When I told my 4-year-old son I was going on a golf trip, he asked if I was copying dad. I paused and realized, yes, I was. Golf is my husband’s passion, and while there are couples who share every hobby, I’ve been part of the camp of people who zone out the moment their partner mentions their hobby. For the last 15 years, golf has played as a background noise in our living room, and I’ve visited a handful of golf resorts on family trips, only to check out the spa rather than the course.
All that to say, I didn’t set out to copy my husband’s passion for golf. My interest in golf was independent from him. I attended an Adidas golf event this summer where I was surrounded by an inclusive and exciting community of female golfers, including LPGA athlete Rose Zhang. I was inspired to take lessons and learned that golf is more popular than ever with women. Of the Americans who played golf on a course in 2024, 28 percent were women, which is up 19 percent from a decade ago. Yes, I was trying “his sport,” but I was doing it without him and on my own time.
When I had the opportunity to go on a golf trip at Casa Palmero at the iconic and world-renowned Pebble Beach Resort with Sam, my first reaction was excitement. This would be our first golf trip where I was actually going to play with him. Not until the rather cutting question from my son did I grapple with another question: is it annoying to copycat your partner’s passion?
My Experience on a Golf Trip With My Husband at Casa Palmero at Pebble Beach Resorts
As we planned our golf getaway, I couldn’t resist getting us complementary outfits for the rounds we would be playing. As someone who loves a matching holiday pajamas set, I had to commemorate this experience with matching outfits from G/Fore and Adidas. This choice definitely lived in the world of annoying, but my husband loved his outfits and happily wore them.
Here’s the thing: Pebble Beach isn’t an ordinary golf resort. It’s home to the courses that are at the top of a golfer’s bucket list. It’s also located in Monterey, the stunning coastal California town where “Big Little Lies” was set. It’s a location where the memories created will be cherished for years and the photos will be printed.
We began our trip with a just over an hour flight from Burbank, CA, to Monterey on the air carrier JSX, which we selected because they offer plane-side baggage retrieval. As we prepared for this trip, I expressed my concerns to Sam about my two new Callaway Reva Rise Clubs getting damaged in transit. I was being annoying about this, as my husband has traveled with his clubs a ton with no issues, but I am happy to say all of our clubs arrived in pristine condition.
After a short drive, we arrived in our room at Casa Palmero, located along the 17-Mile Drive scenic road. The Mediterranean-inspired property is located steps away from the spa where I did a steam, sauna, and cold plunge circuit to get ready for golf. I may not be a pro athlete, but I am a pro at self-care.
On our itinerary, we were going to play two courses: The Hay, a short course, described as a “fun place where juniors, families, and friends, regardless of their ability, could gather around the game of golf,” and Spanish Bay, ranked as one of the best public golf courses in the country.
We started with the nine-hole of The Hay, and this idyllic course reminded me of a Hallmark movie filled with smiling multigenerational families. We played behind a grandmother teaching her young grandchildren how to play golf. Sam and I had a heartwarming conversation about how fun it will be to take our kids golfing when they are older. It was a course where golf and wandering thoughts about the future could cohabitate.
With a smile on my face, I grabbed my club and almost made a hole in one. Yes, it was a bit of luck, but I was grateful to see my classes were paying off. Sam might have been even more proud than I was. We both laughed that I managed to hit the pin on the tee shot, something that had evaded him during his 30 years as a golfer.
I finally understood the joy of sharing in your partner’s passion. We settled into our room at Casa Palmero, a romantic retreat tucked within the iconic golf resort, and I realized this wasn’t just a golfer’s paradise. Everything about the property whispers luxury, and with rooms starting at $1,200 a night, it’s undeniably a splurge, but one that feels worth it. The golf courses are the kind that make bucket lists, but even if you’ve never swung a club, Casa Palmero is a dream for spa lovers. I never thought I’d recommend a golf destination for a honeymoon or anniversary, but with its breathtaking beach views, impeccable service, and endless activities, including tennis and pickleball, I completely changed my mind. That evening, we sank into the hot tub in our room, replaying the highs and lows of the day’s round.
The next day, we got ready to tackle Spanish Bay, which is known for its spectacular views. Sam and I dressed in matching G/Fore outfits. (I debated how many photos I could ask him to take before it would be irritating, and 20 seemed like an appropriate number to capture the experience but also allow us both to focus on the game.) If The Hay was a family pool, Spanish Bay would be where the elite swimmers are doing laps.
Going into the round, the vibe was different than the previous day. The afterglow of the near hole-in-one had diminished. The gap between Sam and my level of experience felt more present. I cringed at myself slightly when Sam took on the role of my caddy, carrying my bag and helping me select clubs. I felt nervous that having him put some of his attention on my game would distract him from his own, but he was playing well – he even made two birdies.
As we progressed through the 18 holes, I had a few blowup holes. I’d look to see if Sam seemed embarrassed, but was met with support. He reassured me throughout the game, and he reserved criticism for his own game instead. I realized I could play the worst game imaginable and it wouldn’t affect him. Golf, thankfully, is not a team sport.
The surprising area of conflict was related to my speed moving through transitions. During the later holes, I’d take off my jacket before playing, but Sam said I needed to be ready when it was my turn so we didn’t slow down the other players. This was true, but not what I wanted to hear. I swung and chunked the ball. Inevitably, the things you argue about as a couple – in our case, my penchant for sometimes moving slowly – will come up during five hours of golf.
My Final Thoughts
Ultimately, I can see why so many people adopt their partner’s sports and hobbies. It’s fun to get to experience the highs and lows of athletics together. It definitely didn’t hurt to have the picturesque backdrop of the Pebble Beach and Casa Palmero during this test.
My concern that I would come off as “annoying” for copying him was unfounded. Trying golf, which is so outside of my comfort zone and natural skill set, was humbling. It unleashed an insecurity I didn’t expect. The fear of seeming like you’re just imitating someone else feels childish, but stepping into the unfamiliar world of golf makes me feel like a vulnerable kid again. I’ll retire my title as a WAG of an avid golfer and book tee times the next time we travel. I may already have a few outfits in my cart.
Genevieve Farrell Roston (she/her) is an award-winning filmmaker and the director of video at PS. She oversees the Webby-nominated PS Fit video series, which makes fitness fun and accessible. She has more than 10 years of experience in the entertainment industry. A certified personal trainer, she loves running, Pilates, and rest days. As a mom of two, she is an avid reviewer of children’s gear and products.
