The Bayonet at Bayonet & Black Horse Golf Courses

Bayonet and Black Horse, carved into the Monterey Peninsula hills above Seaside, stand as a testament to military precision adapted for championship golf. These courses, named for Operation Bayonet, a military action during WWII, and the 1st US Cavalry's steed, offer distinctly different challenges across the dramatic coastal landscape.

Bayonet, the elder of the two, is a demanding, tree-lined layout. Originally designed by General Robert B. McClure in the early 1950s, it demands accuracy and strategic play. The tight fairways, framed by towering Monterey pines, often favor a controlled fade, punishing wayward drives. The course saw significant enhancements in the late 1990s by Gene Bates, modernizing its playability while preserving its stern character. Black Horse, its younger sibling, offers broader fairways and more forgiving sight lines, encouraging a more aggressive approach.

While neither course has hosted major professional championships, their challenging layouts and breathtaking views have made them popular destinations for regional and amateur competitions. Bayonet, in particular, has a reputation for its stringent test, making it a favorite for those who appreciate a classically unforgiving, strategic round of golf on the Monterey Peninsula.