Public

Black Horse Course

Bayonet & Black Horse Golf Courses

Seaside, CA, USA
Parlay25
andrewlamour
dk10
Ozzie
Birdybirdman
+52
18 holesPar 727,024 yds73.7/136

About this course

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.

Rankings

Ranked by CV ratings from golfers who've played this course. Positions are shown worldwide, by country, and by state; the Public column compares courses anyone can play.

1732

Best in World

1539

Best in USA

108

Best in CA

Quick facts

Location
Seaside, CA, USA
Access
Public
Year built
1964
Holes
18
Par
72
Length
7,024 yards
Difficulty
73.7/136
Course Vaults score
7.7

Getting there

The journey to Bayonet & Black Horse Golf Courses begins at either Monterey Regional Airport - a compact, convenient gateway just fifteen minutes north - or San Jose International for those connecting through a major hub, roughly ninety minutes up the coast. Private arrivals often favor Monterey's general aviation facilities, offering discreet access to the peninsula. The final approach traces Highway 1 south through Monterey and into Seaside, where the road turns inland and climbs gently toward the former Fort Ord military reservation, the windswept dunes and Monterey Bay gradually giving way to rolling terrain dotted with coastal scrub and the unmistakable silhouettes of two storied layouts carved from land once reserved for soldiers, now open to those who seek championship golf with an edge of history.

FAQ

Common questions about Black Horse

Ratings, design, and course details pulled from Course Vaults.

Black Horse has a Course Vaults score of 7.7 out of 10 based on 57 logged golfers.

Black Horse was designed by Chris Gray and Gene Bates.

Yes. Black Horse 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.

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Course Reviews
+ 4.8
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