As I shared last week, I celebrated my 68th birthday recently. My wife treated me to a weekend at Pebble Beach.
I know! But someone had to do it.
We stayed in a spot overlooking the iconic Pebble Beach golf links — home of the annual AT&T Pro-Am and countless major championships over the years.
This golf course has witnessed so many unforgettable moments, from Jack Nicklaus’ famous one-iron shot to a foot at the 17th hole in the 1972 U.S. Open to Tiger Woods’ runaway U.S. Open victory in 2000. Orange County is well represented, too, with Mark O’Meara hoisting the AT&T trophy a record five times, and Jordan Nasser claiming the title of California amateur champion there in 2006.
As a lifelong golfer, I was in awe.
The weather can be a bit tricky in January, but we rolled lucky snake eyes — clear skies and cool temps. Perfection!
So, what do my ramblings about the former home of the Crosby Clambake have to do with commercial real estate?
When you think about Pebble Beach, it’s easy to picture the world’s greatest golfers competing on a pristine course, overlooking the rugged coastline. But beneath the beauty and the legends, Pebble Beach is a masterclass in careful planning, adaptability and excellence — the same principles that apply to success in commercial real estate.
Let me share a few lessons I learned during my visit.
The journey, not the destination
Each hole at Pebble Beach presents a unique challenge, much like every deal in real estate.
Some days, the weather’s perfect, and every shot falls into place. Other days, you’re fighting wind, sand traps, and frustration.
But just like in golf, the process of getting there — the strategy, the effort, the adjustments — is where the real value lies. The destination — a trophy, a closing — is just the cherry on top.
Eat what you catch
Golfers and real estate professionals share a bond: there’s no safety net.
A missed putt or a deal that falls through means starting over. But that pressure drives us to be resourceful, resilient, and relentless.
It’s not for everyone, but for those who thrive under the challenge, the rewards are sweeter because we’ve earned every bit of them.
Trees for the forest
Golfers know that every hole, every shot, every decision matters. It’s tempting to focus on the big picture —your scorecard or the finish line— but the real work happens one stroke at a time.
In real estate, the same holds true. It’s the small details that often make or break a deal — a clause in the contract, the way you handle a client, or even the vibe of a property.
Don’t lose sight of the trees.
Focus on the freedom
Standing on the 18th fairway at Pebble Beach, gazing out at the Pacific, I couldn’t help but feel an incredible sense of freedom.
Golf, like real estate, offers that in spades. You’re not tied to a desk or a clock. Sure, there are deadlines, but the autonomy to chart your own course is priceless.
There are many ways to score
The beauty of golf — and real estate — is that there’s no single path to success. Some win by overpowering the course with booming drives, others by finesse around the greens. In real estate, success can mean building relationships, mastering negotiations, or finding creative ways to add value. The key is to play to your strengths and embrace the diversity of opportunities.
As I soaked in the beauty of the Monterey Peninsula, I realized how much the game of golf and the art of real estate have in common. Both demand patience, creativity, and a deep appreciation for the journey. And both, when done well, offer rewards far beyond the scorecard.
So, the next time you’re out on the course — or walking through a property — remember this: it’s not just about where you’re going. It’s about how you get there. And sometimes, the view along the way is the greatest reward of all.
Allen C. Buchanan, SIOR, is a principal with Lee & Associates Commercial Real Estate Services in Orange. He can be reached at abuchanan@lee-associates.com or 714.564.7104.
