I walked down the 9th fairway, only half way through the round, not even out by the water, yet, thinking "this might be the perfect course". It's so good. It's extremely playable, with most the chal... Continue »

I walked down the 9th fairway, only half way through the round, not even out by the water, yet, thinking "this might be the perfect course". It's so good. It's extremely playable, with most the challenge coming on the greens. They are so good, so fast, and you'd be completely lost trying pick lines without a caddie. A great experience that I spent a few years figuring how to achieve, and it's simply a special, special place. Unaccompanied guest tee off in the first hour at 7am. I went in the pro shop and they could not have been friendlier. They are so glad to have you there and want you to have an amazing experience. You check in and then they direct you to the putting green, right out front, roll some putts, meet your caddie, and await your time to tee off. The pro shop is tiny. Maybe one of the neatest things I've seen at a course which was such a small gesture....a box of brand new, shiny pennies for you to use as a ball marker. Just struck my as simple and classy. While rolling putts, the locker room attendant comes out and introduces himself and ask if you need anything. We then meet our caddies, who between the two, had 90 years experience at Cypress between them. Yes, 90 years. They know the yardage of every single sprinkler head on the course. And they have caddied for everyone imaginable. Great stories. I won't give a hole by hole review as that's out there for anyone to research. lt's such an interesting course, though. The walk from 14 green to 15 tee and then 16 tee is the greatest walk I've ever had. Playing 1-14 is like being in the front row watching the greatest band in the world, but then crossing 17 mile drive to 15, 16, 17 and 18 is like the bouncer pulling back the curtain and inviting you backstage. Amazing! I wanted to be the savvy golf course architect-guy and be able to defend the criticism of #18, but I couldn't. It's a fine hole, but just doesn't fit the rest of the course, and lacking a little drama for a 18th hole at maybe the finest course in the entire world. What you'd pay to play Pebble is what you can expect at Cypress. If there is any drawback, it's that you are there to play the course, in a timely manner, do you souvenir shopping, and then "thanks for playing", but never in a rushed are rude manner. It would be great to be able to use the practice area and be able to sit down for breakfast or lunch, but that is all reserved for members only, which is understandable considering how small the entire place is. We were able to use the locker room and check out some great historic photos. But, no doubt, it's magical! And as stated before, they are as generous and welcoming as could possibly be. I've been lucky enough to play some of the best courses in the country, and nothing compares to Cypress Point.