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Monterey Peninsula’s Bayonet and Black Horse slated for full reopening this month

Improvements include new turf, different routings, and two new holes.

BY ELI MILLERPublished: December, 2008

The new par-3 15th at Black Horse (Photo: Courtesy Bayonet Black Horse)
The tome of golf history on the Monterey Peninsula is one of the most intriguing in the world, and the Bayonet and Black Horse courses are poised to add an exciting new chapter.

The 36-hole facility, located in Seaside on what used to be the Fort Ord United States Army training facility, is going to unveil the final results of a substantial golf course renovation project on Saturday, Dec. 20.

Bates Golf Design Group oversaw the project, which was scheduled progressively so that a combination of at least 18 holes was available for play throughout construction. Among the prominent changes at Bayonet and Black Horse: the installation of Jacklin T1 Bentgrass (a strain designed to combat the growth of poa annua) for all-new greens, fairways and tees; different routings and one new hole on each course; and the removal of non-native trees and planting of oak clusters to promote more dramatic views of Monterey Bay.

“The views of the bay are unheard of in this market and will be what draws golfers here from around the country,” said Gene Bates, president of Bates Golf Design Group. “Once they tee off, players will be pleasantly surprised by the amount of elevation change on property. There’s a nice up-and-down rhythm to the holes and a lot of variety.”

Bates sought to emphasize the contrast between the layouts. Bayonet, which opened 13 years before Black Horse in 1954, is regarded as a more challenging track than its sibling due to penal bunkering and a bit more length (7,104 yards from the tips versus 7,024 on Black Horse). But Bayonet’s new Bentgrass greens aren’t as treacherous.

“The greens are tamely contoured because the layout … is challenging enough that severe greens would be too punishing,” Bates said.

While lush surroundings make either course a visual feast, Black Horse is particularly renowned for its scenery, thanks to
striking views of the ocean, bunkers with serrated edges and wispy fescue grass. The tee on Black Horse’s new par-3 15th, which plays over 200 yards into a prevailing wind, boasts one of the most breathtaking shots on the property.

The renovation of the golf courses is only one phase of new development at Black Horse and Bayonet — also in the works is the 275-room Fairmont Hotel & Resort and 125 home sites that will adjoin the courses.

For now, stay-and-play packages are available.

For more information: (831) 899-7271 or visit bayonetblackhorse.com.