This past weekend the U.S. Gold Open was held at Pebble Beach on the Monterey Peninsula. I had the pleasure to meet many outstanding people as I sat on the park bench on Cannery Row in front of Bubba Gump Shrimp Company. The golf tournament was won by Graeme McDowell of Northern Ireland. But this posting has more to do with the people attending and the beautiful setting than the golf action.
Have you ever been to the Monterey Peninsula? If yes, then you know it’s a very special place.
Having spent every weekend in Monterey for more than 10 years, I’m biased when I say the Monterey Peninsula is a very special place. So what should you see when you visit the Peninsula besides Bubba Gump and Cannery Row in Monterey? And why are they special? Here’s my list of must-sees:
- Carmel By-The-Sea: Carmel has narrow streets with little shops selling art, antiques and designer lines. Bring your wallet if you plan to do more than just window shop.
- Pebble Beach Lodge: Pebble Beach Golf Links is a public golf course. You can visit, have lunch and walk out to the first tee. Let your imagination run wild … or even play a round of golf.
- 17 mile drive: It is 17 miles long and there are public places to stop and admire the Pacific Ocean. Or you can gawk at the private homes and imagine yourself parking your Rolls-Royce in the driveway.
- The Lone Cypress: the most famous stop along 17 mile drive … A cypress tree growing out on a rocky point.
- Monterey Bay Aquarium: Flamingos, Seahorses, Sea Otters, Penguins, Sharks, Kelpfish, Leafy Sea Dragons, etc.
- Pacific Grove: A working man’s version of Carmel. Hundreds of 80 year old bungalows.
Did I attend any golf this weekend? No, but I met a lot of people who did attend. While many no doubt attended every day, they weren’t the people I was meeting. The people I met attended a few days but would take a day off and visit Cannery Row. They shopped, spent time sight-seeing, dined, and generally forgot about golf for a few hours. They wore their new U.S. Open logoed shirts, vests, hats and jackets. There were whole families, parts of families, and golf foursomes all in attendance. I met many who volunteered to work the tournament for a few days in exchange for a 7 day pass … and they flew in from all over the U.S. to be of service.
This year, my friend Dave and his son Al attended on Sunday, Father’s Day, and they both hoisted the trophy for a great U.S. Open, father-son memory. Pebble Beach on the Monterey Peninsula is a great golf course with lots of history. This past weekend a lot of golf fans created their own memories while being entertained by the hospitable and picturesque Monterey Peninsula.
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Next Blog Date: June 24, 2010