Pro Golfer Mina Harigae’s Hometown Heros
Nostalgia is the name of the game when professional golfer Mina Harigae is in her hometown of Monterey. Currently on the LPGA Tour, she returns to the area in July to compete in the prestigious U.S. Women’s Open, being held for the first time ever in Pebble Beach. (Harigae took home second place in the tournament last year.) She lives in Arizona these days and spends most of her time on the road. But whether she’s playing on one of the courses where she honed her craft growing up, or stopping in at her family's restaurant in Pacific Grove, Mina still carries herself like a local when back on the Peninsula.
AM
9A
Grab a New Yorker Bagel sandwich (everything bagel, toasted, no onions or capers, sub sprouts!) from The Bagel Bakery in Pacific Grove. I love their bagels–it's probably in my top three of bagel places I've been to. Then grab some coffee at Starbucks. I'm not very picky about my coffee and it's right next door, so it's convenient.
11A
Have a tee time anywhere on the Peninsula. Spyglass, Monterey Peninsula Country Club, The Preserve, Spanish Bay... Let's say Pebble Beach for fun. I'm not an early riser, so 11 a.m. is the perfect time for me. It will obviously be a gorgeous, sunny day and a good fast pace of play while still being able to soak in the incredible views from the course.
Editor’s Note: The Preserve Golf Club and Monterey Peninsula Country Club are private clubs.
PM
4P
Head to The Tap Room at Pebble Beach for some post-golf potato skins. Those things are so good—the best potato skins anywhere! And it's a cool place to hang out and soak in all the rich history.*
Editor’s Note: The Tap Room is known for its extensive collection of golf memorabilia featuring famous players’ biggest moments.
8P
Grab some dinner at my parents’ restaurant, Takara Sushi. I'll sit at the counter and order some sushi from my dad and udon noodles from my mom. Those are my comfort foods.
9P
Ice cream time! I love Baskin-Robbins on Lighthouse Ave. in Monterey. When I was a kid, I used to go there almost every day with my mom after she was done working. I always got a scoop of Jamoca on a sugar cone and my mom would get a hot fudge sundae with vanilla ice cream. Great way to end the day.
Photo of Mina Courtesy of The Society
Photo of Course by Johnny Such
PLAN YOUR DAY
on the Peninsula
- The Bagel Bakery
Pacific Grove, CA - Spyglass Hill Golf Course
Pebble Beach, CA - The Links at Spanish Bay
Pebble Beach, CA - Pebble Beach Golf Links
Pebble Beach, CA - The Tap Room
Pebble Beach, CA - Takara Sushi
Pacific Grove, CA
