[Kim Haneul's FunFun Golf] 'Bucket List'

Choi Nayeon Invited to Pebble Beach Links Round
Experience the Most Beautiful Golf Course in the World
Scores 2 Under Par, Says "Will Definitely Bring Parents"

Golfers have golf courses they absolutely want to visit before they die. It’s a bucket list. For me, the Pebble Beach Links course in California, USA, is on that bucket list. I fulfilled that dream last July. Nayeon Choi, who won the 2012 US Women’s Open, had the opportunity to invite one guest each to the past champions’ event. She chose me as her guest, and we played a round at Pebble Beach. Even now, I’m deeply moved thinking about it.

Pebble Beach is the most beautiful golf course in the world. It even has the nickname “Playground of the Gods.” The “old golf emperor” Jack Nicklaus (USA) once said, “If I could play a round before I die, it would definitely be at Pebble Beach.” It’s a world-class course with breathtaking views of the Monterey Peninsula near San Francisco. It’s a seaside course that preserves the western US coastline, allowing you to feel the crashing waves of the Pacific Ocean from almost every hole.

The course is designed as a one-way route without a clubhouse in between. The strong Pacific winds are a major variable. The wind changes intensity and direction constantly, making it difficult to gauge. Pebble Beach’s course is stunningly beautiful, and the pro shop had many cute souvenirs. It was also impressive that the tournament provided the best food to the players. Most tournaments in Korea and Japan don’t have this; players usually buy food at the clubhouse just like regular visitors.

After the US Women’s Open ended, I had the chance to play a round on the tournament course. It was a shotgun start, and I began at the 14th hole (par 5). I started off well by making a birdie on the first hole. I also made three consecutive birdies on holes 5 (par 3), 6 (par 5), and 7 (par 3). Over 18 holes, I recorded four birdies and two bogeys, finishing with a 2-under-par 70 on a challenging course. Nayeon, who played with me, joked, “You play really well. You could come back as a pro.”

Pebble Beach Links Overview

Pebble Beach has many holes where tee shots are very tricky. Sometimes I used a wood instead of a driver for tee shots. The fairways were so narrow that there was no need to force a driver shot. It was difficult to hit accurate distances from the deep rough. The greens were very fast downhill slopes and small in size, requiring precise iron shots. The sand conditions were also excellent.

Being by the sea, the wind strength was no joke. Sometimes it was hard to hold the finish pose. I even used a 9-iron from 130 yards. The ocean visible to the left of the 18th hole (par 5) was stunning. The 7th hole’s green felt like an island floating in the middle of the sea. Watching PGA Tour players on TV and then actually hitting the ball there felt like a dream. Next time, I definitely want to bring my parents to play here. A sportainer and 14-time champion on the Korea-Japan Tour