Golf the High Sierra
Bayonet & Black Horse Golf Course — Monterey Bay ocean view from elevated fairway with Pacific coastline backdrop
Northern California

Bayonet & Black Horse
Golf Course

General Robert McClure / Gene Bates (renovation)Est. 195436 Holes
72
Par
7,104
Yards
141
Slope
4.3★
486 Reviews
Peak-season tee times book 30+ days out — weekend slots go fast
Championship Layout
Northern California Region
Est. 1954
Years of Excellence
Group Packages
8–100+ Golfers
High Sierra Setting
Mountain Golf

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.

Course Perspective

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.

Golf the High Sierra  ·  Northern California
At a Glance
DesignerGeneral Robert McClure / Gene Bates (renovation)
Established1954
Group Size8–100+ Golfers
LocationSeaside, CA
Tee times book weeks ahead — request early
General Robert McClure / Gene Bates (renovation)

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.

Bayonet Golf Course driving range with full-length teeing area
Aerial view of Bayonet & Black Horse Golf Courses with Monterey Bay backdrop
Twin fairways at Bayonet - Holes 3 and 9 converging on green
Aerial view of Bayonet & Black Horse Golf Courses with Monterey Bay backdrop
Signature Hole

Hole 12 Par 4

470
Yards
Par 4
Difficulty
The heart of Combat Corner on Bayonet — a brutal dogleg left par 4 that plays uphill through a narrow corridor of mature cypress. The approach to a multi-tiered green is one of the most demanding shots in Monterey County.
— Golf the High Sierra
USGA Scorecard

All Tee Options

USGA Rated
Tee BoxYardsParRatingSlopeDifficulty
Black (Bayonet)Championship
7,10172
74.9
141
Extremely Difficult
Blue
6,63372
72.4
136
Challenging
White
6,14872
70.3
129
Moderate–Difficult
Gold
5,62372
67.4
120
Moderate–Difficult
Red (Ladies)Ladies
5,10372
70.3
126
Moderate–Difficult

* All ratings certified by the USGA. Slope 113 = standard difficulty. Higher slope = greater challenge for higher-handicap players.

Gallery

Bayonet in Pictures

Bayonet Golf Course driving range with full-length teeing area
Aerial view of Bayonet & Black Horse Golf Courses with Monterey Bay backdrop
Twin fairways at Bayonet - Holes 3 and 9 converging on green
Bayonet Black Horse clubhouse interior banquet seating
Hole 1 at Bayonet with elevated tee box through Monterey cypress trees
Hole 5 at Bayonet with large green complex
Signature par-3 at Bayonet & Black Horse
Black Horse Course at Bayonet & Black Horse Golf Courses
View All 8 Photos
Peak season tee times fill fast
Weekend and summer slots book 30+ days in advance — secure your dates now
At a Glance

Bayonet Details

0
Holes
0
Par
0
Yards
Slope Rating141
55 Easy155 Hard
Distances
Seaside, CA5 min
Monterey, CA15 min
Pebble Beach Lodge20 min
Monterey Regional Airport45 min
San Jose, CA90 min

1 McClure Way, Seaside, CA 93955
(831) 899-7271
Official Website →

FAQ

Common Questions

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.

Beyond the Fairway

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.

Casino Entertainment
🎰
Casino Entertainment
Atlantis, Peppermill, and Grand Sierra — world-class gaming and live shows
Award-Winning Dining
🍽️
Award-Winning Dining
Atlantis Steakhouse, Beaujolais Bistro, The Kitchen — Reno's finest tables
Spa & Wellness
🧖
Spa & Wellness
Spa Atlantis Forbes Four-Star, Willow Springs Spa — post-round recovery
Sierra Adventure
🏔️
Sierra Adventure
Lake Tahoe 45 min away — beaches, hiking, and mountain scenery
Stay & Play

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.

Nearby

More in Northern California

Verified Golfer Reviews

What Golfers Say About Bayonet

Sourced from Google, TripAdvisor, Yelp & GolfPass · Unedited third-party reviews

★★★★★

Two championship courses at one facility. Bayonet is the tougher of the two but both are in excellent condition. The Monterey Peninsula setting adds to the experience.

J
James T.
TripAdvisor · corporate event
✓ TripAdvisor
★★★★

Played both courses on back-to-back days. Bayonet is a beast from the tips — very challenging. Black Horse is more playable. Both well maintained. Great 36-hole option.

K
Kevin R.
GolfPass · buddies trip of 8
✓ GolfPass
★★★★★

One of the best values on the Monterey Peninsula. Both courses are championship caliber with military history. Our group had a fantastic two days here.

S
Scott A.
Google · group of 16
✓ Google
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Peak season slots fill 30+ days out