Need Advice for 54 holes per day Bay Area

[irvtrain]

So my sister is getting married in Carmel and the wife says I can't golf Wednesday through Saturday due to too many activities being on the agenda for everyday as well as taking the kids to the beach, aquarium etc.

 

So I changed my flight from Wednesday to Sunday night and will be there for two days to just golf.

 

Was thinking Half Moon Bay for two rounds and then Harding Park on Monday.

 

Bayonet and Blackhorse for Tuesday with hope of getting on Pebble in the afternoon but I'd take any of the courses in the Monterey area.

 

Any and all suggestions welcomed.

 

Is 72 absolutely out of the question as well? I'm assuming probably, however, I had no problem getting 72 in when I was in Chicago for the bachelor party. Though Cog Hill lets you tee off at 5:30am and I was done with 36 there by 10:30 and was on my way to Harborside for another 36.

[JohnnyMIke]

I have no recommendations for you other than I've some friends at Stanford who say that the course there is pretty good, though I've never played it. However, I do want to say that YOU ARE THE MAN!

"Wife said I can't play during the wedding, so I'm going two and a half days early, and I'm gonna play at least 3 rounds." - gives me hope for the human race.

edit - removed the extraneous "d" good thing I never went to school there.

[irvtrain]

I have no recommendations for you other than I've some friends at Standford who say that the course there is pretty good, though I've never played it. However, I do want to say that YOU ARE THE MAN!

"Wife said I can't play during the wedding, so I'm going two and a half days early, and I'm gonna play at least 3 rounds." - gives me hope for the human race.

 

Thanks but I'm pretty sure Standford is private and thanks! LOL

[PepsiDuck]

When are your dates?

[irvtrain]

When are your dates?

 

Next week 29th and 30th.

[poppyhillsguy]

If you are going to be in Carmel why do you want to drive all the way up to SF for Harding Park and Half Moon Bay? That's a lot of extra driving when you have so many good courses to play in the Carmel/Monterey area.

 

On the Monterey Peninsula, you should pick quality or quantity for golf. Pebble, Spyglass, Bayonet/Black Horse, Quail Lodge, Carmel Valley Ranch, and Poppy. Most of those courses will not let you tee off at 5:30am because the sun isn't coming up until 6:30am right now and it's getting dark around 7:30pm.

[irvtrain]

If you are going to be in Carmel why do you want to drive all the way up to SF for Harding Park and Half Moon Bay? That's a lot of extra driving when you have so many good courses to play in the Carmel/Monterey area.

 

On the Monterey Peninsula, you should pick quality or quantity for golf. Pebble, Spyglass, Bayonet/Black Horse, Quail Lodge, Carmel Valley Ranch, and Poppy. Most of those courses will not let you tee off at 5:30am because the sun isn't coming up until 6:30am right now and it's getting dark around 7:30pm.

 

I fly into San Jose Sunday night, so Monday is wide open to play anywhere. I'm open to anything. The issue I see with the Pebble courses is getting tee times..no? Is Carmel Valley Ranch pretty nice? That is where the wedding is at and I'm pretty sure I can sneak in a round at some point.

[carrera]

I fly into San Jose Sunday night, so Monday is wide open to play anywhere. I'm open to anything. The issue I see with the Pebble courses is getting tee times..no? Is Carmel Valley Ranch pretty nice? That is where the wedding is at and I'm pretty sure I can sneak in a round at some point.

 

Try to play Pasatiempo if you can. In Santa Cruz, but worth the trip. Skip Harding Park (if you have the option to play Pasatiempo). CVR is a Pete Dye Course, if you like that style. You might like the re-done Poppy Hills. Much better course now than previously.

[irvtrain]

I fly into San Jose Sunday night, so Monday is wide open to play anywhere. I'm open to anything. The issue I see with the Pebble courses is getting tee times..no? Is Carmel Valley Ranch pretty nice? That is where the wedding is at and I'm pretty sure I can sneak in a round at some point.

 

Try to play Pasatiempo if you can. In Santa Cruz, but worth the trip. Skip Harding Park (if you have the option to play Pasatiempo). CVR is a Pete Dye Course, if you like that style. You might like the re-done Poppy Hills. Much better course now than previously.

 

I'm thinking Poppy for sure. If I do Pasatiempo, which courses would be easiest to pair with? Blackhorse and Bayonet? If I do Poppy, I think getting tee times will be the big issue for other courses as I was going to try and do that with Blackhorse and Bayonet.

 

Obviously I'm leaning towards places with 36 on site and obviously Pebble courses would work once I'm able to place tee times, which I don't think I can do until Sunday or Monday if I'm playing Tuesday etc.

[carrera]

I fly into San Jose Sunday night, so Monday is wide open to play anywhere. I'm open to anything. The issue I see with the Pebble courses is getting tee times..no? Is Carmel Valley Ranch pretty nice? That is where the wedding is at and I'm pretty sure I can sneak in a round at some point.

 

Try to play Pasatiempo if you can. In Santa Cruz, but worth the trip. Skip Harding Park (if you have the option to play Pasatiempo). CVR is a Pete Dye Course, if you like that style. You might like the re-done Poppy Hills. Much better course now than previously.

 

I'm thinking Poppy for sure. If I do Pasatiempo, which courses would be easiest to pair with? Blackhorse and Bayonet? If I do Poppy, I think getting tee times will be the big issue for other courses as I was going to try and do that with Blackhorse and Bayonet.

 

Obviously I'm leaning towards places with 36 on site and obviously Pebble courses would work once I'm able to place tee times, which I don't think I can do until Sunday or Monday if I'm playing Tuesday etc.

 

No obvious course to pair with Pasatiempo. But it's one of those world-class courses that after you finish the 18th you'd want to head right back to the first tee. The back nine in particular is amazing.

 

PS, check aeration schedules at any course you are considering.

[BoogieThumper]

I fly into San Jose Sunday night, so Monday is wide open to play anywhere. I'm open to anything. The issue I see with the Pebble courses is getting tee times..no? Is Carmel Valley Ranch pretty nice? That is where the wedding is at and I'm pretty sure I can sneak in a round at some point.

 

Try to play Pasatiempo if you can. In Santa Cruz, but worth the trip. Skip Harding Park (if you have the option to play Pasatiempo). CVR is a Pete Dye Course, if you like that style. You might like the re-done Poppy Hills. Much better course now than previously.

 

I'm thinking Poppy for sure. If I do Pasatiempo, which courses would be easiest to pair with? Blackhorse and Bayonet? If I do Poppy, I think getting tee times will be the big issue for other courses as I was going to try and do that with Blackhorse and Bayonet.

 

Obviously I'm leaning towards places with 36 on site and obviously Pebble courses would work once I'm able to place tee times, which I don't think I can do until Sunday or Monday if I'm playing Tuesday etc.

This is wrong, give them a call as soon as possible. I got on to Pebble recently just by a simple phone call and pressing three for golf only reservations. Since you plan on playing early in the week I don't think you'd have an issue. The only thing that you might run into is for golf only reservations I think you have to choose between 6:50am tee times or anything after 2:30. The afternoon tee times they guarantee you finish as long as you tee off before 3:45 I believe, or maybe 3:30pm.

 

But give them a call, it worked for me!!

[irvtrain]

I fly into San Jose Sunday night, so Monday is wide open to play anywhere. I'm open to anything. The issue I see with the Pebble courses is getting tee times..no? Is Carmel Valley Ranch pretty nice? That is where the wedding is at and I'm pretty sure I can sneak in a round at some point.

 

Try to play Pasatiempo if you can. In Santa Cruz, but worth the trip. Skip Harding Park (if you have the option to play Pasatiempo). CVR is a Pete Dye Course, if you like that style. You might like the re-done Poppy Hills. Much better course now than previously.

 

I'm thinking Poppy for sure. If I do Pasatiempo, which courses would be easiest to pair with? Blackhorse and Bayonet? If I do Poppy, I think getting tee times will be the big issue for other courses as I was going to try and do that with Blackhorse and Bayonet.

 

Obviously I'm leaning towards places with 36 on site and obviously Pebble courses would work once I'm able to place tee times, which I don't think I can do until Sunday or Monday if I'm playing Tuesday etc.

This is wrong, give them a call as soon as possible. I got on to Pebble recently just by a simple phone call and pressing three for golf only reservations. Since you plan on playing early in the week I don't think you'd have an issue. The only thing that you might run into is for golf only reservations I think you have to choose between 6:50am tee times or anything after 2:30. The afternoon tee times they guarantee you finish as long as you tee off before 3:45 I believe, or maybe 3:30pm.

 

But give them a call, it worked for me!!

 

Appreciate it! I'll call them asap.

[GWD]

Back to the title, I don't think it would be possible to play 54 holes per day on Bay Area courses. You will be looking at five hour rounds this time of year.

 

The Bayonet / Black Horse complex would be the best bet to get in 36 in a day. They have a nice lunch spot for quick eats between rounds. You'll save time on parking, check-in, warm-up, evaluating putting conditions, and the like.

 

The Pebble Beach Resort courses (Pebble Beach, Spyglass, Spanish Bay) are not that close together and the conditions are different at each course. There is a shuttle bus to the Academy (range) but that is time consumed. Spyglass has the only on-site range and that is off mats.

 

The Quail Lodge course has been re-done since I was there but it was not a course that can be played lightning fast. Carmel Valley Ranch is nearby so those two courses might be paired for a 36 hole day.

 

Whatever you choose, it will be a special golfing experience.

[Upper Michigan]

I would do bayonet and blackhorse one day. The other day could be pasatiempo and de la veaga in Santa Cruz (it's an ok muni but it's decent gold and extremly close to pasatiempo).

 

Like gwd said, you could possibly do Carmel valley ranch and quail lodge in one day as they are only a few miles a part. I've played both courses, some really good holes, some mediocre holes and just a couple I would classify as bad holes. since you'll be on vacation, I think you'll have fun regardless of which courses you try and play.

[Czervik n Smails]

Agree with the poster above. Are you an architecture junkie like me? Then you have to play Pasa. Alister MacKenzie was a genius. Pasa / Augusta / Crystal Downs / Cypress Point are just some of his courses. The course is fully restored. Must play.

 

You should also be able to get on Pebble. Just call them and bring the wagon of money. Let us know how it goes.

[tw422]

I would skip the Ocean Course at Half Moon - very forgetable and overpriced. The Old Course is the better of the two (imo). Harding is overrated as well and is walking only (if that matters to you).

[irvtrain]

Thanks everyone! I have a tee time for Spanish Bay Monday morning and waiting to see about getting on Pebble for the afternoon round Sunday otherwise I'll try to do Poppy. Not seeing anyway I can do 54 that day. Tuesday I have the first tee time at Bayonet and hopefully play pretty fast so I can turn around and play Blackhorse and be done in time to make it Spyglass for my 2:20 tee time. I have Pasatiempo for first thing Wednesday morning before the fam flies in as it sounds like I can't pass up Pasa!

 

Thanks again and surprised everyone seems to feel Harding Park and Half Moon Bay are overrated. So obviously I stuck to the Monterey area.

[Czervik n Smails]

Thanks everyone! I have a tee time for Spanish Bay Monday morning and waiting to see about getting on Pebble for the afternoon round Sunday otherwise I'll try to do Poppy. Not seeing anyway I can do 54 that day. Tuesday I have the first tee time at Bayonet and hopefully play pretty fast so I can turn around and play Blackhorse and be done it time to make it Spyglass for my 2:20 tee time. I have Pasatiempo for first thing Wednesday morning before the fam flies in as it sounds like I can't pass up Pasa!

 

Thanks again and surprised everyone seems to feel Harding Park and Half Moon Bay are overrated. So obviously I stuck to the Monterey area.

 

You have a great trip planned. If this is your first time playing in this area I think you will love it.

 

Please share your experience at Pebble. Yes it will be slow but what a place for a slow round! You may also have the opportunity to be first off at 6:00. Gotta ask.

 

And Pasa...it was designed 90 years ago. Pay attention to the nuance in the design. Look back down the holes from the green. I would also recommend walking if you can; part of the classic course charm. (You can also save money with some other booking sites.)

 

Have fun!

[irvtrain]

Thanks everyone! I have a tee time for Spanish Bay Monday morning and waiting to see about getting on Pebble for the afternoon round Sunday otherwise I'll try to do Poppy. Not seeing anyway I can do 54 that day. Tuesday I have the first tee time at Bayonet and hopefully play pretty fast so I can turn around and play Blackhorse and be done it time to make it Spyglass for my 2:20 tee time. I have Pasatiempo for first thing Wednesday morning before the fam flies in as it sounds like I can't pass up Pasa!

 

Thanks again and surprised everyone seems to feel Harding Park and Half Moon Bay are overrated. So obviously I stuck to the Monterey area.

 

You have a great trip planned. If this is your first time playing in this area I think you will love it.

 

Please share your experience at Pebble. Yes it will be slow but what a place for a slow round! You may also have the opportunity to be first off at 6:00. Gotta ask.

 

And Pasa...it was designed 90 years ago. Pay attention to the nuance in the design. Look back down the holes from the green. I would also recommend walking if you can; part of the classic course charm. (You can also save money with some other booking sites.)

 

Have fun!

 

I will definitely ask about the 6am time, thanks! I was planning on walking at least one round per day and will definitely walk at Pasa!

[irvtrain]

Forgot to give an update. I ended up Playing Spanish Bay and Pebble day 1. Day two I played Bayonet twice as Blackhorse had their fairways top dressed the day before. Played Spyglass in the afternoon to get my 54 in lol. Finished with an early morning round at Pasatiempo before the fam got into town.

 

Thanks everyone for the advise.

[Southfield]

You da man! Wish I could have the courage to tell my wife I'm playing 144 holes in 3.5 days....

 

How was the conditions at Pasatiempo?

[irvtrain]

You da man! Wish I could have the courage to tell my wife I'm playing 144 holes in 3.5 days....

 

How was the conditions at Pasatiempo?

 

Great! The course is a fantastic experience.

[Schley]

Forgot to give an update. I ended up Playing Spanish Bay and Pebble day 1. Day two I played Bayonet twice as Blackhorse had their fairways top dressed the day before. Played Spyglass in the afternoon to get my 54 in lol. Finished with an early morning round at Pasatiempo before the fam got into town.

 

Thanks everyone for the advise.

Congrats and hope the wedding went well.

[golfpar112]

how was Spanish Bay? playing this week

[irvtrain]

Forgot to give an update. I ended up Playing Spanish Bay and Pebble day 1. Day two I played Bayonet twice as Blackhorse had their fairways top dressed the day before. Played Spyglass in the afternoon to get my 54 in lol. Finished with an early morning round at Pasatiempo before the fam got into town.

 

Thanks everyone for the advise.

Congrats and hope the wedding went well.

 

It was nice

[irvtrain]

how was Spanish Bay? playing this week

 

Just saw this. I loved it. It gets a bad rap because it doesn't have the history and people don't like all the ESA. Anyway, it is a good time along the ocean lol.