Editor’s note: This was published in 2019 is being brought back with the NCAA Final Fou taking place this weekend! Enjoy!
Here we are, down to the Final Four and the Championship match! We started with my 64 favorite golf holes to play in Northern California, and we are down to the last four. Last week we released the Round of 32, and earlier today, we published the Sweet 16 and Elite 8>
Final 4
Pebble Beach No. 18 (1) vs. Half Moon Bay No. 18 – Old Course (1): If you really think about it, this is an easy choice. Take in everything that has happened on the 18th at Pebble, memories you imagine while you are walking the fairway. Sure, there are nerves, but just take a gander to your left and it all melts away. Even though the winner is clear here, you have to give much love to the closing hole on the Old Course at Half Moon Bay!
Spyglass No. 3 (2) vs. Pebble Beach No. 8 (1): You can’t get over that the 8th at Pebble has what is called “the greatest second shot in golf.” That is not the second greatest shot at Pebble, but the second greatest shot in all of golf. That is heavy if you stop and think about. As I have mentioned before, unless you have played the hole, it is tough to fully appreciate what the feeling is like.
Championship
Pebble Beach No. 18 (1) vs. Pebble Beach No. 8 (1): One of the most famous pictures in golf is that of Jack Nicklaus sitting on the wooden railings around the 18th tee, looking out to the water as he was playing his final U.S. Open round at Pebble Beach.
You look at the picture and wonder what was going through Jack’s mind. Then when you get a chance to play Pebble, the first thing you do is go take the same seat and look at the ocean. You don’t know for sure what Nicklaus was thinking, but you know one thing that had to go through his mind – man, is the greatest meeting of land and sea in the golfing world.
Having been blessed to play Pebble Beach a couple times, I can tell you, I could sit there all day and enjoy every second. After you get your ball teed, you stare down the fairway, which seems to be getting gobbled up by the ocean.
Even after you find the fairway with your tee shot, you are faced with another daunting, yet exhilarating shot. Are you up far enough to give it a go to get home in two? If you choose to layup you still have the big tree on the right to contend with if you push your shot.
Standing on the green gives you that last chance to take in the ethereal experience of playing Pebble Beach. Then, after holing your putt don’t forget to tip your cap to the imaginary thousands of fans in the imaginary bleachers around the green.
Your winner – No. 18 at Pebble Beach!
By Dennis Miller