For the past decade, I had the privilege of helping build one of the most recognizable annual golf trips to Pebble Beach alongside John O’Connell. Together, we introduced countless golfers to one of the most unforgettable destinations in the game.
And for that, I’ll always be grateful.
John created an event that became a tradition for many players throughout Western Pennsylvania and beyond. The friendships, memories, dinners, and rounds of golf shared over the years helped make the trip something golfers looked forward to every season.
But after ten years of traveling to the Monterey Peninsula, listening to golfers, and experiencing every aspect of the trip firsthand, I decided it was time to create an experience of my own.
Not a replacement. An evolution.
Built Around The Player Experience
Over the years, players consistently shared ideas about what would make the experience even better.
Some wanted more time to settle in and enjoy the trip instead of flying across the country and immediately jumping into major rounds. Others hoped for better weather conditions, a more relaxed schedule, and additional golf opportunities built directly into the week.
Most importantly, players wanted a trip designed entirely around golfers and the overall experience.
That feedback became the foundation for the new event.
August 30 – September 5, 2027
The philosophy behind this trip is simple:
Create the ultimate player-focused Pebble Beach experience while maximizing golf, atmosphere, value, competitiveness and weather.
The event begins with three nights at Quail Lodge & Golf Club, one of the true hidden gems of the Monterey Peninsula. Instead of arriving exhausted and rushing directly into championship rounds, players have time to unwind, acclimate, and enjoy two practice rounds at Quail Lodge before heading into the famed Pebble Beach rotation.
The package includes:
A key design element of this itinerary is the sequencing of the courses, with the experience intentionally culminating in a final round at Pebble Beach Golf Links. Ending the trip on golf’s most iconic stage creates a natural crescendo to the week, rather than closing elsewhere along the rotation.
The investment for the six-night experience is $5,250 per person.
The response has exceeded expectations.
The inaugural 2027 event officially sold out with 24 players, reinforcing exactly what this trip was designed to become, an intimate, highly curated golf experience rather than an oversized event.
Interest for 2028 has already begun.
Why The Timing Matters
One of the biggest lessons learned over the years was the importance of timing on the Monterey Peninsula.
Historically, March weather along the California coast can be unpredictable, with cooler temperatures, stronger winds, and a greater chance for rain. Late August and early September typically provide some of the region’s most favorable golf conditions, including warmer temperatures and significantly drier weather patterns.
And yes, experience played a role in that decision.
A few years ago, our group found itself in the middle of one of California’s infamous “atmospheric river.” Trees were down throughout the area, power outages stretched across portions of Carmel, and several players ended up stranded for hours one evening at Mission Ranch waiting for roads to reopen.
To everyone’s credit, we still managed to tee it up at Pebble Beach Golf Links the following day.
But let’s just say sideways rain and horrendous wind gusts probably weren’t what most players envisioned when checking a bucket-list round off their list.
Oddly enough, that trip reinforced something important:
When golfers are making a once-in-a-lifetime investment to experience Pebble Beach, they deserve the best possible opportunity to enjoy it under ideal conditions.
That became one of the driving forces behind moving this event into prime-season weather.
A More Intimate Experience
Another important decision was intentionally limiting the size of the field.
Large groups can create logistical challenges anywhere, but especially at a destination as unique as Pebble Beach. This event was specifically designed to remain smaller, more personal, and easier to manage from both a hospitality and golf standpoint.
Years spent organizing international golf travel to the Dominican Republic have underscored how critical pacing, structure, and on-site flow are to delivering a truly seamless destination experience.
Every detail matters:
This isn’t meant to feel rushed. It’s meant to feel memorable.
Respecting The Past While Building The Future
None of this happens without the experiences of the last ten years.
I learned a tremendous amount working alongside John O’Connell, and I genuinely appreciate the role he played in helping so many golfers experience Pebble Beach for the first time.
But eventually, every organizer develops their own vision for what a golf trip can become.
This is mine.
The Monterey Golf Classic Experience was created to deliver premium golf, prime-season weather, exceptional accommodations, and a carefully structured player experience in one complete package.
At the end of the day, golfers simply want an unforgettable week with great people on some of the greatest courses in the world.
That will always be the priority.
Looking Ahead To 2028
With the 2027 event already sold out, planning has officially begun for 2028.
Field sizes will remain intentionally limited in order to preserve the atmosphere and player experience that is making this inaugural year such an immediate success.
Because some golf trips are vacations. Others become traditions.
