For the past few years, Shadow Wood’s Director of Instruction, Mark Moffatt, has taken members on fantastic golf trips both around the United States and abroad. It all began with the first member golf trip to Southwest Ireland in 2014. Mark has a fond appreciation for Ireland, and desired to share its culture, sights, and world-renowned golf links with Shadow Wood members. The trip was a huge hit, and his golf trips have gained a lot of momentum amongst members since then. Based on suggestions and feedback from members for upcoming trips, the desire to explore Pebble Beach was at the top of list. Highly regarded for its breathtaking golf courses with stunning views of the Pacific Ocean, Pebble Beach has been ranked as one of the top public courses in the country and is home to the annual AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am. This week Pebble Beach and Spyglass Hill, two of the golf courses the members played, will host the U.S. Amateur.
Mark, along with his wife Tracy and 34 Shadow Wood members, embarked on their journey to Pebble Beach, California on August 1, 2018 for their 6-day, 5-night adventure. The group stayed at the famous Inn at Spanish Bay, an upscale golf resort on the popular 17-mile drive. Mark described it as an elegant hotel on an extremely large property, even noting that it was a 15-minute walk just from his room to the lobby! Member Jeanne Pelletz, who attended the trip, shared that “the vistas were extraordinary- words cannot describe and photos really do no justice.”
On the evening of their arrival, the group was greeted with a luxurious Welcome Reception Dinner featuring a delectable 7-course tasting menu of the Chef’s fall selection of cuisine. Mark indicated that the dinner was fabulous, and that everyone enjoyed the food and camaraderie. “Pebble Beach rolled out the 'green carpet' for the members of Shadow Wood Country Club. Our welcome cocktail party was over the top!” added Mrs. Pelletz. It was a wonderful start to the fun-filled week that they had ahead.
Throughout the trip, they experienced the excitement of Spyglass Hill Golf Course, the Links at Spanish Bay and Pebble Beach Golf Links, the Lodge at Pebble Beach, 17-mile drive, Monterey Bay, the towns of Carmel and Monterey, and much more. Some of the group ventured off to “Taste of Carmel”, a local wine and food tour at Carmel-by-the-Sea. Between golf, fine dining, and sightseeing, there was never a dull moment. In between all the activities, the group relaxed by the massive fire pits enjoying the nightly bagpiper and drinks.
On the last evening of the trip, the group relished a Farewell Dinner overlooking Stillwater Cove at the Lodge at Pebble Beach; Mark said it has unbelievable oceanfront views overlooking the 18th green. The dinner was the perfect ending to a wonderful vacation. Everyone had a magnificent time on this “bucket-list” trip with most members having been their first time going to Pebble Beach. One couple, Myrna and Steve Kline were returning to Pebble Beach for the first time since their honeymoon. “Another key component to these trips is that not only do friends have a chance to take a golf trip together, it is a chance to meet members we may only see in passing” said Mrs. Pelletz. “When you are on vacation with people, you have a chance to really get to know them. I see that as a real plus to these trips.”
Shadow Wood's next member golf trip will be a golf and sightseeing trip in Fall 2019 to one of the most beautiful regions in the world, the Costa del Sol in Southern Spain. They will touch down in the vibrant city of Malaga and travel the Andalucía region. The group will play the most preferred golf courses in the region including the site of the 1997 Ryder Cup, Valderrama Golf Club. They will also enjoy play at Real Sotogrande Golf, LaReserva at Sotogrande, San Roque Club and Finca Cortesin Golf Club. Mark looks forward to exploring the region along with our members, taking in all that Spain has to offer.
