Dunes at Monterey Peninsula Country Club

Like everybody else, I could easily see myself getting cozy as a member at MPCC. Playing the Shore course was an incredible treat. I've been playing poorly all year, but I found the Shore course very fair and that made it more enjoyable than I could have imagined coming in. Don't misread my words ... it's a PGA Tour-level test of golf, but it's a perfect place for everyday players like me to enjoy the game. Despite playing on a typical Monterey day - overcast with a brief drizzle - I can't get those views out of my head.

MPCC (Shore) is a terrific course that you should absolutely play if you get the chance. A couple things to know...

Firstly, It is a somewhat traditional club and sticks to it's rules pretty closely. Things like having your phone out on the course (except for the occasional picture), changing your shoes anywhere other than the locker room, or wearing shorts, are not going to be on your agenda.

Secondly, they have a youth on the course caddie program that is terrific and I can't recommend it enough. We had two of the youth caddies in our group and both were good. You aren't going to get what you might as far as local knowledge from a regular professional caddie; however, you are doing something for the game and helping get youth engaged etc. It's more than worth it in my opinion.

The course conditions were fantastic when I played, and the layout was a terrific match. The course isn't super long, playing at 6478 (72.2/130) form the black tees I used (still less than 7000 from the tips) but uses angles and well placed bunkers (as well as a *lot* of more natural sand areas) to protect par.

For the most part the course isn't overly-punitive for a slightly mishit ball; however, a really bad shot can send you back the the tee box and really put a dent in your scorecard. It's a fair course, but you'll absolutely know how well you played looking at your score after the round.

Everyone I met at MPCC was terrific and it had more of a family vibe than a stuff club feel (despite the rules mentioned above), I really enjoyed all of my interactions and all of the service aspects here.

From a purely "wow" perspective, it's hard to beat the par three 11th hole (the one hole we did play the back tees). Standing between two rock formations on an elevated green firing about 190/195 to a green with the Pacific as your backdrop. My 7i was a little long, so don''t let the distance fool you.

I also really like both #8 and #15, both examples of the course letting the terrain keep you honest while being just beautiful holes. With large doglegs, offering a generous landing area for a 3w or other "layup" club but a risk reward Driver shot available, it's just fun golf.

I found the bunkers, the rough, and especially the greens very playable here. Again, unless you really lose a ball in the grass (which requires a pretty bad shot in most places) you can recover.

As a private club pace of play was great, we finished in a perfectly leisurely 3:44 without ever feeling rushed at all. Obviously not everyone can play here, but if you get the chance you should leap at it. It's a great, not overly stressful, walk that you're sure to remember (very fondly).

Having recently had the opportunity to play MPCC, I highly recommend! It is a more traditional club and is fairly strict on standards and rules, so keep that in mind while on property. The course itself is impeccable, with plenty of challenge, elevation changes, and of course breathtaking ocean views. If you get the opportunity to play here, take it!!

What can you say? A true Monterey Peninsula gem. What else would you rank ahead of it besides Pebble Beach and Cypress Point?

Challenging but fair

During my trip to the Monterey Peninsula I was fortunate enough to play MPCC. I was excited to have the opportunity to play, because I knew it would be nice, but it exceeded all expectations I could possibly have. The course was in impeccable condition, and the holes held tremendous character. While all the holes were stunning, the views of the ocean made them even more special. It would be difficult to overstate my gratitude for having the ability to play the course. If you get the chance to play, do not turn it down.

Played Poppy on December 20 with a good friend. Pace of play was great as we played in a bit over 4 hours. Greens had been aerated a while ago and the greens showed some signs of that process. We had a beautiful, clear and brisk day to play. Fairways are in good condition and overall the course played relatively firm and fast. Poppy is an excellent golf value considering you are playing golf in Del Monte Forest on the Monterey Peninsula.

Before playing MPCC's Dunes Course, I knew only about the other course on property, the Shore, which has been part of the AT&T Pebble Beach rotation for the past couple of years. Our round was cold, and we walked because of the heavy rain the area had received in February, but we had a blast. If you've played the Dunes before, come check out the incredible renovation done by David Kahn and Tim Jackson.

All of the par 3s are beautiful -- especially No. 7 and, in my opinion, the signature hole, No. 14, tucked hard against the Pacific -- but what struck me about the Dunes is that there isn't a single unmemorable hole. Seriously. Not one. I can't remember the last time I played a course and thought that.

There are reachable par 5s, and a drivable par 4, and plenty of elevation change, and ... did I mention how great the par 3s are? Kahn and Jackson understand what many modern designers do not: It's OK to have fun and make pars (and even a few birdies!).

The Dunes will be a part of the AT&T rota before long, perhaps as early as 2018. When it is, the pros are in for an absolute treat.

Monterey is mostly famous for Pebble Beach, Cypress Point and Spyglass Hill. However, with two fabulous 18-hole layouts, MPCC is as good as any golf club I know. The Shore Course is annual host of the AT&T and became an instant favorite. It was in immaculate shape when I played it and with many oceanfront holes and views to die for, this course can hold its own against neighbors Pebble and Cypress. Be sure to play it if you ever get the chance!

Although the Shores Course is the one used for the AT&T, the Dunes Course is right up there in terms of views, conditioning and interest. Membership, like so many great clubs across the country, is by invitation only. And if you get the chance to play there as a guest, take it. It's Pebble Beach golf at its finest, and when you reach the part that borders the beach, you'll want to take in all of it. The highlight, perhaps, is the 14th, a par 3 that plays over a piece of the Pacific. The back tee, in fact, is set a little offshore, making the shot all carry.

I was fortunate enough to play here thanks to a member and I'll never forget it. While it was rather cold and windy, that did not stop us from having a great time. A couple of holes are right on the water and are just spectacular.
This course was very difficult as well. The course conditions were perfect but the rough was tough, greens were quick, and it did play long thanks to the wind.
I would highly recommend it if you have the opportunity to play. The entire club is just awesome. Food is great, pro shop is really nice, and the practice facilities are ideal for any golfer. Two thumbs up for sure!