlando into San Fran, drive 2 hours to Pebble Beach, and a few hours later tee it up, so I have plenty of excuses.
Don’t let my high score scare you. I played OK, but my putting was awful, and my bunker game was horrible. Funny story and insider tip #2, Pebble Beach Golf Links has web cameras set up all over the resort and course. Coming down the stretch, I had my buddies watching me play the final par-3, number 16. Let’s say they had fun watching me ping pong from one bunker to another, and another, before finally picking up and walking off with a six.
No birdies, but I did have a handful of pars. If I ever get the chance to play Pebble Beach Golf Links again, I’ll be better prepared and more relaxed, which I have no doubt will result in a better score. All in all, the course didn’t feel difficult on our beautiful calm day. Weather impacts everything. The biggest concern at Pebble Beach is always the wind. I played on a calm afternoon and still struggled, but that’s just me. Overall, I felt the course was very fair and offered several chances to score. I didn’t capitalize on any of them and had way too many 3-putts.
Does Pebble Beach live up to Expectations?
Yes, an unambiguous, yes! Just driving up to Pebble Beach for the first time, making my way through security and onto 17-mile drive for the first time, all moments I’ll remember forever. We’ve all seen the photos and TV coverage of Pebble Beach Golf Links. Beautiful doesn’t begin to describe the golf course. The whole round, you’re mesmerized by the golf course, Pacific Ocean, and surrounding mansions. The iconic par-3 7th, the most photographed golf hole in the world, is the shot that will burn brightest in your memory bank. Insider tip #3, a photo at the 7th tee is a must.
Will it Take 6 Hours to Complete my Round?
No way! I’ve heard horror stories heading into the trip about how long and frustrating a round at Pebble Beach can be when it comes to pace of play. I’m not sure about years past, but while everything else in the world might be crazy, Pebble Beach Golf Links is running like a fine oiled machine. The starter was prompt and efficient, announcing tee times and making sure everyone was ready to play and knew which tee box best suited their abilities.
Insider tip #4, the pro shop at Pebble Beach is tiny, and with COVID-19 protocols, you really won’t be able to do much more than pay for the round. Don’t be disappointed. The shopping village around the resort and putting green have thousands of square feet featuring all the golf gear you can imagine.
Closing Thoughts
Save your pennies, sell some stock, do whatever you have to, but make sure you spend at least one weekend at Pebble Beach before life passes you by. I’ll admit, it’s very expensive and not something everyone will be able to do but if you can, DO IT! For those of you that make it to the first tee at Pebble Beach Golf Links, don’t half-ass it! Pay for a caddie; don’t take a golf cart. The course is always cart path only, and unless you’re disabled, walking the golf course is the only option you should consider.
Insider tip #5, when booking your tee time, be sure to make a reservation for lunch or dinner at The Bench. Our meal at The Bench was one of the best and most memorable experiences during our time at Pebble Beach Golf Resort. The food was excellent, and considering the location, very reasonable. The view is out of this world. The Bench, located off The Lodge’s back door, features outside seating, looking onto the 18th green on Pebble Beach Golf Links. Having drinks, enjoying great food, and watching people finish what will probably be the most memorable round of golf they’ll ever play, was priceless!
Insider tip #6, I’ll leave you with this, make sure to share your Pebble Beach experience with someone special. It’s not often that both my wife and I go out on the same assignment, but I’m so glad she was able to join me and help create memories that will last a lifetime. Pebble Beach Golf Resort is a special place that should be shared with a special person, thank you honey!
To book your own Pebble Beach experience please visit their website to check out the latest special offers and getaway packages.