Started off with a journey down 17 Mile Drive and finding midnight in the middle of the road with a bright light, and once you see the light it's a sharp left to the most hidden clubhouse I have had the pleasure of finding. Such a classic clubhouse, tiny little parking lot (they don't need a big one with they're BUSY 20 player days) with both practice putting green and first tee less than 30 steps from your car. Inside the clubhouse and locker room you sense the history with the paintings of the Crosby Classic and such a small amount of lockers that everyone shares. In fact I think the only upgrade made in the locker rooms since opening may be the restroom sinks and toilet seats.
Stepping out of the locker room you're virtually right on the first tee where the fairway appears, well, doesn't appear. With a tree off to the right, which actually becomes your aiming point with a baby draw, you see the amazing dunes in the background which will amaze you throughout your entire round.
As you walk through this property you will find some of the most unique holes, incredible views and receive some of the best service from their caddies than anywhere else.
Here's a quick peek at some photos
A perfect rainbow before we headed out means only good things for this round.
Me in the 1st fairway bunker... I swear things are gonna be good for this round.
Rain Stops on #2. Clouds part and sunshine fills the course.
And then rain falls again but still looks like a perfect day in Monterey as you look down #2 in the foreground, #3 green and #13 fairway between the dunes and forest.
Eyeing down the first par 3 of the day.
The view down #7 fairway.
#7 green barely visible, large face bunkers as your aim points keeps the course incredibly natural.
Looking from #8 green back down #8 and up #9 fairways. This is one of a handful of holes on the course that are not appreciated nearly as much as their better known brothers (#15 and especially #16).
Looking from #9 tee box at #13 green (lower), #2 green (above dunes and bunkers), and down #14 fairways as it maneuvers up the hills, in between the forest and next to the Pacific.
Let's not get ahead of ourself, this is #10 from the fairway.
A better view of the green complex of #10 with all its bunker surrounds.
An incredibly natural hole, #11 proves to be a fun and fair test.
Looking past #12 green to the right, #13 (middle of the photo) looks like it would be the highlight of any other golf course with that view.
A view from the tee box of #13.
A beautifully natural set of holes, from just left of #13 tee box you can see #12, #13 and #2 green including #1 and #14 fairways with the incredible dunes that are hard to find anywhere else.
The only two back to back par 3's that I know of that I would be willing to play day after day...
An incredible short par 3 tucked among the ocean to the front and right and the forest to it's back and left.
A rarely seen view as you walk from the tee box to the green... At least I've never seen this angle.
This is the walk you get while headed to the famed #16, shrouded in trees.
A quick peek before you get to the tee box to get everyones heart racing.
We arrive and sun shines down on #16... and with it brings a wind only the great seaside courses can face.
Yes... Driver is definitely required for such an epic shot... with a hard draw shot at the left side of the green to hope the ball can hold on from the wind just long enough.
#17 green looking backwards towards its fairway and #16 green... Sad to see the end so near.
I've kept this post short because I could write a novel on my day here. I may come back to write more. For now I'll try to keep you interested.
