A Trip To Cypress Point

Throughout my life the Cypress Point Club course has been a consensus top five ranking in the world. I had never had an opportunity to play it until a text appeared from my friend and fellow Minnesotan, Tom Friedman. He was inviting me for a three day trip to play on the Monterey Peninsula. I knew it would be a special memory. I never imagined it would be as fantastic as it turned out to be.

When the opportunity to play one of the top courses in the country presents itself, such as Cypress Point, Augusta National or Pine Valley, you go play. Thus, there wasn’t even a decision, I would be going. The invitation was particularly challenging since it was with a one week notice.

The trip was on Monday - Wednesday. “Come for all or part,” the text read. My wife, Sandy, understood the magnitude of the invitation. We trimmed back a trip to a cabin and I was on a 6:00 PM flight Monday night to San Francisco. I would be a day late, but still with two days left. I rented a car and was in a Monterey hotel room by 11:00 PM, west coast time.

Two other friends on the trip, Rick Soskin and Ben Rubin, faced obligations of their own. This caused a 7:00 AM tee time in order to complete 36 holes by the appointed time for their departure of 3:00.

We stood high on the first tee with a spectacular panoramic view of the Pacific in front of us. Behind, an understated men’s and women’s locker room with adjacent small golf shop.

There are a limited number of lockers in the small locker room. All members share lockers with at least two others. I can’t imagine how they handle the big club events, as there is only one shower.

A separate building holds 8 sleeping rooms along with a small dining area. Nothing fancy, mind you, just all that is needed.

My caddie, Paul, instructed me, “Hit it between the trees on the left and right.” I fired away, right down the middle and we were off.

As we made our way through the early holes it became evident why Cypress Point is the best of the best. Architect Alister Mackenzie worked with spectacular topography to create a masterpiece. Each hole is unique, flowing up and down hills and valleys. Nearly every hole requires the player to pick an angle to attack the hole. Too aggressive a choice generally ends up in a bunker, waste area or locked up behind a tree. A conservative play or mishit results in having a much longer shot into a green from a difficult angle.

And, oh the greens! As one of the great green complex designers (the green and surrounding areas), Mackenzie was at his best. The greens are generally large with many sections with different levels. The greens are unique in shape, design, and slope. Some greens are huge, others small. Each green appropriate for the shot being called for. Get your shot into the correct section and you have an excellent chance of a birdie. From the wrong section, it’s a challenge to two putt.

It’s the bunkers that make Cypress Point spectacular. With elevation variations, slopes and mounds, Mackenzie had wonderful land to work with.

The yardage is misleading. While the middle tees play at just over 6300 yards, it feels like 6700 when playing. The 285 yard par 4, ninth hole, may be as difficult as any at Cypress. Playing at sea level, frequently into a light sea breeze, every hole seems to require a bit more club. I have never seen so many great uphill holes. However, nearly every hole has an area with a down hill, giving dramatic views of the landscape.

“Mackenzie requires precision,” said Tom. “He is saying to the player on every play, Do you have this shot in your bag? Can you hit the precise shot the distance called for, in the correct direction? If you can, there is a big reward and, if not, a big challenge.”

Then there is the 16th hole. 220 yards all carry over a bay, into a breeze off the ocean. It is the most visually intimidating shot I have ever faced. Along with the 12th at Augusta National and the 18th at Pebble Beach, it is one of the best known in golf. In pictures it is beautiful, in person it is stunning. I failed miserably with the shot each time we played.

We finished our morning round and I realized Cypress Point is on another level of the great golf courses. The topography, the routing, the bunkers, the greens all are great, but the Pacific Ocean puts it on top. It’s the best I have ever seen.

While the Cypress Point Club is exclusive, the atmosphere is relaxed. There was no hustle bustle, no starter on the first tee giving instruction to get groups going. It's laid back, not intimidating or pretentious. While service was excellent, employees were not visible. Members went about their business preparing to play and playing.

Former Secretary of State, Condolezza Rice, a golf addict, was on an adjacent fairway during our emergency 9 holes. We chatted with her for 10 minutes or more before we each moved on. It's relaxed at Cypress Point.

On my second day Tom arranged for us to play the Dunes Course at Monterey Peninsula Golf Club. It's a high profile 36 hole club nearby on the Pacific Ocean. The Dunes Course was recently redone. The result is 18 fantastic green complexes with wonderful bunkering. With the re-grassing of the greens, they have a perfect strain of bent grass. Both courses deserve the high rating they carry.

We made the decision to play another round at Cypress Point in the afternoon. After lunch in the small dining room, we headed out on a perfect afternoon. Playing in a brisk three hours, with caddie Austin, we were the only players on the course by the back nine. It was heaven on earth.

The best course I had ever seen, on a great day in the company of one of the most interesting people I know, Tom Friedman. I have never had a more enjoyable round of golf. “I'm more excited to play Cypress Point today than yesterday,” I said.

Many of the great courses in the United States are impossible to get to play. Augusta National being the poster boy. Not so at Cypress Point. Nearly every day there are four unaccompanied groups allowed. If it’s a goal to play Cypress Point, it can be done. While it may be exclusive, they do not exclude the golf world.

I have been on many wonderful golf trips to great places with great people. However, this trip was at the top of the list. The greatest golf trips require several components. First, playing partners are people you thoroughly enjoy being with. Next, the course or courses have to be great, in both design and condition. Then the weather has to be great. Finally, everybody should be satisfied with their play. This trip met all the criteria.

It was a special time with my friends at my new #1 favorite course, Cypress Point Club. For many of us Monterey is difficult to get to and to access several of the great courses. Whatever effort, time or money is required, do not miss the Monterey Peninsula. Memories I made will never be forgotten in A Life In Golf.