When to go: There is never a bad time, but the winter can get rainy and the summer can have fog, known as the “June Gloom.” It is warmest in the fall.
How to get on: For advance tee times, you have to stay at the resort. But the course offers same-day availability for non-guests, so it is possible to get on, especially if you’re a single.
If you stay: Book a room at the Inn at Spanish Bay. It’s not at the course, but the setting is more intimate, and the drive to the course along 17 Mile Drive will help offset the bout of nerves that will no doubt hit you on the 1st tee.
Warming up: The driving range is off campus, so you need to take a shuttle. Allow for extra time.
Walk or ride?: By all means, walk with a caddie. Carts have to stay on paths, so you won’t get the full flavor of strolling down the fairways with the scenery and sea mist enveloping you. That’s what Pebble is all about, so don’t think twice about reaching into your wallet.
How many balls to bring: For most, two sleeves are fine. True, the biggest water hazard in the world is in play. But with the exception of the 8th hole, it is lateral. Unless you hit a wicked slice or hook, you’ll find it.
Don’t bring: Your watch. Because there are so many neophytes and everyone is taking as many shots with their cameras as with their clubs, expect a slow day. But if there is one round worth savoring, this is it.
The one shot you need: An effective wedge game. Pebble’s greens are small, so you’ll miss a lot of them.
On the 1st tee: Don’t worry. No matter how poorly you hit it, someone has done worse that day. Pebble attracts people who barely know which end of the club to hold.
Best birdie chances: The first four holes offer three short par 4s and a par 5.
Best chance for a hole-in-one: The 106-yard 7th, on a calm day. When the wind blows, even the pros have been known to hit as much as 5-iron.
Most difficult hole: The 462-yard 9th. The Pacific Ocean runs down the entire right side and the fairway tilts left to right, encouraging shots to the right. There is a depression and bunker left of the green for those who overcompensate.
Most exhilarating shot: The approach to the 416-yard 8th, over a portion of the Pacific Ocean. Jack Nicklaus called it his favorite second shot in golf.
Be prepared for: The letdown of the inland holes, the 12th through 16th. They’re not bad; they just don’t have the scenery. But then you get to the 17th for the most spectacular finish in golf.
Drop a ball to try: Tom Watson’s chip-in on the 178-yard 17th hole during the 1982 U.S. Open.
Don’t even think about trying: Tiger Woods’ muscled 7-iron from 208 yards—blind and uphill—from the right rough on the 500-yard 6th hole in the second round of the 2000 Open. Just stand at the spot and shake your head in disbelief.
Swing key on the 18th tee: “Don’t hit it left!”
After the round: Have a beer and burger in the Tap Room, a living museum of American golf and as much a part of the Pebble Beach experience as the course itself.
CHECK OUT THESE PEBBLE BEACH STORIES ON LINKSMAGAZINE.COM:
>> Pebble Beach vs. Pacific Dunes
>> Course Profile: Pebble Beach
>> Top 20 California Resorts
>> Long Weekend: Carmel, CA
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