The “Crosby Clambake”, a small tournament for Bing and his friends, has transformed into an incredible event that never fails to bring thousands of visitors to the Monterey Peninsula in early February. The Monterey Peninsula Foundation, the organization that puts on the tournament, expects 150,000 – 200,000 attendees and hopes to raise $7 million for local charities. Practice rounds began in the beginning of the week, and on Wednesday the “Birdies for Charity Shoot-out” took place. Thursday is the first day of play and the final round takes place on Sunday. What draws such a large gallery? Golf enthusiasts not only like to watch great golf, but also like to ogle the celebrities that participate from the worlds of sports, music, and the big screen. The likes of Michael Bolton, Tom Brady, Kenny G, Andy Garcia, Chris Berman, Tony Romo, Don Cheadle, Chris O’Donnell, and Vince Gill will be on the course and ready to sign autographs. Also playing, comedians George Lopez and Bill Murray will keep the gallery in stitches with their antics. I remember one year, Bill Murray was horsing around with a spectator and the poor woman fell into a sand trap!

There are two things that the players and commentators are raving about this year. First is the great weather! It’s clear and sunny and perfect for enjoying the great outdoors and the tremendous ocean views. Since the event takes place in February, some years the winter storms get the best of the tournament. Last year on Sunday a blustery storm ended play and toppled a 40-foot Monterey pine tree on the 3rd hole of Pebble Beach shortening the tournament to 54 holes. Secondly, instead of Poppy Hills Golf Course as was custom in previous years, the newly redesigned Monterey Peninsula Country Club Shore Course is one of the three courses played in the tournament (the other courses are Spyglass Hill and Pebble Beach). Pictured is the author on one of the par 3 holes on the Shore Course. The participants that are playing on the MPCC Shore course today are ecstatic and in awe of the incredible ocean views from almost every hole. The course follows along the shoreline in Pebble Beach offering breath-taking ocean views and white surf crashing on the rocks. There is no place like the Monterey Peninsula to showcase Mother Nature’s gifts!

It’s not too late, come on down to the Monterey Peninsula! If you do, you’ll leave here with delightful memories of inspiring golf, crashing sunlit waves, and beautiful clear blue skies.

Posted By: Susan Clark