$425 to play Pebble Beach? Reader calls it 'grand-theft golf'

I played Pebble Beach years ago when it cost $85 and I was an 18 handicap.

Pebble Beach: Great Pacific views, but are they worth $425?

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I enjoyed the apres golf a good deal more than the round. Strawberries & cream and Moet on the patio overlooking the 18th green and the Pacific with three people whose company I really enjoyed was fine. Without the friends it would have been just another fine California course.

For $425 I could play Sandpiper down near Santa Barbara four times. That would be value. Even among the well-off there is no cachet in saying, "I paid $425 to play Pebble Beach."

I have played Royal St. Andrews and a host of other fine courses for reasonable money and enjoyed them far more. It isn't the money (which is of course grand-theft golf) - it's playing a nice course with people you care about.

Donald

January 19, 2007