On the Links

This June marks the fifth year that Pebble Beach Golf Links will host the U.S. Open Championship. First opened in 1919, the landmark course designed by Jack Neville and Douglas Grant has since hosted the championship rounds in 1972, 1982, 1992, and 2000. This year, from June 14 through 20, the posh Pebble Beach Resorts destination will welcome pro-athletes and their families, corporate sponsors, and legions of die-hard golf fans from around the world.

Preparation is already under way, and we have the inside scoop on the entire tournament and the surrounding area.

The Game, 2010

The Championship is individual stroke play over 72 holes. While normally Pebble Beach Golf Links plays to a par 72, the second hole will go from a par 5 to a par 4, bringing the overall par down by one shot to par 71.

Course Improvements

In preparation for the tournament, legendary golfer Arnold Palmer was commissioned to enhance the acclaimed course. Four greens and 16 bunkers were rebuilt, altered, or installed; 11 tees have benefited from enhancements; six holes have seen the addition or adjustment of trees (including Cypress); and the total length of the course has been extended 7,040 yards. “Pebble Beach is a national treasure to the game of golf. I am proud to have a hand in preparing it for the 2010 U.S. Open and for all golfers who come to Pebble Beach to enjoy its many challenges,” says Palmer.

The U.S. Open Championship 2010 Stats

• More than 14,000 bleacher seats will be constructed and installed for this year’s tournament

• More than 210 tents with 400,000 square feet of canvas will be erected

• 65,000 guests are anticipated to be served in the corporate hospitality village

• 175 courtesy cars will be provided for competitors’ use by Lexus and Toyota

• 120 maintenance staff members will be on hand from 40 golf courses nationwide

• 57 mowers and trimmers will be used to prepare the course each day

• 4,400 tons of bunker sand will be used

• 6,500 volunteers, split between 27 distinct committees, will donate their energies to the success of this year’s Open Championship

• 1,500 media from 25 countries are expected to be on site to cover the event

Getting there

By air—Monterey Peninsula Airport (MRY)

Created in 1936, MRY is a 498-acre facility serving as a “Medium Non-Hub” airport. American Eagle, Allegiant Air, United Airlines, and US Airways are some of the airlines servicing MRY. With based aircraft, it has 211 hangars and tie-downs, and 55 business tenants.

By Land—Main Parking Lot at California State University-Monterey Bay in Marina, CA

• Traveling southbound on CA-1: take the 12th Street exit (407) and follow signs to the parking lot

• Traveling northbound on CA-1: take the Imjin Road exit (407) and follow signs to the parking lot

• Shuttle service is free and will operate from 5 a.m. until 10 p.m. The shuttle will drop guests near the main entrance to the U.S. Open.

Tickets

At this point, many advance tickets are sold-out leaving golf fans with few options. But, for those of you still looking to make the trip to Pebble Beach this June, here are a few tips.

Corporate Hospitality—available by calling 610.814.6101.

For individual tickets, visit the United States Golf Associations’ website at
www.usga.org/tickets.

Memorable Moments

With four previous U.S. Open Championship games and 10 USGA Championships played at the Pebble Beach Golf Links, the course has some history. In 1972, golf great Jack Nicklaus sealed a victory with one of the most talked about shots in the history of the sport. On that fateful day, wind taunted players, forcing them to make strategic shots. Nicklaus, for his part, closed a birdie shot on the par-three 17th hole after his ball hit the flagstick and rolled to a stop five inches from the cup.

During the Championship round in 1982, Tom Watson battled Nicklaus for victory over the reigning champion and the links. Watson won the match with a birdie on 18, but it was his shot on the 17th hole that cemented his win; with his ball lying 16 feet from the cup, Watson chose his sand wedge, a winning move that sent his ball straight into the hole.

During the 1992 Championship rounds, Tom Kite came from behind to beat Colin Montgomerie and Jeff Sluman after a game-changing shot on 7. With the wind throwing shots off course, Kite took his 60-degree wedge and pitched his ball straight into the hole—from the rough, no less.

And who could forget the 2000 round, when Tiger Woods won his first U.S. Open Championship. Woods, who scored a 67 on the last day, tied the record for the lowest 72-hole score ever in the national championship (272), and bested his nearest competitor by 15 strokes.

Eat

The Pebble Beach Resorts community is not lacking for fine restaurants. There are 13 various spots to fill up on tasty food and drinks between The Lodge at Pebble Beach and Spanish Bay at Pebble Beach.

The Lodge at Pebble Beach includes The Stillwater Bar & Grill featuring regional and international seafood specialties overlooking Carmel Bay on the 18th green of the links. With breakfast, lunch, dinner, and a Sunday brunch, Stillwater is a great spot to catch some of the course action. 831.625.8524

For more sophisticated fare, book a table at Club XIX, which offers an extensive list of rare and vintage wines, cognacs, and ports. Guests can sit inside but the bricked patio is a romantic setting also overlooking Carmel Bay and the 18th green. 831.625.8519

The Tap Room is the place to head after a day spent on the links, either playing or as a spectator. With an outstanding selection of draught and bottled beers and prime steaks, this casual restaurant also televises sporting events. 831.625.8535

A phenomenal lunch choice is The Beach & Tennis Club. Overlooking the 17th fairway, the menu at this restaurant offers lovely cuisine with gourmet flair. 831.625.8507

For cocktails, head to The Terrace Lounge overlooking Carmel Bay. Offering a full bar, this lounge is the perfect setting for unwinding after a long day walking the course. 831.625.8524

For delicious breakfast and lunch, the Gallery Café is the place to glimpse the pros early morning. Specialties include creamy milkshakes, refreshing smoothies, espresso drinks, and a full-service bar. 831.625.8577

Looking for a picnic lunch? Head to the Pebble Beach Market and check out its selection of wines, cheese, meat, fruit, and desserts. 831.622.8770

Hawaiian-fusion cuisine reigns at Roy’s at The Inn at Spanish Bay. Chef Roy Yamaguchi cooks up specialties like wood-grilled barbecue ribs, blackened ahi tuna, crispy crab cakes, and Mongolian barbecued rack of lamb. 831.647.7423.

Pèppoli serves rich Italian food and world-class wines in a casual setting. 831.647.7433

The “19th” hole at Pebble Beach, STICKS—Fore Sports, Food, & Fun is a great atmosphere for enjoying American-style fare, watching sports, and throwing back a few cold ones. 831.647.7470

Another bar scene, Traps serves hearty appetizers and a great selection of beers, wine, and other beverages. Plus, this spot showcases amazing sunsets over the Pacific Ocean. 831.647.7500

Stop at Spyglass Hill Grill for a taste of casual fare during breakfast and lunch. Serving breakfast burritos and a selection of specialty burgers and sandwiches, Spyglass is a great place to enjoy before or after a round. 831.624.3811 ext. 5445.

Another bar-style restaurant is Del Monte Bar & Grill, which overlooks the course. It serves burgers and salads, and has an outdoor patio for those guests looking for a scenic view. 831.373.2700

Sleep

With 270 guest rooms, The Inn at Spanish Bay is a great enclave for visiting golf enthusiasts. The picturesque hotel is situated between the Del Monte Forest and the Pacific shore, and many guest rooms feature private balconies with magnificent views of the local scenery. Rated “World’s Best Hotels” by Travel & Leisure in 2010, the property was also awarded the Forbes Four-Star Award by the Forbes Travel Guide, and Conde Nast Traveler rated it on its “Gold List – 681 World’s Best Places to Stay” this year.

The Lodge at Pebble Beach offers relaxed accommodations with superior hospitality and stately architecture against a beautiful oceanside backdrop. The space includes 161 guest rooms and suites, four restaurants, and 8,000 square feet of conference facilities. Within walking distance is a promenade of shops and restaurants, as well as exciting activities such as hiking and tennis. In 2010, Travel & Leisure rated it amongst the “World’s Best Hotels,” and the Forbes Travel Guide awarded it the Forbes Four-Star Award.

If you are looking for a more sequestered stay, look no further than Casa Palmero. This Mediterranean-style respite has 24 spacious rooms and suites, and is located along the first and second fairways of the Pebble Beach Golf Links. The authentic main house offers guests a luxurious living room, library, billiard room, heated outdoor pool, and complimentary evening refreshments in the bar and lounge. What’s more, Forbes Travel Guide awarded it the Forbes Four-Star Award, and Condé Nast Traveler placed it on the “Gold List – 681 World’s Best Places to Stay,” both in 2010.

Play

If golf isn’t your thing, Pebble Beach has many outstanding amenities and attractions to keep you and your family entertained.

The Spa at Pebble Beach

With more than 22,000 square feet of space, this Mediterranean-style spa boasts 25 massage rooms (two with fireplaces), and one massage suite with a fireplace. There are three wet rooms, complete with two Vichy shower rooms for exfoliation treatments and body wraps, and one Flotation Wrap Suite for two guests looking to indulge in side-by-side wraps. Pamper yourself with a choice of specialized massages, facials, and unique body wraps, or partake in the natural healing treatments that use kelp, seaweed, and other products indigenous to the area. 831.649.7615

Pebble Beach
Equestrian Center

Pebble Beach may be a swanky resort community, but the popular destination is also known for its coastal ambiance and unparalleled scenery along steep cliffs and forested areas. The best way to see your surroundings? An escorted trail ride from the Pebble Beach Equestrian Center. With more than 34 miles of forest and beach trails, the center also offers expert instruction in dressage and jumping. 831.624.2756

17-Mile Drive

Horseback riding is not for everyone, so with that in mind there is also the 17-Mile Drive, which is a privately maintained scenic route that traverses the Monterey Peninsula. Noted as one of the greatest tourist attractions in the western U.S., this highway is the place to see the Lone Cypress, Seal Rock, and Pescadero Point. Along the way you may spot native wildlife, including deer, sea otters, harbor seals, and sea lions.