35 replies to this topic

[njlam]

I have come to the conclusion that I want to play Pebble Beach while my golf game and health is intact and that an experience there will only get more expensive the longer I wait.

This year, between Christmas and New Year's day, I will be in the Bay Area and am thinking about bringing my clubs and trying to get on PB as a single.

Has any one done this? Are there any tips on how to get on as a single (without an advanced reservation)?

Will the weather be playable? Can you get a caddie if you walk on as a singe?

While I expect to try to put a group together and do the whole plan in advance, stay at the resort (2 day minimum, etc) at some point, I will be stranded with relatives Christmas week and willing to put up with the indignities of getting on as a single at Pebble as an alternative to eating too much and watching football with distant relatives.

Help!

[mrfullwm]

njlam, on 07 November 2012 - 02:02 PM, said:

Will the weather be playable?

I was out there last year the week of Christmas and it was gorgeous...right around 70, sunny and zero wind. That area is a crapshoot though so you could get lucky one day and have bad weather the next.

[mctrees02]

call the day before to get a tee time.  Heck call a week or two in advance.  If they have good availability they might let you book a single slot then.  When you book a tee time make sure to ask for a caddie.  It's harder to get one when you check-in for your tee time that day as many (all) have already been assigned.

[Judge Smales]

Pebble always holds a couple day tournament over New Years.  You should really look into it as it will save you quite a bit of money.  It includes hotel room and a couple rounds of golf, at least one at Pebble.  While I haven't played in this specific tournament, I have played in one very similar during the late summer.  Needless to say, it was quite memorable.

[ateupwithgolf]

Played Pebble last Monday, 11-5, as a single. Called the prior Friday, told them I was coming in town. Very nice, but wouldn't let me make a tee time for Monday until Sunday a.m., however, she gave me the agents direct line extension, and I called at 8:00PST on the nose and was first one in for tee times. I had the choice of 7:20, 7:50, 9:20 and took 9:20am. I also requested a caddie at that time and even got who I asked for. To top it off, it was a glorious 75* day with nary a cloud in the sky. Just got back today and will post some pics tomorrow. I would give yourself a two day window to play just in case, but I don't think it would be a problem. After my round, I booked the following day for Spyglass and they just sent my clubs over there so I didn't have to keep up with them.

[nfinch10]

Yes to every question you asked.  Worst case it will be foggy and drizzling but still playable, best case you will get what ateupwithgolf described.  Also as he described, just call the reservation agents as soon as they open the day before (he said 8:00 am although I thought it was 6 or 7) and you will have your pick of the times and be able to book a caddy.  I had "Allen" and he was amazing.

[ryancjordan]

As someone who grew up on the central coast of California, anyone telling you they know how the weather will be on a specific date in December is FOS.  Could be 75 and clear, could be 45, so foggy you can barely see, and windy.  I'm sure you'll enjoy Pebble either way though.

[mctrees02]

I played Spanish Bay in fog so thick that I could barely see off the front tee box.  It made for a wayward tee shot on a hole or two but was still a really fun round.  The fog then pushed out around 11am and my afternoon round at Pebble was a walk to remember.  No matter the time of year, the weather is always unpredictable in Monterey.

[Gxhwh]

If you play at the Spanish Bay, and it is your first time, I think you really need a Caddie. Other than the forecaddie fee they charge when you check in, people normally give some cash to the caddie, if he did a good job.

[subrosa]

Just for curiosity sake, does the hotel requirement kick in if you call the night before? I want to play at one point in the future.

[sharkiesj]

Just thought I'd mention for those of you who want to play in Monterey, for the weeks of 12/20/12---1/15/13 and 1/21/13--1/31/13:

Pebble $395 includes free cart and $50 voucher for pro shop.

Spy $260 w/ cart and voucher

Spanish $160 w/ cart and voucher.

Mention NCGA offer when making tee times

Forgot to mention because of the 25 year celebration of the Spanish Bay Inn, rates in Dec and Jan are dirt cheap. If you pay for a round at Spanish(rate previously mentioned) you get room rates as low as 320 at Spanish Inn, 390 per night Pebble's Lodge, which will include another free round at Spanish Bay

Edited by sharkiesj, 06 December 2012 - 04:49 PM.

[njlam]

sharkiesj, on 06 December 2012 - 04:38 PM, said:

Just thought I'd mention for those of you who want to play in Monterey, for the weeks of 12/20/12---1/15/13 and 1/21/13--1/31/13:

Pebble $395 includes free cart and $50 voucher for pro shop.

Spy $260 w/ cart and voucher

Spanish $160 w/ cart and voucher.

Mention NCGA offer when making tee times

Forgot to mention because of the 25 year celebration of the Spanish Bay Inn, rates in Dec and Jan are dirt cheap. If you pay for a round at Spanish(rate previously mentioned) you get room rates as low as 320 at Spanish Inn, 390 per night Pebble's Lodge, which will include another free round at Spanish Bay

WHo do you need to call to get these rates?

[poppyhillsguy]

(866) 543-9243

[njlam]

njlam, on 06 December 2012 - 07:25 PM, said:

sharkiesj, on 06 December 2012 - 04:38 PM, said:

Just thought I'd mention for those of you who want to play in Monterey, for the weeks of 12/20/12---1/15/13 and 1/21/13--1/31/13:

Pebble $395 includes free cart and $50 voucher for pro shop.

Spy $260 w/ cart and voucher

Spanish $160 w/ cart and voucher.

Mention NCGA offer when making tee times

Forgot to mention because of the 25 year celebration of the Spanish Bay Inn, rates in Dec and Jan are dirt cheap. If you pay for a round at Spanish(rate previously mentioned) you get room rates as low as 320 at Spanish Inn, 390 per night Pebble's Lodge, which will include another free round at Spanish Bay

WHo do you need to call to get these rates?

What is NCGA?

[mikeyzgcd]

njlam, on 07 December 2012 - 12:16 AM, said:

njlam, on 06 December 2012 - 07:25 PM, said:

sharkiesj, on 06 December 2012 - 04:38 PM, said:

Just thought I'd mention for those of you who want to play in Monterey, for the weeks of 12/20/12---1/15/13 and 1/21/13--1/31/13:

Pebble $395 includes free cart and $50 voucher for pro shop.

Spy $260 w/ cart and voucher

Spanish $160 w/ cart and voucher.

Mention NCGA offer when making tee times

Forgot to mention because of the 25 year celebration of the Spanish Bay Inn, rates in Dec and Jan are dirt cheap. If you pay for a round at Spanish(rate previously mentioned) you get room rates as low as 320 at Spanish Inn, 390 per night Pebble's Lodge, which will include another free round at Spanish Bay

WHo do you need to call to get these rates?

What is NCGA?

NCGA is the Northern California Golf Association.

[jdhallissey]

WOW those are some great rates wish I was in norcal for xmas this year. I am always down in the desert.

[offapex]

easy to get on as a single. just call the day before. i've played pebble 3 times as a single, always a spot available unless they have some tournament. weather is hit or miss. gotta walk pebble, dont ride. that $395 special is just a "california golfer special", don't think you actually need to be a NCGA member (at least there was no mention of NCGA in the email I got)

[njlam]

sharkiesj, on 06 December 2012 - 04:38 PM, said:

Just thought I'd mention for those of you who want to play in Monterey, for the weeks of 12/20/12---1/15/13 and 1/21/13--1/31/13:

Pebble $395 includes free cart and $50 voucher for pro shop.

Spy $260 w/ cart and voucher

Spanish $160 w/ cart and voucher.

Mention NCGA offer when making tee times

Forgot to mention because of the 25 year celebration of the Spanish Bay Inn, rates in Dec and Jan are dirt cheap. If you pay for a round at Spanish(rate previously mentioned) you get room rates as low as 320 at Spanish Inn, 390 per night Pebble's Lodge, which will include another free round at Spanish Bay

I am playing as a single tomorrow at 1110am! The forecast looks fantastic (being from Oregon, any sun is welcome) but I will be bringing the ZR rainsuit I bought a Bandon earlier this year just in case.

The NCGA offer is only good if you are a NCGA member BTW.

I asked for a caddie; does anyone have any suggestions on who I should get?

Can't wait! My first time at Pebble....

[slocagolfer]

njlam, on 26 December 2012 - 03:58 PM, said:

sharkiesj, on 06 December 2012 - 04:38 PM, said:

Just thought I'd mention for those of you who want to play in Monterey, for the weeks of 12/20/12---1/15/13 and 1/21/13--1/31/13:

Pebble $395 includes free cart and $50 voucher for pro shop.

Spy $260 w/ cart and voucher

Spanish $160 w/ cart and voucher.

Mention NCGA offer when making tee times

Forgot to mention because of the 25 year celebration of the Spanish Bay Inn, rates in Dec and Jan are dirt cheap. If you pay for a round at Spanish(rate previously mentioned) you get room rates as low as 320 at Spanish Inn, 390 per night Pebble's Lodge, which will include another free round at Spanish Bay

I am playing as a single tomorrow at 1110am! The forecast looks fantastic (being from Oregon, any sun is welcome) but I will be bringing the ZR rainsuit I bought a Bandon earlier this year just in case.

The NCGA offer is only good if you are a NCGA member BTW.

I asked for a caddie; does anyone have any suggestions on who I should get?

Can't wait! My first time at Pebble....

You'll have a great time. Tell us how it went.

I had great caddies the last two times I went. I wish I could remember their names. Sorry, man.

[sharkiesj]

njlam, the NCGA offer prices are exactly the same as the "california golf" special.

Mention the california golf special and they should honor it.

[BluehoseGolf]

All I can say is lucky you! Wish I could tag along.

[SkyyDesigns]

Was just down there last week and played Pebble,Spyglass,and Quail Lodge in Carmel. I get to play for free but my buddy who works for Pebble Beach Resort told me they are having deals right now where I believe Spyglass is 260 and Spanish Bay is 180. I might be wrong on exact prices as I did not pay but do know they are offering discounts right now for NCGA members. Weather was cold and clear my first 2 days then the next 2 were cold,rainy,and windy. Don't believe any forecast as the Bay has its own weather and especially in the forest and Carmel. Pebble was in decent shape but very soft and slow greens. Spyglass was In great shape just don't hit it in the rough as its nasty and thick this time of year. Quail was in the best shape, carpet fairways and true rolling greens. My buddy played Spanish Bay the day I arrived and said was very soft and greens were even slower than at Pebble. I would recommend Bayonet if you have the time, tough track in good shape and cant beat the price and challenge of the course. Enjoy your time down there hope the weather is good but expect it to be in the 40s-50s and best time to play is after 10 as there was a frost delay at Quail Lodge the morning we had a tee time at 8:30.

[subrosa]

My brother and I got a tee time at Spanish Bay using the "California Special" with no mention of NCGA. 160 w/ voucher for pro shop.

You book through an agent, and they didn't seem concerned about much of anything.

[SkyyDesigns]

Caddy I always get name is Ryan Hyypa, Casey Boyns is the best golfer/caddy down there but usually is booked up...I recommend a caddy for Pebble as its a great way to enjoy all the views and it's cart path only just like Spyglass. Spanish Bay is a easy walk and you actually have more ocean views than at Pebble.

Edited by SkyyDesigns, 29 December 2012 - 01:11 AM.

[njlam]

I played Pebble for the first time this past Thursday (12/27) on a sunny, 60 degree day with a slight breeze.

If I were smart, I should never play it again as it would be impossible to have as good a day as I did on Thursday.

I played well, my caddie (Tom Grimm) was in sync with my playing style and gave great advice and clubed me perfectly, and I had just the right combination of gear and apparel for the day's conditions and course.

While it was fun to see the marquee holes (7, 17, 18), there really are no bad holes at Pebble. I would love to have another chance at 6 and 9 with the wisdom of experience, and I loved parring 8 (as jack said, the best 2ndd shot in golf). The course completely exceed my high expectation and Pebble has gone from a personal bucket list experience, to one that I want to share with my three sons.

As a regular vistor to Bandon Dunes, I am used to great, mind-blowing golf. While Bandon and Pebble are two different experiences, they both have the same effect. I was grinning ear to ear the whole round (still am).

If there is/was any complaint, I tried to get the NCGA discount and the California Golf Discount and was denied for both because I did not live in CA. While this seemed fair, other members of my foursome (whom I only met on the first tee) all received the discounted rate eventhough they were also not from CA. Despite the high spirits I felt after the round, I mentioned it to the staff in the proshop and only after a long conversation with the manager was a compromise reached. I got the discount, but had to join the Duke's club to get it....so I guess I will have to come back to take advantage of the Dukes club membership.

Pebble was great. I'll be back.

[sharkiesj]

So did you pay 300 more for the dukes club? Or was the difference applied to the membership  from the green fee? Dukes club is great. Spy for 100 at twilight and Spanish for 70 at twilight is nice because usually there's no one out there at that hour and you fly around the courses.

[njlam]

sharkiesj, on 29 December 2012 - 12:23 PM, said:

So did you pay 300 more for the dukes club? Or was the difference applied to the membership  from the green fee? Dukes club is great. Spy for 100 at twilight and Spanish for 70 at twilight is nice because usually there's no one out there at that hour and you fly around the courses.

I paid $270 for the Duke's Club and got $100 back on my initial greens fee, a $50 shop merchandise credit, so I guess I paid $120 for the option of future discounts on return visits for the next 12 months.

I expect to be back to play the other courses, so this was cheap option....

[subrosa]

The California golf special worked without a hitch. Brother and I played Spanish Bay for the 160 w/ 50 voucher. I usually buy something at the pro shop, so the green fee wasn't too crazy. Course was great, just a bit wet, which made the greens a tad bit inconsistent.

[GeordieB]

I've got tee times for Spanish Bay & Spyglass on Jan 27 & 28 using the NCGA special.  I live in VA & used my VSGA membership to get an association membership w/ the NCGA for $60.  So, I'm saving $200 on greens fees, getting a free cart if I want it, & getting $100 in pro-shop vouchers.  I say I came out a little ahead.  Note: Pebble (unlike the other 3 courses) had a limited number of NCGA slots, so we got shut out.

[mctrees02]

so bummed that I couldn't make my Jan trip to Monterey work when they roll out such a good deal.  It's look like late Feb-early March for me which will be too late on this one. Glad to see that so many got to take advantage of it though...