It’s A Beautiful Day “Fore” Golf!
Yesterday I was able to take a day off (yes, even Realtors take a day off every now and then) and join some friends and clients for a trip to the annual “Clam Bake” known as the AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am Golf Tournament. The Monterey Peninsula is a short drive (1.5 hours) from Los Altos. It was one of the best tournament weather days I have ever witnessed. I really enjoy any golf tournament played at Pebble Beach. It is such a beautiful place to take in the sun and walk the course. The pros/celebrities only add to the enjoyment.
Some history on the golf tournament. In 1947, Bing Crosby moved the tournament north from San Diego county and with the help of some of Hollywood’s A-list celebrities like Dean Martin, Bob Hope and Jack Lemmon it became a very popular annual event. The inaugural Clam Bake was held on the Pebble Beach, the Cypress Point and the Monterey Peninsula Country Club golf courses. In 1967, the Spyglass Hill golf course replaced the Monterey Peninsula Country Club golf course and in 1991, Poppy Hills replaced Cypress Point.
We parked in the Carmel Beach parking lot and walked in through the Carmel gate and ended up on the 10th fairway at Pebble Beach. Our original plan was to take a shuttle over to Poppy Hills and watch the big names play. However, we never made it. We slowly made our way towards the world famous 18th, enjoying the beautiful views along the way.
Some of the professional players we saw were Jim Furyk, Davis Love, Carlos Franco (who had a crazy looking putter), Jeff Maggert, Tom Lehman, Robert Gamez, and Los Altos (Awalt High School) native Dan Forsman (who birdied the 6th).
Some of the celebritie amateurs we saw were Harry Crosby (and his mother Kathryn), Charles Schwab, Emmit Smith (who had chipping and putting problems on the 17th), and Craig T. Nelson.
Emmit Smith putting out for a cool 5 after hitting tee shot to the short cut ruff, pin high. Craig T. Nelson is in the pink shirt to the left. (click to enlarge) 
Emmit Smith and Craig T. Nelson being interviewed after hitting tee shots on the 17th hole at Pebble Beach. (click to enlarge)
The true star of the tournament…the Pebble Beach Golf Course on a beautiful day (click to enlarge)
If you are intrested in Playing at Pebble Beach, bring your wallet and plan ahead. To reserve a round of golf on Pebble Beach, one needs to book a room for two nights as well as pay the $495.00 green fee.
