Playing Pebble Beach
On 27 May 2001,  Don Ashmore, John Moore and Steve played a once in a lifetime round at Pebble Beach.  The story of how we were able to do it is nearly as incredible as the views from the course.  But more about that later.

John Moore, Don Ashmore and Steve Hamerdinger in front of the Pebble Beach sign.

John Moore and Don Ashmore joined Steve at Pebble.
It was sheer luck that we are able to play.  The "smart guys" say you have to book a year in advance.  And it was Memorial Day weekend after all.  I had talked to several guys who were planning to attend the National ADARA conference in Monterey, but none of them really could seem to get it together.  I had pretty well given up the idea as a lost cause.  Besides, it was expensive.  

Friday afternoon during a lull in the conference proceedings Barry Critchfield suggested that I join him on a drive down 17 Mile Drive.  Having nothing better to do, I went along.  John Moore joined us and off we went.

For those of you who have never been 17 Mile Drive, it is quite lovely.  I had never seen seals in the wild before and it was amusing to watch them.  The coastline around Del Monte Forest is gorgeous.

Statute of a little boy win Dad's golf shoes and club titled, "Just Like Dad's"

 Anyway... we soon found ourselves at the clubhouse of Pebble Beach.  John wanted to stop so we did.  This is hallowed ground, mind you.  We wander about the pro shop and Barry come slips off somewhere.  A few minutes later he comes fairly running up to John and I and insists that we follow him!  Into the bathroom, of al things.  Shades of Junior High School.  

Being the cool, suave fellow I am, I noticed Tiger Woods locker, Jack Nicholas' locker and the lockers of a veritable pantheon of golf greats.  I promptly melted into a gibbering pile of star-struck goo.  (For those of you who must know, I did use the same facilities as Tiger did... as did Barry and John!)
By this time, John had worked himself into a frenzy.  He had to play this course.  I told him, "Give it up, you have to make tee times a year in advance and this is a holiday weekend!"  John puts down the dare: If we can get the tee times, will I play with him?  "Yeah, sure..  no problem..  Go see if you can get the tee time!"  I looked over to Barry and grinned at my cleverness!

(Continued on the next page.  Next  Click the Golfer to advance.)