Pebble Beach Bargain

Lisa Marlowe’s article on the Monterey Peninsula’s golf courses (“Par Excellence,� Sept. 27) reminded me of a delightful three days my husband and I spent at the Lodge at Pebble Beach about 30 years ago.

We were in our early 50s, newly married and just learning to play golf. Not long after we had taken a few lessons, we saw a magazine ad for a golf package that included three days’ stay at the lodge with unlimited golf at both Pebble Beach and Spyglass Hill, two dinners and breakfast each morning, and entrance to the 17-Mile Drive. The total cost was about $85 per person. Needless to say we jumped at the opportunity.

We were on the third fairway at Pebble Beach our first day out when we began to fully realize the meaning of “fools rush in where angels fear to tread.� Our scores were astronomical. We finally quit keeping score and just enjoyed the scenery.

We were treated like royalty at the lodge. A maid lit the fire in the fireplace and we, romantically, sipped very dry martinis while viewing the ocean through our window overlooking the 18th fairway.

To the best of my recollection, green fees at both courses in those days were between $10 and $20 and rates at the lodge less than $100. What a pity that only the rich can afford it now!

GEORGIA WHITLOCK

Long Beach