[Golfers' Bucket List②] Cypress Point "Gift from the Gods"

The 'Dream Course' Competing for the No.1 Spot Among America's Top 100 Golf Courses, with Dramatic Cliffs and Deep Blue Waves, and the 16th Hole Called 'The Best Hole on Earth'

Hole 16 at Cypress Point is a signature hole where the tee shot is played as if aiming toward an island.

[Asia Economy Reporter No Woo-rae] "A golf course gifted by the gods."

It is the Cypress Point Club in Pebble Beach, California, USA. It is famous as a prestigious golf course that always ranks at the top in Golf Digest's biennial selection of the "Top 100 Courses in the USA." Designed in 1928 by Alister MacKenzie, who also designed Augusta National, along with Robert Hunter, it is considered the most beautiful course in the United States. Its scenery scores are unmatched.

The dark blue waves crashing against the rocky cliffs immediately capture golfers' attention. The cypress trees add a splendid charm. Located on the Monterey Peninsula near Carmel Bay, south of San Francisco, the so-called "17-Mile Drive," a coastal road, is also an unmissable viewpoint. Since 1966, it has never been excluded from the list of the Top 100 Courses in the USA, boasting an unshakable status.

The origin dates back to 1921 when Marion Hollins, a rare female figure in the golf world who won the U.S. Women's Amateur Championship, happened to pass through California and was completely captivated by the stunning scenery, leading her to visit Monterey. She teamed up with Baynton Ford, a former mayor of Carmel, and Roger LaFamme, a member of a San Francisco shipping group, to purchase the current site. The golf course design was initially entrusted to Seth Raynor, but he suddenly passed away.

Fortunately, MacKenzie was selected as the successor designer, resulting in the creation of a famous course. The 16th hole (par 3, 219 yards) is especially praised as "the finest hole on Earth." It is, in short, the signature hole. It feels like teeing off toward an island. To reach the green, you must hit the ball 220 yards over the Pacific Ocean. If the distance is short, the ball inevitably sinks into the sea. It is surprising that Bing Crosby and Jerry Pate made hole-in-ones here.

The 15th hole (par 3, 143 yards) embraces the breathtaking scenery of the national park and is an "absolutely unforgettable hole." The course is par 72 with a total length of 6,541 yards, relatively short. The fairways are Bermuda grass, and the greens are bentgrass. The middle tees measure 6,072 yards, the front tees 5,738 yards, and the ladies' tees 5,248 yards. The hole arrangement is also unique. There are three par 5 holes in the front nine. Holes 15 and 16 are consecutive par 3s. Even skilled amateurs can get into serious trouble if they underestimate it.

It is known for its difficulty due to rough terrain and tricky sand bunkers. Relatively small and fast greens, unpredictable sea breezes, and other variables often result in worse scores than usual. It operates strictly for members. Former U.S. President Bill Clinton was "rejected" when he wanted to play during his tenure. The membership is 275, and it is relatively lenient toward women, recognizing female members.

Arnold Palmer (USA) was only added to the membership list in 2009. The green fee for 18 holes is $35?40, and $25 for playing only 9 holes. Facilities include a barbecue grill, restaurant, private event hall, banquet hall, and swimming pool. There is a dress code prohibiting tank tops, t-shirts, jeans, tube tops, and sportswear. For $75, you can receive a 50-minute private lesson, which includes range balls and video analysis. A 9-hole field lesson costs $150.