Great Golfing from Pebble Beach to the Napa Valley

"If I had only one more round to play, I would choose to play it at Pebble Beach. I've loved this course from the first time I saw it. It's possibly the best in the world." ~ Jack Nicklaus

I totally agree with Jack Nicklaus! From the panorama of a blue-green sea and wind-swept cypresses, Pebble Beach calls to me every year. As there is so much to do in this part of California, my wife loves to accompany me on these golf vacations, giving us an added bonus for our own relationship.

This time, as we’ve visited the sights of Carmel and Monterey often, on our latest jaunt, we chose to explore the famed Napa wine area. Spring turned out to be an ideal time to visit as the temperatures were moderate and the peak tourist season (May to October) was still a ways off.

There were so many high points that I can only share a few that really stood out on this golf trip:

What would a Napa trip be without winery tours? Sure we stopped at several boutique wineries for tastings throughout our stay, but for a deeper introduction to wine-making, we really got a lot out of our tour at a winery where we followed the grape’s journey from the vineyard to the cellar to the finished wine. I was taken enough by the Fume Blanc to buy a whole case! My wife was snapping away with her camera nonstop as the sheer beauty of the area is incredible.

Great wines mean great dining, and we were lucky to get a reservation for the highly touted restaurant in Yountville. After a day of sight-seeing, we found it very peaceful to settle into the golden sunset haze that infused the dining room as we embarked on a 9-course culinary adventure, each delicious dish carefully paired with a complementary (but alas not complimentary!) wine.

The next day as part of a golf package, I had my day on the links at the Eagle Vines Golf course in American Canyon. Designed by Johnny Miller, it only opened a few years ago with 18 holes and 7,283 yards of golf from the longest tees for a par of 72, and some of the best views you’ll ever have!

Meanwhile my wife let her inner artist out, dabbling in landscape painting with a private lesson at Alla Prima. Her surprisingly good oil rendition of a Napa hillside scene hangs on our wall as a treasured reminder of one of our best golf vacations ever. Maybe next time she’ll make it a painting of a golf course!

Tee Time

I am a dedicated golfer and although my wife is not, she still enjoys the fact that I make it a part of my routine to go on golf trips at least one weekend out of every month. She gets to vacation by the pool or spa while I get to play golf at some of the best courses there are to choose from.

We’ve taken many wonderful trips over the years and even spent time at some of the most exclusive Scotland golf courses. I’ve played in many amateur tournaments and even came close to professional status at one time but I’d rather just play for the fun of it and not for a paycheck. I get so much enjoyment from getting up early and playing 18 holes of golf before most people have their first cup of coffee in the morning.

I belong to a country club that often sponsors golf trips for the members. We usually go on four trips a year as a group and have played at some of the top courses in the country. It’s always a real honor to play on the same course that the pros play on. I’ve had the privilege of meeting some of the great golfers of our time such as Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus, Lee Trevino, and Phil Mickelson.

Living at Myrtle Beach makes it possible to golf just about all year long on my home course. My wife and I also own a condo in south Florida and often travel there during the winter months when the weather is just a bit too chilly to golf at home. I have to admit I’ve enjoyed every minute that I’ve been able to spend on the golf course; it has been a way of life for me for most of my adult life and am sure I will continue to golf for as long as I’m able to hold a club.