We recently had a chance to catch up with Michelle Lurie, whose family was the big winner of our Pebble Beach Raffle in 2015. Read on to hear all about their incredible trip that cost them just the price of a raffle ticket: $100.Q: It must have been exciting to find out you had won the raffle in 2015! Had you ever won a big prize before?
A: The year we won, The First Tee of Howard County was celebrating its 15th year as a chapter, so the raffle drawing coincided with a special dinner program. [Our daughter] Logan, as a First Tee participant, was selected to draw the winning ticket. When she pulled it out, she looked frightened. It turned out to be her dad’s ticket [Howard Lurie], and she was shocked! We had never won a big prize before. What a night!
Q: Tell us what lucky foursome went on your Pebble Beach trip.
A: The Lurie Family: Howard and I along with our very own First Tee participants, Harper and Logan, made up our foursome.
Q: What was your initial reaction when you first arrived at the hotel at the start of the trip?
A: Pulling onto the grounds of the Inn at Spanish Bay, we knew we were in for quite the experience. We could hear the Pacific Ocean in the distance. We could see the golf course from practically every window in the lobby and hallways as we walked to our room. Even though it was summer, we used the fireplace in our room in the evenings.
Q: Can you describe what it was like to play golf on a world-renowned golf course? How was it different from other courses you are used to playing?
A: We arrived early for our tee time to take full advantage of the practice facilities (lots of practice greens and a huge range). We decided to take advantage of the caddie service — well worth it. They were so knowledgable about the layout of the course, its history and some trivia throughout the round. They even took some pictures of our foursome in action! Though they weren’t miracle workers — my score was still pretty high but who cares when the views of the Pacific were breathtaking! For the real golfers in our group, they loved the challenges each hole offered and the opportunity to play this amazing course!
Q: In addition to golf, what other experiences did you partake in as part of the trip?
A: While at the resort, we got up early to take complimentary fitness classes and to work out in the gym. After golf, we sat on the couches that flanked one of the many outdoor firepits while we waited for the bagpiper to play at sunset. We intended to swim each evening in the heated pool, but after dinners, we came back to enjoy drinks by the roaring firepits. It was so serene and relaxing. We had dinner in the town of Carmel by the Sea and rode back on the scenic 17 Mile Drive-stopping at every pull over to admire the views and the pines along the coast — including the Lone Cypress. Another night we had an 
incredible dinner in a converted fire station in Monterey. We passed on the Monterey Aquarium the last day to explore the coastal beaches and the redwoods all the way up the coast to Santa Cruz. We had intended to go south to Big Sur, but there was a wildfire that diverted us north.
Q: Any other details you’d like to share about the trip?
A: In addition to world class accommodations, golf outings and amazing dining, we had lots of other experiences on the “other coast.” It was the best vacation we ever experienced for $100. Even if we never won, the money raised by this raffle fundraiser benefits a great program, The First Tee of Howard County. Go ahead, take a chance — you could be the next winner!
Purchase your 2017 Pebble Beach Raffle tickets here.
Q: Can you describe what it was like to play golf on a world-renowned golf course? How was it different from other courses you are used to playing?
A: We arrived early for our tee time to take full advantage of the practice facilities (lots of practice greens and a huge range). We decided to take advantage of the caddie service — well worth it. They were so knowledgable about the layout of the course, its history and some trivia throughout the round. They even took some pictures of our foursome in action! Though they weren’t miracle workers — my score was still pretty high but who cares when the views of the Pacific were breathtaking! For the real golfers in our group, they loved the challenges each hole offered and the opportunity to play this amazing course!
Q: In addition to golf, what other experiences did you partake in as part of the trip?
A: While at the resort, we got up early to take complimentary fitness classes and to work out in the gym. After golf, we sat on the couches that flanked one of the many outdoor firepits while we waited for the bagpiper to play at sunset. We intended to swim each evening in the heated pool, but after dinners, we came back to enjoy drinks by the roaring firepits. It was so serene and relaxing. We had dinner in the town of Carmel by the Sea and rode back on the scenic 17 Mile Drive-stopping at every pull over to admire the views and the pines along the coast — including the Lone Cypress. Another night we had an incredible dinner in a converted fire station in Monterey. We passed on the Monterey Aquarium the last day to explore the coastal beaches and the redwoods all the way up the coast to Santa Cruz. We had intended to go south to Big Sur, but there was a wildfire that diverted us north.
Q: Any other details you’d like to share about the trip?
A: In addition to world class accommodations, golf outings and amazing dining, we had lots of other experiences on the “other coast.” It was the best vacation we ever experienced for $100. Even if we never won, the money raised by this raffle fundraiser benefits a great program, The First Tee of Howard County. Go ahead, take a chance — you could be the next winner!
Purchase your 2017 Pebble Beach Raffle tickets here.