Taku Myamoto
The 407-yard, par-4 fourth hole at Spanish Bay.
The ultimate golf dream today is the same as it was 25 years ago — win the lottery, move to Monterey and play every day at Pebble Beach, Spyglass Hill and, in the fantasy sequence, the very private Cypress Point.
You need serious coin and connections to access that
triumvirate regularly. The question is, can regular guys
enjoy a golf vacation on the Monterey Peninsula and still
have money left over?
Absolutely. Save Pebble for special occasions. Here's where else you should play in Monterey.
The Links at Spanish Bay
6,821 yards, par 72 Greens fee: $250-$280
800-654-9300, pebblebeach.com
Architects: Robert Trent Jones Jr./Tom Watson/Sandy Tatum
Yes, it's expensive, but it's also roughly half the
price of Pebble Beach. This gorgeous layout begins
at the sea, eases through marshes and dunes,
climbs into the forest and finally returns to the sea.
A superb opening par 5 sets the pace; the green
affords a panorama of Spanish Bay. Purists say
there are too many woods, wetlands and forced
carries to call it a true links, but with the breeze, the
firm turf and a bagpiper sounding his tune along
the first fairway at dusk, this could pass for
Scotland — except that the Scots never had it so cushy.
Pacific Grove Municipal Golf Course
5,727 yards, par 70 Greens fee: $35-$57
831-648-5777, ci.pg.ca.us
Architects: Chandler Egan/Jack Neville
For years, Pacific Grove was known as the poor
man's Pebble Beach. The unique setting and undersized greens fee make it one of golf's great values. Pacific Grove is as close to a seaside British Isles experience as you'll find in the United States. Chandler Egan's wooded front nine dates to 1932 and while only a couple of holes there offer memorable challenge or terrain, the back nine is scenic and fun, characterized by ocean views, a lighthouse and some of the tallest dunes this side of Ballybunion.
