38 replies to this topic

[ochowie]

I am going to be in Palo Alto next week for work and have one day on Friday to play golf. I currently have a reservation at Pasatiempo and hoping to get on Pebble Beach (I don't want to stay at the resort so can only do the day before). How likely am I to be able to get on the course the day before? I would have booked Spyglass but it's fully booked on Friday. If can't get on Pebble is my best bet Pasatiempo or is there something else I should look at (eg. Bayonet?).

Thanks.

Edited by ochowie, 11 May 2012 - 10:26 PM.

[littleprov1x]

I think you should go for Pasa over Bayonet, but jump at Pebble if you get it. Toss up between Spyglass and Pasa- I prefer Pasa. Plus, pace of play should be a little better there and it is closer to Palo Alto.

[ochowie]

littleprov1x, on 02 May 2012 - 11:38 AM, said:

I think you should go for Pasa over Bayonet, but jump at Pebble if you get it. Toss up between Spyglass and Pasa- I prefer Pasa. Plus, pace of play should be a little better there and it is closer to Palo Alto.

So Pasa is really that good that it rivals Spyglass? I guess it's a bit of a well kept secret since most people hadn't heard about it where I'm from and tee times were pretty open. I just checked the availability for Pebble and there is still space that day. I hope I can wake myself up at 7am on Thursday to call them up.

[kekoa]

Just call up Pebble customer service and ask to speak with Philip.  You never know.  He might book you as a single at Pebble in advance.  One catch is that you will likely have to pre-pay the green fee and lose it if you have to cancel for some reason.  Too bad Spyglass is filled up.  I still dream about that course.  Also look for my review of both courses so you can get a good idea of what they look like.  

I'm hearing great things about Pasatiempo, Half Moon Bay, & Poppy Hills.


I played bayonet and although its a tough track no doubt, it doesn't come close to PB and Spyglass.  IMO>

[dcmidnight]

Do whatever you need to do to play Pebble - you will not regret it.

[ochowie]

So last question. I can book Spanish Bay now and upgrade to Pebble the day before if they have space (tried calling again to get in ahead of time and it was a no-go). Should I stick with Pasa as the back-up or go with Spanish Bay?

[J LO]

Pasa better than  SB.  Played both.

[KPH808]

That is too bad that you can't go on Spyglass. Hands down in my opinion, better than Pebble and Pasatiempo. But Pebble and Pasa are both great tracks as well. Can't go wrong either way.

[In2Bate]

Agree with playing Pasa.  Quality of golf is actually superior to Pebble IMO.  Play Pebble if possible if that's your first choice.

[scotchblade]

J LO, on 02 May 2012 - 10:41 PM, said:

Pasa better than  SB.  Played both.

Me too.  Course design aside, for an overall golf experience that you will remember for a long time, Spyglass wins.

Between the beauty of the 17 Mile Drive and the breathtaking scenery of Spyglass, it's not even close.

Pebble blows them both away, simply because it's Pebble.  You'll feel it as soon as you step out of your car.

Edited by scotchblade, 03 May 2012 - 07:45 AM.

[CallawayLefty]

ochowie, on 02 May 2012 - 11:24 AM, said:

I am going to be in Palo Alto next week for work and have one day on Friday to play golf. I currently have a reservation at Pasatiempo and hoping to get on Pebble Beach (I don't want to stay at the resort so can only do the day before). How likely am I to be able to get on the course the day before? I would have booked Spyglass but it's fully booked on Friday. If can't get on Pebble is my best bet Pasatiempo or is there something else I should look at (eg. Bayonet?).

Thanks.

Call Pebble Beach every day between now and then and ask if they can squeeze you on to the tee sheet.  I was able to get booked about 7 days in advance without a resort stay as a single.  I called every day and bugged them in to it.  It works better if you can give them 2 days to choose from, but I still say they'll do it.  Even if you have to wait until the day before, you'll probably still get out there.  I actually walked on as a single once without calling in advance before they would let you book 24 hours in advance.  

  I have not played Spyglass, but plan to the next time I'm out there.  I did play Pasatiempo, and it is a fantastic course...probably one of the most unique/quirky courses I've ever played.  But, if you can only play one, Pebble is the way to go.  Be persistent - they will take you eventually.  In fact, call twice per day until somebody books you.  I think there are operators over there that are more willing to make it happen than others.

EDIT: And do yourself a favor and take caddie or at least walk.  Carts are worthless out there and kill the experience (played twice in a cart, and once with a caddie...absolutely no contest on that one!).

Edited by CallawayLefty, 03 May 2012 - 10:17 AM.

[nfinch10]

I've played all 4 that your talking about and live in the area.  All are great courses and it totally depends on what your looking for.  Pebble should obviously be option #1, but beyond that its not as cut and dry as some make it sound.  Between the other 3, they all offer something different.  Spanish has the best views, so much of that course is on the water, way more than spyglass.  The layout is much more about shot placment and plays much shorter than the other 2.  Spyglass is tough, so if you really want to test your game go there.  Pasa is kinda of a blend between the two, quite a few shot placement type holes but much tougher than Spanish.  While it is still beautiful, it doesn't have the ocean views of the other 2.  Maybe it's because I've played it way more than the others, but Pasa doesn't have quite the same mystique to me.  Being a Mckenzie course, the layout is outstanding and a lot of fun to play.  Maybe it just me, but I've always found times on golfnow that are a good $100-200 cheaper than the pebble courses as well.

All 3 are great.  I don't think it's fair for us to say "x is better than z" because it really depends on what you are looking for.  I thought Spanish was awesome, maybe better than spy, but that is just me.  Some people come to CA and want nothing more than to play by the ocean (Spanish), some want to really test their game (spy), and some want to walk around in golf history while still testing their game (Pasa).  Pick wisely, although you can't go wrong.

  And hopefully you can get onto Pebble and this will all be moot.

[ochowie]

nfinch10, on 03 May 2012 - 12:02 PM, said:

I've played all 4 that your talking about and live in the area.  All are great courses and it totally depends on what your looking for.  Pebble should obviously be option #1, but beyond that its not as cut and dry as some make it sound.  Between the other 3, they all offer something different.  Spanish has the best views, so much of that course is on the water, way more than spyglass.  The layout is much more about shot placment and plays much shorter than the other 2.  Spyglass is tough, so if you really want to test your game go there.  Pasa is kinda of a blend between the two, quite a few shot placement type holes but much tougher than Spanish.  While it is still beautiful, it doesn't have the ocean views of the other 2.  Maybe it's because I've played it way more than the others, but Pasa doesn't have quite the same mystique to me.  Being a Mckenzie course, the layout is outstanding and a lot of fun to play.  Maybe it just me, but I've always found times on golfnow that are a good $100-200 cheaper than the pebble courses as well.

All 3 are great.  I don't think it's fair for us to say "x is better than z" because it really depends on what you are looking for.  I thought Spanish was awesome, maybe better than spy, but that is just me.  Some people come to CA and want nothing more than to play by the ocean (Spanish), some want to really test their game (spy), and some want to walk around in golf history while still testing their game (Pasa).  Pick wisely, although you can't go wrong.

  And hopefully you can get onto Pebble and this will all be moot.

Thanks for your reply. I'm trying to figure out whether I want to play on the ocean more (Spanish) or do the historic Mackenzie course (Pasa). The part that is concerning me is that all of the rates people are quoting for Pasa are much lower than what I'm seeing. The only thing I could book at was $250 and with Spanish at the same price it's making me indecisive. As you said, hopefully I get in at Pebble and this will all be moot.

[pappaf2]

How much time do you have to play on Friday? Not sure if this is totally doable but you could try to play the back 9 at Pacific Grove muni (excellent ocean view golf) to get your ocean fix and play Pasa to get the historical fix. PG muni is cheap (~$55) so you wouldn't have to break the bank.

[deadsolid...shank]

ochowie, on 03 May 2012 - 12:39 PM, said:

nfinch10, on 03 May 2012 - 12:02 PM, said:

I've played all 4 that your talking about and live in the area.  All are great courses and it totally depends on what your looking for.  Pebble should obviously be option #1, but beyond that its not as cut and dry as some make it sound.  Between the other 3, they all offer something different.  Spanish has the best views, so much of that course is on the water, way more than spyglass.  The layout is much more about shot placment and plays much shorter than the other 2.  Spyglass is tough, so if you really want to test your game go there.  Pasa is kinda of a blend between the two, quite a few shot placement type holes but much tougher than Spanish.  While it is still beautiful, it doesn't have the ocean views of the other 2.  Maybe it's because I've played it way more than the others, but Pasa doesn't have quite the same mystique to me.  Being a Mckenzie course, the layout is outstanding and a lot of fun to play.  Maybe it just me, but I've always found times on golfnow that are a good $100-200 cheaper than the pebble courses as well.

All 3 are great.  I don't think it's fair for us to say "x is better than z" because it really depends on what you are looking for.  I thought Spanish was awesome, maybe better than spy, but that is just me.  Some people come to CA and want nothing more than to play by the ocean (Spanish), some want to really test their game (spy), and some want to walk around in golf history while still testing their game (Pasa).  Pick wisely, although you can't go wrong.

  And hopefully you can get onto Pebble and this will all be moot.

Thanks for your reply. I'm trying to figure out whether I want to play on the ocean more (Spanish) or do the historic Mackenzie course (Pasa). The part that is concerning me is that all of the rates people are quoting for Pasa are much lower than what I'm seeing. The only thing I could book at was $250 and with Spanish at the same price it's making me indecisive. As you said, hopefully I get in at Pebble and this will all be moot.

That is what I found around the first of April. Best I could do at Pasa was $220 + 30 for the cart. One thing to check on (if you ride), they were cart path only when we played. I do agree though, it is a neat course, I can still vividly remember a lot of the holes, and man, are those greens big. But the day we played they were also extremely slow, and to me it took a lot of the allure out of the course. We wanted to play McKenzie (sp?) greens, but I think to appreciate them they needed to be faster. But if you can't get on Pebble and end up playing Pasa, you won't be dissapointed, and it's quite a bit closer for you.

[kekoa]

scotchblade, on 03 May 2012 - 07:44 AM, said:

J LO, on 02 May 2012 - 10:41 PM, said:

Pasa better than  SB.  Played both.

Me too.  Course design aside, for an overall golf experience that you will remember for a long time, Spyglass wins.

Between the beauty of the 17 Mile Drive and the breathtaking scenery of Spyglass, it's not even close.

Pebble blows them both away, simply because it's Pebble.  You'll feel it as soon as you step out of your car.

Just to add.  I'm not sure if it was a freak afternoon, but I went to eat at SB around 3pm and the wind was blowing what felt like 40 mph.  I mean I can't fathom that the ball would even be still while putting.  Maybe early early in the morning it might be a bit calmer.

[littleprov1x]

DO NOT PLAY SPANISH BAY! Especially over Pasatiempo. Half Moon Bay would be a better choice.

Quick second thought. If you have never been to the Monterey Peninsula, then I would go with Spyglass over Pasatiempo, even though I think Pasa is the better course. That said, I would not waste time or money to play Spanish Bay. Obviously, still Pebble above all and I think you will get on.

Edited by littleprov1x, 03 May 2012 - 05:59 PM.

[ochowie]

littleprov1x, on 03 May 2012 - 05:56 PM, said:

DO NOT PLAY SPANISH BAY! Especially over Pasatiempo. Half Moon Bay would be a better choice.

Quick second thought. If you have never been to the Monterey Peninsula, then I would go with Spyglass over Pasatiempo, even though I think Pasa is the better course. That said, I would not waste time or money to play Spanish Bay. Obviously, still Pebble above all and I think you will get on.

Yeah if Spyglass wasn't having a tournament that day it would be a no-brainer.

[nfinch10]

ochowie, on 03 May 2012 - 12:39 PM, said:

nfinch10, on 03 May 2012 - 12:02 PM, said:

I've played all 4 that your talking about and live in the area.  All are great courses and it totally depends on what your looking for.  Pebble should obviously be option #1, but beyond that its not as cut and dry as some make it sound.  Between the other 3, they all offer something different.  Spanish has the best views, so much of that course is on the water, way more than spyglass.  The layout is much more about shot placment and plays much shorter than the other 2.  Spyglass is tough, so if you really want to test your game go there.  Pasa is kinda of a blend between the two, quite a few shot placement type holes but much tougher than Spanish.  While it is still beautiful, it doesn't have the ocean views of the other 2.  Maybe it's because I've played it way more than the others, but Pasa doesn't have quite the same mystique to me.  Being a Mckenzie course, the layout is outstanding and a lot of fun to play.  Maybe it just me, but I've always found times on golfnow that are a good $100-200 cheaper than the pebble courses as well.

All 3 are great.  I don't think it's fair for us to say "x is better than z" because it really depends on what you are looking for.  I thought Spanish was awesome, maybe better than spy, but that is just me.  Some people come to CA and want nothing more than to play by the ocean (Spanish), some want to really test their game (spy), and some want to walk around in golf history while still testing their game (Pasa).  Pick wisely, although you can't go wrong.

  And hopefully you can get onto Pebble and this will all be moot.

Thanks for your reply. I'm trying to figure out whether I want to play on the ocean more (Spanish) or do the historic Mackenzie course (Pasa). The part that is concerning me is that all of the rates people are quoting for Pasa are much lower than what I'm seeing. The only thing I could book at was $250 and with Spanish at the same price it's making me indecisive. As you said, hopefully I get in at Pebble and this will all be moot.

Hmmm, you're checking golfnow right?  Maybe it's because I live close but the max price I see is $150.  It sounds like it really is coming down to ocean vs historic.  You won't go wrong.  Personally I think the views at SB make up for the layout but maybe that's just me.  As someone else mentioned, Half Moon Bay really is a great track and another good option.  Sign up for their free E-club and you will get much better rates, especially if you book far in advance.  Their Ocean course has amazing views and The Old Course is a classic.

[Siper11]

Pebble on a Friday is going to be a 5 -6 hour round. Spanish Bay is nice but "very goofy"- I ran into Roger Matlbie at the Tap Room and his comments on Spanish were dead on "Any course where you can't find your ball if you miss the fairway isn't a course at all. You should be able to recover from bad tee shots"  

Given that you only have 1 day and are coming from Palo Alto, my suggestion s that you stick with Pebble (if possible), Pasatiempo (great  course), or one of the Half Moon Bay courses. Another option you might consider is Cordevalle (Fry's Open).

Edited by Siper11, 03 June 2012 - 10:17 PM.

[scotchblade]

Siper11, on 04 May 2012 - 01:44 PM, said:

Pebble on a Friday is going to be a 5 -6 hour round.

This would be the one time slow play would not bother me in the least.  All the more time to savor the day.

[CLS]

If you going to be in Palo Alto try and get on Stanford one of the top courses in Norcal at the end of the day every club in your bag will be dirty!

[ochowie]

Siper11, on 04 May 2012 - 01:44 PM, said:

Pebble on a Friday is going to be a 5 -6 hour round. Spanish Bay is nice but "very goofy"- I ran into Roger Matlbie at the Tap Room and his comments on Spanish were dead on "Any course where you can't even find your ball if you miss the fairway isn't a course at all. You should be able to recover from bad tee shots"  

Given that you only have 1 day and are coming from Palo Alto, my suggestion s that you stick with Pebble (if possible), Pasatiempo (great  course), or one of the Half Moon Bay courses. Another option you might consider is Cordevalle (Fry's Open).

Cordevalle is private isn't it?

[poppyhillsguy]

CLS, on 04 May 2012 - 03:27 PM, said:

If you going to be in Palo Alto try and get on Stanford one of the top courses in Norcal at the end of the day every club in your bag will be dirty!

Easier said then done my friend.

Pebble, Pasatiempo....you can't go wrong there.  Spanish Bay is a beautiful walk , but the design is left to be desired.

[duck hook]

Played Poppy Hills last week, it was in great shape and fun course to play, was only $80 .

[skaarsgard]

isn't Poppy Hills under construction right now?  

anyway, there are a ton of great suggestions for the OP here but I'll add a few pics from Half Moon Bay (Ocean Course) that i took earlier today.

the wind really started to pick up on the back 9 (the last four holes kicked my butt!)...   prolly 20-30 mph gusts.   also, the greens were running faster than James Brown from cops in South Carolina (11.5+)

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[sharkiesj]

Poppy renovation won't start til next year at which time it will close for a year and open again in 2014.

[kekoa]

scotchblade, on 04 May 2012 - 02:41 PM, said:

Siper11, on 04 May 2012 - 01:44 PM, said:

Pebble on a Friday is going to be a 5 -6 hour round.

This would be the one time slow play would not bother me in the least.  All the more time to savor the day.

I agree.  I never thougt I'd say it but I was a bit miffed that we played so fast through pebble.  3.5 hrs went by in a blink.  That's even with taking about 30 pictures.

[ochowie]

So the question is now moot. I will be playing Pebble at 8:50 on Friday! I've already put in a request for a caddy as well. I will update this thread with some photos and stuff.

[littleprov1x]

Nice man- that is going to be awesome! Enjoy!