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| "Northern Ireland???? Welcome to "The Grove" |
The scruffy turf tempted me to grab my 8-iron to execute the desired bump and run approach to an open green. The cool ocean-infused air rustled through my gear just leaving a slight chill on my torso as I stared at a towering dune behind the green. I’m sure that the creamy pint of Guinness that is waiting for me in the clubhouse will be the perfect end to a great walk.
The Winnebago whizzes by on the winding road adjacent to the fairway carrying a “short stack” of surfboards fresh from a day of ocean frolic on the bay.
Scratch the Guinness. Order a 21st Amendment. And oh yeah, it’s the back nine at Pacific Grove Links in Pacific Grove, California.
Before the pilgrimage to Mecca (otherwise known as Cypress), I scoured my favorite blogs looking to finalize our line-up of gems. Through my exchanges, the Pacific Grove Links kept coming up as a great muni gem, with a strong back nine that gives credence to the value of city-owned golf.
For 30 bucks, you just can’t beat these views.
The Winnebago whizzes by on the winding road adjacent to the fairway carrying a “short stack” of surfboards fresh from a day of ocean frolic on the bay.
Scratch the Guinness. Order a 21st Amendment. And oh yeah, it’s the back nine at Pacific Grove Links in Pacific Grove, California.
Before the pilgrimage to Mecca (otherwise known as Cypress), I scoured my favorite blogs looking to finalize our line-up of gems. Through my exchanges, the Pacific Grove Links kept coming up as a great muni gem, with a strong back nine that gives credence to the value of city-owned golf.
For 30 bucks, you just can’t beat these views.
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| Gorgeous Views off te 17th at Pacific Grove |
With the back nine being designed by Jack Neville (architect of Pebble Beach), Pacific Grove winds through ocean-front real estate that would make any developer cry (Let's hold off on that idea). As shared by other players, the front nine is merely a means to an end…a subdued, rather average park-land style layout that leaves you wondering if the gem on the back 9 is ever going to happen.
Starting on hole 11, you are immediately greeted by large dunes and welcome rustic turf conditions. Maybe some of it can be attributed to wanting fast and firm conditions. Maybe the other part of it is that the City is cutting back on maintenance…all the same, Links Confidential was pleased to be able to enjoy executing shots that the architect intended to play.
It’s a fun course, and a great warm-up to your journey to greater stops. I won’t oversell the Pac….the back nine is a great walk if you have the time. As much as the golf course was full, it was sad to see a newly built clubhouse trying to offer a full-service dinner setting to a crowd that totaled less than who is probably reading this blog—yet another reason why golf courses are failing. It was the definition of oxymoron to enjoy links golf in a casual-blue jeans-muni-style to then see a clubhouse trying to sling out over-priced California-style dishes. A complete abomination in my opinion and a recipe for immediate failure. Just like the rest of the town, we skipped dinner at the Club and hankered down in Cannery Row enjoying local craft beer (and yes...the 21st Amendment Strong Ale is HIGHLY recommended) and great food.
To the City of Pacific Grove—stick with golf….you've got yourself a little gem. Just let the dining happen somwhere else.
With the back nine being designed by Jack Neville (architect of Pebble Beach), Pacific Grove winds through ocean-front real estate that would make any developer cry (Let's hold off on that idea). As shared by other players, the front nine is merely a means to an end…a subdued, rather average park-land style layout that leaves you wondering if the gem on the back 9 is ever going to happen.
Starting on hole 11, you are immediately greeted by large dunes and welcome rustic turf conditions. Maybe some of it can be attributed to wanting fast and firm conditions. Maybe the other part of it is that the City is cutting back on maintenance…all the same, Links Confidential was pleased to be able to enjoy executing shots that the architect intended to play.
It’s a fun course, and a great warm-up to your journey to greater stops. I won’t oversell the Pac….the back nine is a great walk if you have the time. As much as the golf course was full, it was sad to see a newly built clubhouse trying to offer a full-service dinner setting to a crowd that totaled less than who is probably reading this blog—yet another reason why golf courses are failing. It was the definition of oxymoron to enjoy links golf in a casual-blue jeans-muni-style to then see a clubhouse trying to sling out over-priced California-style dishes. A complete abomination in my opinion and a recipe for immediate failure. Just like the rest of the town, we skipped dinner at the Club and hankered down in Cannery Row enjoying local craft beer (and yes...the 21st Amendment Strong Ale is HIGHLY recommended) and great food.
To the City of Pacific Grove—stick with golf….you've got yourself a little gem. Just let the dining happen somwhere else.
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| The stunning 12th Hole |
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