Don DeLorenzo
it's your SWING
Don has been the PGA General Manager of Gilroy Golf Course since
1985. He is a former winner of the Bill Stausbaugh award given by the PGA
of America for excellence in education. He was named the 2014 Gilroy
Chamber of Commerce Man of the Year and was born and raised in Gilroy.
Take A Day…Enjoy the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am
W
e all know that where we live is one of the most
expensive areas in the country, Housing, gas,
groceries, you name it and it costs a lot. But we also
have to agree that we live in one of the most beautiful areas
in the country. Perhaps no area is more beautiful than the
famous Monterey Peninsula. When one thinks of this area
the fi rst thing that comes to mind is GOLF. There is possibly
no place on earth that boasts so many beautiful golf courses
within walking distance of each other than this area. And we
are so lucky to live only 45 minutes away. Not only are these
golf courses beautiful to look at and play on, but we have the
opportunity every February to spend a day or two on them
watching the games’ greatest golfers and celebrities compete
in the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro Am.
The AT&T Pro-Am started as the Bing Crosby Pro Am
that has roots all the way back to the 1930’s. Crosby had the
idea to give some of his member friends of Lakeside Country
Club in Southern California a chance to play with 50 or so
professionals who were on the west coast during the
winter months.
The first tournament was held in 1937 at Rancho Sante
Fe Golf Club and was only 18 holes after rain washed out
the first round. It was won by Sam Snead and he collected
the winners check in the amount of a whopping $500. The
tournament moved north to the Monterey Peninsula in 1947
and has been drawing huge crowds ever since. Spanning
over a half century, the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro Am has
undergone changes that have made it one of Northern
California’s most popular sporting events. The recipe of three
parts professional golfer to one part celebrity or famous ath-
lete has gone down as smooth as some of the libations at the
“Tap Room’ at Pebble Beach’s Del Monte Lodge…… A must
stop when you go.
When you go today you will see stars such as Bill Murray,
Toby Keith, Wayne Gretzky, Aaron Rodgers, Josh Duhmel
and Chris O’Donnell just to name a few. Add this to the line
up of the top PGA Professionals and you have the makings
of a great day. Even if you don’t play golf, the chance to stroll
the lush green fairways of Pebble Beach, Spyglass Hill or
Monterey Peninsula Country Club is a can’t miss.
Starting with Spyglass Hill, this is the most inland course
of the three that are played. Only four holes, 2-3-4-5 have
views of the Monterey Bay. The majority of the course rolls
and meanders through the Del Monte forest in the heart of
the 17 Mile Drive. Huge pine trees and white sand will take
your breath away, as if the beautiful golf shots of the pro’s
you watch won’t. Walking Spyglass is probably the most
difficult of the trifecta of courses. I give it a 7 out of 10 on
difficulty to walk. However the greatest thing about any
course or any tournament is your ability to stay in one place
and let the golfers come to you.
Monterey Peninsula Country Club is the only private
course of the three. With breathtaking views of the Pacific
Ocean it is probably the easiest course to walk. If you are in
average shape and used to walking, making it over the entire
course shouldn’t be a problem. You may find yourself just
wanting to spend the entire day watching the crashing ocean
waves instead of Wayne Grezky’s booming tee shots.
Last and certainly not least is Pebble Beach. Site of the
2019 US Open, it has been called “the greatest meeting of
land and sea.” This spectacular piece of real estate has only a
handful of holes where you can’t see the ocean. You owe it to
yourself as a Californian, golfer or not, to walk holes 6-7-8-
9-10-17-18 along the gorgeous coastline.
This years' tournament dates are February 4-10, 2019.
Getting to the tournament is easy. Travel to the Monterey
Peninsula and follow the signs. There is generally park-
ing at Cal State Monterey Bay with free shuttle service to
the golf courses. Cost of a ticket varies from weekday to
weekend with practice round tickets running $40 and
tournament rounds $60-$70. Discounts are available for
weekly tickets.
So if you’ve never been—go. If it’s been awhile—go again.
Make a day, weekend or even a week out of it!
WESTERN
GETAWAYS
106
GILROY • MORGAN HILL • SAN MARTIN
december 2018-january 2019
GOLF
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