Flew in to SFO International Airport on Tuesday the 20th of September and headed with David, Scott, Michael, Maree and Mick to the Bay Landing Hotel, Burlingame, California for our first night in the USA. (Howard and Juan both flew into LA and caught up with us later this night).
We headed to our local golf shop in Downtown San Fran for some ammunition and any in-store bargains and then off to Pier 39 for some sight seeing and the first night dinner. Dinner was at the Crab House @ Pier 39. Everyone was there, the meal was great, overlooking the Golden Gate Bridge, stories being told and getting to know one another. The stage was set for our Californian Stage of the trip.
Next morning it was down the 101 to Pebble Beach for our first round at Poppy Hills Golf Course. The day was fine with a high fog (typical Monterey weather) and the course was fantastic. This is some course long, tight and tricky. It was the perfect hit our for our first game of the trip. Maree was the gun of the group posting 39 points, but everyone was in agreeance that this was a special way to start. We then headed off to the Inn @ Spanish Bay for our lodgings, which everyone gave the thumbs up and into Carmel by the Sea for dinner.
Next morning we teed it up at Pebble. The sky was clear, the wind was down and the excitement was rampant. The course, unbelievably was in even better condition than it was last year, but it was playing long and tested everyone out and really shows you how good the tour players are ( the pro's off the back tees were really feeling it ). Now one really set the course alight with the best score being about 33 points, but the enjoyment level was high with everyone and we all felt good about aspects of our game, but the main thing was just being there. After golf we had lunch at the course, went through all the shops and just soaked in the atmosphere. Three of the boys wanted more punishment and headed to Spyglass Hill for a reround, with the rest of the group staying back for a bit of fun at the Par 3 course. After golf we headed back to the Inn @ S.B. where after a shower, we sat on the veranda of the Hotel and enjoyed the atmosphere and a performance by the piper of Spanish Bay. This ritual occurs most evenings at around 5.30pm as he plays his way up the 2nd Fairway and up the Hotel and goes for about 45 - 50 minutes. Combined with the afternoon mist this was great.The next morning we had breakfast at the lodge at Pebble Beach overlooking Clearwater bay and then played Spanish Bay. This was the first time at the course for most of us and proved to be a real experience for everyone. What a course. Plenty of challenging holes, a little bit of a breeze and a spectacular backdrop with the waves crashing in at the bay and there was plenty to concerntrate on. After a great day on the course we had a late lunch at the club and headed back to the Bay Landing at San Francisco arriving at around 7.30pm for an evening on the town and a good nights sleep.
The next day was a rest day with participants being able to do what they like. A few of the guys went to Half Moon Bay to play the Ocean Course (which they gave huge raps), with some of the others heading down the road to Gilroy outlets for some retail therapy. It was a huge day for both groups with everyone enjoying their activities and getting the most out of their days.
Sunday the 25th and this is travel day. Today we fly to Spokane, Washington and get a shuttle over the state line to the Couer D Alene Resort in North Idaho for our second part of the trip. Only a couple of the guys have been there before so we should be in for some surprised looks and lots of big smiles. Will let you know how it goes.
Jeff Mansfield
Group photo at Poppy Hills
Dave and Jeff on the 18th tee at Pebble Beach
12 Hole at Spanish Bay
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