An inside look from the pros at the Tiger Woods Invitational host courses
Each year, the Tiger Woods Invitational gives guests the opportunity to golf three of the top golf courses in the United States. Each located along the 17-Mile Drive on the Monterey Peninsula, Spyglass Hill Golf Course, the Dunes Course at Monterey Peninsula Country Club and the world-renowned Pebble Beach Golf Links provide guests their own unique features which help make the Tiger Woods Invitational the exclusive golf event. We asked the head professionals at each course about their favorite features of their home course.
Course: Spyglass Hill
PGA Head Golf Professional: Jin Park
What is your favorite hole and why?
“Hole three because there is a spectacular panoramic view of the Pacific Ocean from the elevated tee.”
What is the one piece of advice you would offer anyone playing Spyglass Hill for the first time?
“Tee-it-forward! The course plays much longer than the yardages indicate due to the dramatic elevation changes.”
What is the hardest aspect of this Spyglass Hill?
“Due to the elevation changes, you are faced with numerous uneven lies”
In three words, describe Spyglass Hill…
“Dramatic, Beautiful and Challenging.”
What’s something unique about Spyglass Hill most people wouldn’t know?
“Spyglass Hill takes its theme from the Robert Louis Stevenson novel Treasure Island.”
What is one common reaction or comment from a guest the first time they play Spyglass Hill?
“’Spyglass Hill is a difficult, but fair golf course.’”
Course: Monterey Peninsula Country Club – Dunes Course
PGA Head Golf Professional: David Vivolo
What is your favorite hole and why?
“Hole 14 is one of the most beautiful par threes in the world nestled cozily against the cliffs of the Pacific Ocean. The tee sets and green integrates well both the natural landscape in the best way imaginable.”
What is the one piece of advice you would offer anyone playing the Dunes Course for the first time?
“Stay out of the natural sand dunes and if you find yourself in them without a shot, take a penalty and move it. You will most likely save yourself a stroke that way.”
In three words, describe the Dunes Course…
“Incredible, beautiful, enjoyable.”
What is the hardest aspect of the Dunes Course?
“The greens are challenging, quick and you must find your ball in the correct area on the greens.”
What’s something unique about the Dunes Course most people wouldn’t know?
“It was originally built by Seth Rayner in 1925 and had influences by Mackenzie.”
What is one common reaction or comment from a guest the first time they play the Dunes Course?
“Optically Sensational!’”
Course: Pebble Beach Golf Links
PGA Head Golf Professional: Eric Lippert
What is your favorite hole and why?
“Hole seven. It seems so cliché, but it is the most beautiful spot and it can be so difficult even though it looks so simple.”
What is the one piece of advice you would offer anyone playing Pebble Beach for the first time?
“Greatest walk in golf. If it’s your first time playing, it’s not likely you will shoot your best score. So, appreciate the subtleties, the views, and enjoy your walk.”
In three words, describe this Pebble Beach
“Breathtaking, Historic and Iconic.”
In your opinion, what is the hardest aspect of Pebble Beach?
“Leaving the 18th green! Also, it is a second-shot course, meaning your iron play must be accurate for the small-sized greens. Probably some of the smallest on the PGA Tour all year.”
What’s something unique about Pebble Beach most people wouldn’t know?
“Celebrating 100 years in 2019, Pebble Beach will have hosted six U.S. Opens, five U.S. Amateurs, two LPGA events, two U.S. Women’s Amateurs and a PGA Championship. However, Pebble Beach Golf Links almost didn’t happen. The coastline there was initially developed with hundreds of small home lots. A new manager in 1915, Samuel Morse, abandoned the earlier plan in favor of the golf course on the ocean.”
What is one common reaction or comment from a guest the first time they play Pebble Beach?
“’I knew it was beautiful from watching the tournament, but to see it in person is even better. I will be back!’”
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