Bayonet & Black Horse
Golf Course
“Bayonet and Black Horse are two legendary courses near Monterey, California, offering a unique addition to any Northern California golf trip. Originally built for the military at Fort Ord, these courses now feature some of the most dramatic ocean and bay views on the Monterey Peninsula. Bayonet is known as one of the most challenging courses in the area, while Black Horse offers a more playable but equally scenic experience. A perfect add-on for groups looking to extend their trip from the Sierra to the Pacific Coast.”
“The Monterey Peninsula's best-kept secret for GTHS groups adding a coastal extension. While everyone fights for Pebble Beach tee times at $600+, savvy golfers play 36 holes of championship-caliber golf here for the same price — with views that rival anything on 17-Mile Drive.”
Bayonet & Black Horse Golf Course
Built on the former Fort Ord military base, Bayonet & Black Horse is a 36-hole complex steeped in military history with panoramic Monterey Bay views. Bayonet — designed by a left-handed Army general to fit his chronic fade — is legendary for 'Combat Corner,' the toughest stretch of holes on the peninsula. Black Horse offers a gentler ride with equally stunning ocean vistas.
Group Golf Packages & Tee Times
From 8 to 100 players — consecutive tee times, rooming lists, comps for organizers. 20+ years of expert group planning.
Hole 12 Par 4
All Tee Options
| Tee Box | Yards | Par | Rating | Slope | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Black (Bayonet)Championship | 7,101 | 72 | 74.9 | 141 | Extremely Difficult |
Blue | 6,633 | 72 | 72.4 | 136 | Challenging |
White | 6,148 | 72 | 70.3 | 129 | Moderate–Difficult |
Gold | 5,623 | 72 | 67.4 | 120 | Moderate–Difficult |
Red (Ladies)Ladies | 5,103 | 72 | 70.3 | 126 | Moderate–Difficult |
* All ratings certified by the USGA. Slope 113 = standard difficulty. Higher slope = greater challenge for higher-handicap players.
Bayonet in Pictures
Bayonet Details
1 McClure Way, Seaside, CA 93955
(831) 899-7271
Official Website →
Common Questions
Bayonet & Black Horse Golf Course is a 36-hole public golf complex at 1 McClure Way, Seaside, CA 93955 — on the former Fort Ord military base on the Monterey Peninsula. Bayonet was designed by General Robert McClure and opened in 1954, playing 7,100+ yards at par 72 with a slope of 141, making it one of the most challenging public courses in California. Black Horse opened in 1964 and received a $13 million Gene Bates renovation, offering a slightly more forgiving layout with equally stunning panoramic Monterey Bay views. Both courses are managed by Troon Golf and open to all golfers at green fees significantly lower than other Monterey Peninsula courses.
Bayonet Golf Course was designed by General Robert McClure, a left-handed Army general who built the course at Fort Ord in 1954 to fit his own chronic fade — resulting in the infamous series of sharp left-to-right doglegs known as 'Combat Corner' (holes 11-15). Gene Bates later renovated both Bayonet and Black Horse courses. Jack Nicklaus has called Bayonet the hardest course on the Monterey Peninsula.
Yes. Both Bayonet and Black Horse are fully public courses managed by Troon Golf, with green fees significantly lower than other Monterey Peninsula courses.
Bayonet is the more famous and demanding layout, ranked among the toughest in California (slope 141). Black Horse is slightly more forgiving with better ocean views. Most GTHS groups play both over two days.
Holes 11-15 on Bayonet — a series of sharp doglegs designed by the left-handed General McClure to match his slice. Jack Nicklaus called Bayonet the hardest course on the Monterey Peninsula.
After Your Round on Bayonet
The Northern California delivers more than championship golf. World-class dining, adventure, and Sierra Nevada luxury fill every hour between tee times.
Where to Stay Near Bayonet & Black Horse Golf Course
Most groups who play Bayonet stay at one of these properties. All include golf package rates when booked through Golf the High Sierra.
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Play Bayonet With Your Group
Tee times, lodging, dining — one call does it all.