So I just found out I got a week pass to the 2010 U.S. Open at Pebble Beach. Just wanted to see if anyone has some insight on what I should expect. I've never been to a PGA event, but I just got into golf recently and thought it would be awesome if I went to the U.S. Open. Does anyone know if I can take pictures during the practice rounds? Any recommendations while in Monterrey? Any thing else you think is worth mentioning, please feel free.

> Any recommendations while in Monterey?

The Monterey Aquarium is fabulous - a must-see. And of course visit Carmel and take the 17-Mile Drive.

I will hopefully be there on sunday still waiting to here about my ticks. Cameras are allowed during practice rounds. Things to do definately the aquarium and 17 mile drive. If you want to play get out on pacific grove muni for twilight so you can hit the back 9 as the sun goes down.

One thing to keep in mind is that during the week of the US Open Monterey will be extremely crowded and the likelihood of actually doing much will be limited. 17 mile drive will almost be impossible due to the tournament, aquarium should be doable, but overall the peninsula will be slammed. Your best chance for driving through 17 mile drive would probably be during the practice rounds.

Things to attempt would be the usually Monterey tourist items including visiting Fisherman's wharf, cannery row, the aquarium, a stop off in pacific grove to enjoy the ocean, perhaps a drive down toward Big Sur, visiting the small shops in Carmel, etc. If you are looking for golf, I would have to assume that the courses will be slammed as well, but you could try to venture away from the Peninsula and play in the Santa Cruz area (Seascape, De La Vega, and Pasatiempo), Gilroy/Hollister area (Eagle Ridge, San Juan Oaks), or drive on up to San Jose and play there.

When I lived in the Monterey area (ages 4-18), I hadn't started playing golf, so we used to leave town during tournament weeks due to the excessive volume of people.

Carmel's pretty sweet. Good clean beaches. Some damn good food, wine and scenery. Clint still mayor there?

Big Sur's a good spot.

There's always somthing going on at Laguna Seca raceway.

Not sure about pictures. I'd imagine you could during practice rounds... Either way, sounds like a good time and a great first tournament to go to.

I bought tickets a month ago or so when they had it open to AMEX customers. I live in the bay area and was gonna spend the night on Sat (going Sunday) and I tried finding a place to stay, everywhere wants 4 night minimum 450-500 a night!!! I guess I will be driving, cant wait!!!

Call right now and see if you can get a tee time at Spanish Bay or Spy Glass, they aren't cheap but worth it. Find a spot to watch golf somewhre between the 6th and 9th holes the scenery is priceless and the holes are difficult if the wind is up. The 18th will probably be a madhouse, you def. want to scope it out, but once you leave the coastal holes the course is kind of boreing, although the viewing might be easier on those holes.