Pebble Beach is to golf what Paris is to cuisine: it isn't that there aren't other reasons to visit, but all of them pale by comparison. This private 5,300-acre enclave on northern California's Monterey Peninsula embraces not only some of the most picturesque coastline anywhere in the west but also three of the nation's most alluring golf courses. Sooner or later, anyone with a bag of clubs has to make a pilgrimage to the legendary Pebble Beach Golf Links, which traditionally ranks as the No. 1 resort course in America.

Nothing matches its breathtaking scenery, as many of its holes trail along the cliffs, rocks, and beaches at the very edge of the Pacific Ocean. And having come to play Pebble Beach, you can also look forward to Robert Trent Jones's gorgeous if formidable Spyglass Hill (the oldest course west of the Mississippi) and the narrow, duney Links at Spanish Bay (not to mention Cypress Point, a course nearly as magnificent as Pebble Beach but so private that not even the PGA can gain access). So what if you need to take out a second mortgage to cover the greens fees?

The stellar nature of Pebble Beach golf is an almost impossible act to follow, so it is surprising to find that this quintessential golf resort has paid exceptional attention to tennis. Tennis on the Monterey Peninsula does in fact have a tradition going back to before the turn of the century. Bill Tilden, Don Budge, Ellsworth Vines, Bobby Riggs, Elizabeth Ryan, Helen Wills Moody, and Alice Marble were among the greats who frequented the courts at Monterey's old Hotel Del Monte. Following World War II, when the hotel was sold to the Navy, the center of tennis action shifted to Pebble Beach where the late John Gardiner was head professional. He put Pebble Beach on the tennis map by bringing in the Kramer Pro Tour and the California State Championships.

Gardiner later established his luxury camp a few miles away, of course (see Gardiner's Resort), but Pebble Beach still means tennis. In 1994, the old complex was obliterated and replaced by a handsome $3.2 million Tennis Club. Beautifully designed, from the wooden shelving in its boutique-like pro shop to the broad patios overlooking the dozen hard and clay courts, this has already become a place to meet and linger. Long the poor stepchild to golf at the resort, tennis had struggled as a perfunctory amenity, present in body but not in spirit. It has obviously helped to have friends in high places, in this case the president of the company who is himself an avid tennis player.

No one who passes on 17-Mile Drive can fail to notice the change. Neither does it hurt that the courts are part of a wealthy and exclusive community, where not a few of the 5,800 residents have taken the phrase "a man's home is his castle" literally and where they can afford to impose stringent building regulations that ensure that the natural beauty of the area remains unspoiled.

Tennis Features

Pro Shop: 831-625-8509

Tennis director Kie Foreman took over this operation in the fall of 2000 and continues the tradition of providing the same level of service at the courts that guests are accustomed to receiving at the nearby Lodge. A ranked junior in the Pacific Northwest, Foreman went on to play for Idaho State University and subsequently ranked as high as No. 14 in the Pacific Northwest Open Division. He later put in stints at two very active racquet clubs, one in California, the other in Oregon, and at the posh Boulders resort north of Phoenix.

Tennis Programs. The principal emphases are private lessons and game matching, though there is also a daily clinic and a "Beat the Pro" session, the last of which is free if you win.
Courts & Fees. The club has 10 hard and 2 clay courts laid out below an elegant full-service pro shop. Court fees: $12/person/day.

Your Call

Here's what others have had to say about Lodge at Pebble Beach.

• "My wife had just taken up the sport of tennis ("hunter jumper" equestrian riding consumed a large part of her time previously)when we thought a nice weekend getaway to the Carmel, California area would be fun. We reviewed a few of the camps on-line and decided that The Beach and Tennis Club at Pebble Beach sounded great. We couldn't have been more delighted. The facility is second to none and the professional teaching staff headed by Kie Forman, Director of Tennis were "top drawer."
  From the onset we were pampered, challanged and dined at the Beach Club overlooking the ocean for lunch and the "Stillwater Bar and Grill" for a great last night dining experience. We received great individual instruction and some very competitive yet balanced play. We couldn't have asked for a better venue, staff and experience. So much that we are returning again this April with some friends."—R.G., Adv. Int., January 2008

• "I had a great weekend with lots of fun tennis and people. The pro staff made it all enjoyable and a great learning experience. I have recommeneded the tennis to camp to all my tennis playing friends."—W.R., Int., January 2008

• "Kai and his amazing tennis professionals continue to deliver amazing tennis each year! Everyone is very knowledgable about the game but there enthusiasm for teaching and love of the game is really inspirational. I look forward to next year at the Beach and Tennis Club at Pebble Beach!!!"—L.E., Adv. Int., December 2007

• "Kie is an exceptionally amicable coach. He has selected very high-quality instructors to work around him. He's developed a winning format."—K.W., Int., December 2007

Other Recreation

Spa & Fitness Center. The resort has a new spa in an historic estate home called Casa Palmero not far from the racquet club.

Calendar

See Also

If you're looking for a tennis resort with strong golf and a seaside setting, look at:

• Sea Island Resort, Georgia
• Hyatt Regency Dorado Beach, Puerto Rico
• Kapalua Resort, Hawaii
• Kiawah Island Golf Resort, South Carolina

Travel Essentials

Seasons. Year-round; however the best tennis weather—and most activity—occurs from March to November.

Lodge at Pebble Beach
1700 17-Mile Drive
Pebble Beach, CA 93953
831-624-3811
Toll-free: 800-654-9300
Web Link: Lodge at Pebble Beach

NEW!

Book Online: Lodge at Pebble Beach

 

Travel Instructions. By Air: The nearest major airports are San Jose, 80 miles to the north and San Francisco, 117 miles north. However, there is also a small regional gateway in Monterey Peninsula Airport, 13 miles from the resort. By Car: From San Francisco or San Jose, take Hwy. 101 South to the Monterey Peninsula Exit and Hwy. 156 West.

General Tourist Information. Visit the Monterey Peninsula Chamber of Commerce and Visitors & Convention Bureau web site or contact them at 380 Alvarado St., P.O. Box 1770, Monterey, CA 93942-1770. Phone: 831-649-1770.

Links: Home | Index | Search | Specials | Calendar | Juniors | Join Our Mailing List | Contact TRO | Site Map | Rate This Resort

Maps: Northwest | Southwest & Hawaii | Midwest & South | Northeast | Mid-Atlantic | Southeast & Caribbean | Europe & North Africa

©Copyright 1999-2008 Roger Cox