Cypress Point Club

Pebble Beach, California

There are a few select people who get to cherish a few select moments in life, such as: winning the lottery, becoming the next "American Idol," and getting to play a round of golf at Cypress Point Club. Or so it would seem with the aura of reverence surrounding this exclusive Pebble Beach country club.

Critics consistently rank Cypress Point Club among the Top 10 Golf Courses in the entire world (Golf Magazine ranks it as #2). Golfers speak of spiritual revelations after playing the signature 16th Hole. And one golfer even joked about cancelling his own daughter's wedding if he received a last-minute call to play at Cypress Point. It certainly sounded like a joke, but I believe the guy actually would reschedule his daughter's wedding if such an opportunity arose ("You can get married anytime, honey, but Daddy may never have another chance to play golf at Cypress Point again!")

With so much awe and admiration, what could possibly make a golf course seem so incredible? For starters, the course architecture at Cypress Point Club is considered exceptional thanks to the legendary Alister MacKenzie who designed the course back in 1928. MacKenzie is known for evoking the natural environments in his golf designs while presenting a challenging assortment of risk/reward options at each hole.

The natural setting of Cypress Point Club is nothing short of spectacular. The first dozen holes or so take you on a inland journey through valleys and cypress tree forests, with a scent of the sea drifting in from the path ahead. While scenic and enjoyable in and of themselves, these holes merely serve as the tunnel from which you emerge onto the most magnificent stage of all: the Pacific Ocean. The 15th to 17th Holes, known as some of the best in the world, run along the ocean's shoreline and steep cliffs.

The 15th Hole, a 115-yard par-3, crosses a small but choppy cove to a green surrounded by all the elements of the sea: rocks, wind, and waves.

The signature 16th Hole, an intimidating and long 220-yard par-3, evokes fear and exhiliration at the same time. Taking the unpredictable sea breezes into account, you must hit over the wide, blue ocean onto an elevated green. Hopefully, you'll avoid the bunkers and steep slopes around the green to complete a successful voyage across the ocean. Many professional golfers have considered this 16th Hole at Cypress Point the toughest on the entire PGA Tour.

Cypress Point Club is a private course for members and invited guests only. If you're fortunate enough to get on the course, part of the charm lies in the fact that you'll play undisturbed by any other group for almost the entire day. Plus, exclusivity breeds envy. And your friends will be "green with envy" knowing that you've played the greens at Cypress Point Club.

This is Article #5 in a series on Pebble Beach Golf Courses.

"Best Value" at Pebble Beach: Poppy Hills Golf Course
Poppy Hills Golf Course Pebble Beach, California Poppy Hills Golf Course may not be the pick of the pros, but for amateur/recreational golfers (like me and probably like you) it's widely considered the best value at Pebble Beach and even in the

"A Bit" of Scotland at The Links at Spanish Bay
The Links at Spanish Bay Pebble Beach, California Deep pot bunkers ... gusting winds ... sandy soil dunes ... and a rugged coastline by the sea. Scotland? No, but almost. The Links at Spanish Bay in Pebble Beach, California, brings a bit of

The Pirates of Pebble Beach: Spyglass Hill Golf Course
Spyglass Hill Golf Course Pebble Beach, California I climbed a thousand times to that tall hill they call the Spy-glass, and from the top enjoyed the most wonderful and changing prospects. - Robert Louis Stevenson, Treasure Island Like the