BAYONET & BLACK HORSE GOLF COURSES
🇺🇸 Seaside, CA, USA
Designed by Chris Gray, Gene Bates

Black Horse, alongside its sibling course, is a testament to the military precision that once defined golf on the Monterey Peninsula. Hewn from the Del Monte Forest, the two courses at Bayonet & Black Horse present golfers with demanding challenges and breathtaking views, far removed from the gentle linksland often associated with this stretch of California coastline.
Designed in the early 1950s, Black Horse is a product of General Robert B. McClure's vision, a layout that prioritizes strategic play over raw power. Its rolling fairways, lined by mature Monterey pines and cypress, often lead to demanding approach shots into well-guarded greens. While it doesn't boast the storied championship history of its neighbor, its uncompromising design and focus on traditional shot-making remains a true test of golfing ability.
A popular destination for military families and local golfers alike, Black Horse offers a more accessible challenge than Bayonet, its more famous sister. This makes it a favorite for those seeking a solid round of golf in a beautiful setting. Don't be fooled by its reputation as the "easier" course, the subtle undulations and strategically placed bunkers will punish any lapse in concentration.
Beyond the course, Black Horse holds a unique place in the local golfing community, a course that prioritizes camaraderie and unpretentious enjoyment of the game. It's a place where the spirit of competition is matched by a genuine appreciation for the game, and where stories of great shots and near misses are shared with equal enthusiasm after the round.
Reviews
Harder greens but easier off the tee box compared to Bayonet.
36 holes is how you avoid traffic
FAQ
Ratings, design, and course details pulled from Course Vaults.
Black Horse at Bayonet & Black Horse Golf Courses has a Course Vaults score of 7.7 out of 10 based on 20 explicit golfer ratings.
Black Horse was designed by Chris Gray and Gene Bates.
Yes. Black Horse at Bayonet & Black Horse Golf Courses is listed as welcoming public or guest play on Course Vaults.
Par at Black Horse is 72.
Black Horse plays 7,024 yards from the back tees on Course Vaults.
The slope rating at Black Horse is 136.