Pebble Beach making even more improvements

While one renovation project is already underway at world renowned Pebble Beach Golf Links, others could soon begin taking shape.

As of this week, the main irrigation system at Pebble Beach, which at around 30 years old is outdated, has begun being replaced in order to further improve its effectiveness and water conservation.

The $2 million project, which Pebble Beach Company Senior Vice-President of Golf RJ Harper said is being done on a hole-to-hole basis, primarily consists of the replacement of the main line around the perimeter of the course.

"The irrigation system has been due for replacement, and now is the time to do it," Harper said.

Following the improvement to the infrastructure of the course, which is expected to be completed in October, Harper said Pebble Beach officials will then begin taking a look at the day-to-day playability of the course.

One of the areas that's sure to be closely scrutinized will be the green of the par-5 14th hole.

While Jeff Sluman won the recent Champions Tour Nature Valley First Tee Open at Pebble Beach in part due to sinking a birdie putt on the 14th, the severely sloped green in general has been a headache inducer for the pros, so much so that many have called the hole "unfair."

During the 2010 AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am, four players, including most notably Paul Goydos, carded quadruple-bogeys on the hole. In just the second round of the 2010 U.S. Open alone, meanwhile, eight players had scores of double-bogey or higher on the 14th.

Another green that is certain to be looked will be the hourglass-shaped 17th. In the first round of the 2010 U.S. Open, 13 players carded double-bogey or higher on the hole. Following one of his rounds, Tom Watson, no stranger to the hole, stated, "Just to get it on the surface there is a major achievement."

According to Harper, once the irrigation project is finished in October, Pebble Beach co-owner and icon Arnold Palmer and his team will arrive to consult with Pebble Beach officials to determine what, if anything, will be done with the 14th and other areas of the course in preparation for the 2018 U.S. Amateur Championship and 2019 U.S. Open at Pebble Beach.

Palmer played a key role in changes that occurred at Pebble Beach prior to the 2010 U.S. Open, including pushing the fairways back closer to the ocean as they originally were meant to play.

As to when those projects would begin, Pebble Beach Co. CEO Bill Perocchi recently stated that should any changes occur to the 14th or other areas of the golf course proper, they wouldn't begin until 2013 or so.

U.S. Amateur

Salinas' Matt Pinizzotto earned a spot in the upcoming U.S. Amateur Championship (Aug. 22-28 at Erin Hills CC), shooting a 5-under 139 Tuesday in a 36-hole qualifier held at Richmond CC.

Pinizzotto tied for medalist honors. In another qualifier held at Sunnyside CC, Carmel's Jason Melvin became first alternate after finishing third with a score of 2-over 142. Michael Decker of Pebble Beach has already qualified for the championship.

NCGA Amateur

Some of the Golden State's best amateurs will be in the field when the 108th NCGA Amateur Match Play Championship gets underway Monday at Spyglass Hill. Among the locals slated to tee off include Stevenson sophomore Seb Crampton, Matt Pinizzotto, Jason Melvin and Chad and Luke Vivolo.

Following two days of stroke play qualifying (Monday and Tuesday), the low 32 will move on to match play, culminating in Friday's 36-hole final. Past champions of the event include Lawson Little Jr. (1928, 1931), Roger Maltbie (1972), Kevin Sutherland (1986) and Spencer Levin (2002, 2004).

Rancho Round-Up

Last week marked the halfway point of Rancho Canada's Thursday Twilight Round-Up golf league. Held every Thursday (starting at 2 p.m.) through October 13, the Round-Up consists of 18 holes with various formats including individual stroke play, 2-person best ball and 2-person scramble. Fee is $39 per player and includes cart and weekly tee awards ($10 Skins game is optional).

Throughout the season, players can win points determined by their finish (1st place=5, 2nd=4, etc.). At the end of the season, the 1st place finisher will win a weekday annual green fee pass at Rancho. Prizes for 2nd through 5th place include a set of Callaway irons, a Taylor Made driver and a pair of Foot Joy shoes. All entrants must register by noon on the day of play.