Golf on the Monterey Peninsula

Del Monte Golf Course is the oldest course in operation west of the Mississippi. Designed by Charles Maud in 1897, this inland course has a classic feel with a fairly tight layout. While playing shorter than most it will challenge your course management skills as the fairways are plotted with mature pine, oak and cypress trees. The greens are guarded by an array of bunkers and hold multiple tiers that are hard to read. Del Monte Golf Course is currently owned by the Pebble Beach Company so you can expect a well maintained facility with the highest level of customer service. This challenging course was the original host of the California State Amateur to which it is still played. Del Monte Golf Course is also one of three courses which the Callaway Golf Pebble Beach Invitational tournament is played.

Designed by Robert Trent Jones Senior & Junior in 1970, Laguna Seca Golf Course is carved through the oak-studded hills of Monterey County between Monterey and Salinas. Presenting narrow uneven fairways, a host of strategically placed bunkers and Uphill doglegs, Laguna Seca Golf Ranch will challenge every golfer. The hilly typography of this layout will force you to use creativity on your approaches. Most of the poa annua greens are big and receptive although a few are deceptive when considering the line. The signature hole is #15. This 548-yard, par 5, requires both the tee and approach shots to carry over water and is shaped like a snake. The Practice facility is one of the better facilities in the area, well designed and functional. Yearly mini-memberships are available which offer some of the best rates on the Monterey Peninsula and include play at Rancho Canada East and Rancho Canada West. This course is managed by Rancho Canada Golf Club.

Monterey Pines Golf Course is an 18 hole regulation length golf course originally designed by Robert Muir Graves in 1963 as a 9-hole facility. In 1972, the back-nine was added. The latest redesign was orchestrated by golf architect Marc Messier in 2009. The Navy Golf Program manages this public/military facility. Known to locals as the “Navy Course,” this short layout is perfect for the beginning golfer or an avid golfer looking to build confidence. Monterey Pines Golf Course is located adjacent to the Monterey County Fairgrounds, site of the former “Monterey Pop Festival,” and the Monterey Airport. With these two facilities bordering the course, it makes for the possibility of unplanned disruptions. Considering the playful layout with a blend of open fairways and tight dog-legs, this is a fun course for golfers on a budget. Encompassing the 2009 redesign was a flip of the front-nine and back-nine and completely new bent grass greens that roll exceptionally true. On the new front-nine, changes included: converting No. 2 (formerly the par-3 11th) to a 298-yard par-4, converting what was one par-4 (formerly No. 12) into a new 3rd hole (141-yard par-3) and No. 4 (264 yard par-4,) the construction of a new No. 6 (369 yard par-4) and making No. 9 (formerly the par-5 18th) a par-4. On the new back-nine, the biggest change involves the lakes adjacent to No. 10 and No. 18 (formerly No. 1 and No. 9) and No. 12 and No. 13 (formerly No. 3 and No. 4). The two lakes have increased in size from approximately 2.3 acre feet of water to 20 acre feet of water, bringing the water hazards more into play.

Pasadera Golf Course, built by Jack Nicklaus in 2000, is situated on a mountain ridge just off the Monterey/Salinas highway. The front-9 offers an excellent traditional feel while the back-9 presents extreme elevation changes, from mountain-top to mountain-top. Undulating typography and strategic bunker location, combined with firm, fast, greens, makes this a demanding layout for even the most proficient golfers. Jack Nicklaus describes Pasadera as having similarities to The Old Course at Saint Andrews, Augusta National, Pine Valley and Pebble Beach, “which are arguably four of my favorite courses in the world,” He stated.

Pebble Beach Golf Course was designed by Jack Neville and Douglas Grant, opening on February 22, 1919. The original layout has changed very little over the years. Prior to the 1992 U.S. Open, Jack Nicklaus made a some alterations, including rebuilding the 4th, 5th and 7th greens. The most resent change occurred in 1998 when Jack Nicklaus designed a replacement for the par 3, 5th, which is now positioned along the cliff above the beach at Stillwater Cove.

Ranked the #1 public course in America by Golf Digest Magazine along with a #1 rating among the “Top 100 Courses You Can Play in the U.S.” by Golf Magazine, Pebble Beach Golf Links is arguably the greatest course in the world. With the amazing combination of unmatched coastal beauty, remarkable architecture and legendary golf history, it is hard to disagree. Featuring nine holes (#4, #5, #6, #7, #8, #9, #10, #17, #18) directly on the bluffs over looking the majestic Pacific Ocean, Pebble Beach is one of the greatest meetings of land and sea ever created by mother nature. Holes #8, #9, and #10 are positioned on cliffs over looking Carmel Bay and are considered the most difficult stretch of holes on the course. Course management is imperative to playing well at Pebble Beach Golf Links. With narrow fairways and well-protected postage-stamp greens, golfers experience a wonderful challenge throughout the round.

Pebble Beach has played host to a number of world-class tournaments over the years as well as co-hosting the annual AT&T Pebble Beach Pro Am with Monterey Peninsula Country Club Shores Course and Spyglass Hill Golf Course. A total of 11 USGA championships have been contested at Pebble Beach Golf Links, five of which where U.S. Open championships held in 1972, 1982, 1992, 2000 and 2010. Pebble is also scheduled to host it’s sixth U.S. Open in June of 2019.

Peter Hay Golf Course is a 9-hole executive par 3 golf course built in 1957 and located across the street from Pebble Beach Golf Links. Designed by Peter Hay, a longtime Pebble Beach golf professional along with Jack Neville, Pebble Beach designer and General McClure, course designer of Bayonet Golf Course.

Perfect for honing on your short game or teaching your children the game of golf, this course is a hit for one and all. With magnificent views of Carmel Bay and the Santa Lucia Mountains, Peter Hay Golf Course is a beautiful walking course.

Poppy Hills Golf Course offers a spectacular layout created by Robert Trent Jones, Jr. in 1986. This hidden gem is located in Pebble Beach, California, hiding under the radar compared to its world renowned neighbors. Positioned deep in the Del Monte Forest, Poppy Hills Golf Course feels like it is worlds away from civilization. Pine tree lined fairways require accurate, premeditated drives to set up your approach to large undulating greens that are well guarded by bunkers. The front-nine zig-zags on a ridge in front of the clubhouse with many dog-legs and one pond that comes in to play on #5 and again on #7. As you journey to the back-nine, you will find yourself moving deep into the Del Monte Forest. The solitude combined with the echos of singing birds will make you question your location. The 10th hole is a magnificent par five with a carry over a large pond that boarders half the green, so make sure you take enough club. One interesting fact about the course is that it has five par three holes and five par five holes, compared to most other golf courses that normally have four, at the most!

Poppy Hills is the headquarters of the Northern California Golf Association (NCGA.) Renown for being the first course in the United States owned and operated by an amateur golf association, Poppy Hills offers fantastic rates to NCGA members. Poppy Hills co-hosted the PGA Tour”s AT&T Pebble Beach Pro Am for 18 year, from 1991-2009, along side Pebble Beach Golf Links and Spyglass Hill Golf Course. Ranked among the best courses in Northern California, Poppy Hills has been named “Golf Course of the Year” by the National Golf Course Owners Association, along with being in the “Top 20 Courses in California” by Golf Digest! There is no doubt Poppy Hills Golf Course is a top quality facility.

Nuzzled among the undulating sand dunes on the western tip of the Monterey Peninsula sits The Links at Spanish Bay. Designed in 1987 by a team comprised of Robert Trent Jones Jr., Tom Watson and Sandy Tatum, The Links at Spanish Bay was modeled after an authentic Scottish course. With the prevalent marine layer, rolling sandy dunes, blistering wind and rugged coastline, Spanish Bay golf course evokes the original Scottish feel of the game. Tom Watson who shot a 65 opening day said, “you can almost hear the bagpipes,” and you actually can most evenings as a bagpiper serenades the sun as it sets into the Pacific.

A majority of the front nine, including the closing five holes, are played among the sloping dunes. Views of the Pacific Ocean are dramatic while the extremely undulating, multi-tiered greens, will have you testing your imagination. Throughout the links are patches of environmentally sensitive areas which are off limits to golfers in order to protect the endangered dune vegetation. Course rules allow for a free drop if you end up astray in the protected locations. When the northwest trade winds are up, it makes for a challenging round.

Combining beautiful vistas of the open ocean surrounded by fog overhead and an immaculate course at your feet, Spanish Bay Golf Links is truly a wonderful golf experience.

Spyglass Hill Golf Course was designed by Robert Trent Jones, Sr. and opened in 1966. Distinguished as the toughest test of golf on the Peninsula, this demanding layout will humble even the most proficient golfers. Spyglass Hill has two separate personalities, the first five holes are played along the coastal dunes with huge open vistas of the Pacific. These links-style holes are exposed to the breezy coastline making it hard to find the narrow greens. From #7 forward the course transforms into the Del Monte Forest, featuring long, pine tree lined fairways and large tiered greens protected by the occasional man made pond. This proving ground is visited by professionals every year and the PGA Tour regularly rates a few of the holes among the hardest on tour.

Spyglass Hill Golf Course was named after from Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic novel, Treasure Island. Stevenson is said to have wandered the Spyglass area generating ideas for his novel. A unique aspect of this course is that the holes are named after characters in Treasure Island.

Golfers are required to lodge at one of Pebble Beach’s hotels if they want to book a tee-time more than one month in advance.

Spyglass Hill also plays co-host to the PGA Tour’s AT&T Pebble Beach Pro Am, along with Pebble Beach Golf Links and Monterey Peninsula Country Club Shores Course.

Carmel Valley Ranch Golf Course was designed by Pete Dye and opened in 1981. Located in Carmel Valley at the foothills of the Santa Lucia Mountains, Carmel Valley Ranch offers a wonderful golf adventure. Located on over 400 acres of sun drenched valley terrain, this is the only course on the Monterey Peninsula designed by Pete Dye. Topographically, this layout is very challenging with many raised and sunken greens through the hills, making club selection crucial. The front nine is positioned along the beautiful Carmel River featuring very tight fairways and tricky greens. The back nine is situated 350 feet above the valley floor among the knolls of the national forest, offering some of the most breathtaking elevated tee shots in all of Monterey. The vistas on the tee box of #11 offer picturesque panoramas of the valley below. Positioned in the midst of the Santa Lucia Mountains, you are bound to see some wildlife, with quail, turkeys, rabbits and foxes abound. Water comes into play on several holes and well-guarded multi-tiered greens force you to stay on top of your game to score well. Destinations Magazine ranked Carmel Valley Ranch Golf Course as one of the 25 most challenging courses in the entire state of California. A recent renovation has improved the conditioning and playability of this par-70, Pete Dye course.

This 18-hole championship golf course was ranked by Golf Magazine as one of “Monterey’s must-plays.” Located just a few minutes east of Carmel-by-the-Sea, you can find a warm refuge, away from the brisk coastline. In a survey conducted by their readers, Travel and Leisure Magazine rated the Carmel Valley Ranch as one of the Best Golf Courses in the World.

The Quail Lodge Golf Course was designed by Robert Muir Graves in 1963 and offers 6,449 yards of wonderful Carmel Valley golf. This Resort course is located adjacent to the lush Carmel River and encompasses over 830 acres with alluring valley vistas. The 18-hole championship golf course offers a natural flowing typography with 10 man-made lakes strategically place throughout. Golfers will find a range of holes through the sunny meadows that vary in shape while presenting a traditional feel. Accuracy is much more important than length, as many holes are short but require precision placement to attack the green. Wildlife is plentiful during an average round at Quail Lodge, where you may encounter quail, hawks, turkeys, deer, fish, turtles and if you’re lucky, even a sly fox.

The Golf Club at Quail Lodge annually plays hosts to the Women’s State Amateur Championship. Although this tournament is held once a year, the course is maintained to tournament level year-round. This championship course has also been honored by Golf for Women Magazine as one of America’s most women-friendly facilities in the United States. With great weather throughout the year, you will have a wonderful golf adventure no matter the season.

Rancho Cañada Golf Club is comprised of two 18-hole courses that weaves back and forth across the Carmel River. This estate was once a prized portion of the 4,366 acre California Rancho named, “Cañada de la Segunda.” The vision of a 36-hole championship facility adjacent to the Santa Lucia Mountains was established in 1970. Rancho Cañada Golf Club sits on 270 acres of land and has hosted more tournaments than any other golf course on the Monterey Peninsula.

The East Course at Rancho Cañada was designed by Nick Lombardo and Robert Dean Putnam in 1970. Located in Carmel Valley at the base of the Santa Lucia Mountains, this course offers a classic river golf experience including mountain views and distinct aromas. Players have five different carries over the Carmel River, shaping their shots around stately trees that line the fairways. The narrow fairways allows you to test your composure while enjoying the natural rolling terrain. Featuring a mild-mannered layout, the East Course at Rancho Cañada weaves its way through Carmel Valley building in difficulty to the finish. Yearly mini-memberships are available which offer some of the best rates on the Monterey Peninsula and include play at Rancho Cañada West and Laguna Seca Golf Ranch.

Rancho Cañada Golf Club is comprised of two 18-hole courses that weaves back and forth across the Carmel River. This estate was once a prized portion of the 4,366 acre California Rancho named, “Cañada de la Segunda.” The vision of a 36-hole championship facility adjacent to the Santa Lucia Mountains was established in 1970. Rancho Cañada Golf Club sits on 270 acres of land and has hosted more tournaments than any other golf course on the Monterey Peninsula.

The West Course at Rancho Cañada was designed by Nick Lombardo and Robert Dean Putnam in 1970. Located in sunny Carmel Valley at the base of the Santa Lucia Mountains sits this excellent river valley experience, traverse the Carmel River three different times. Several holes feature mature sycamore and cottonwood trees dappled along the fairways. The large greens are fairly flat but heavily guarded with bunkers. Offering a range of holes, from narrow doglegs to openly spacious, you will enjoy your experience at this well maintained facility. Yearly mini-memberships are available which offer some of the best rates on the Monterey Peninsula and include play at Rancho Cañada East and Laguna Seca Golf Ranch.

The redesign is complete and all 36 holes of this facility are now open.

The history of Bayonet Golf Course dates back to 1917 when the U.S. Army purchased the land in order to created a training facility named Fort Ord in honor of General Edward Otho Cresap Ord, who was a famed Civil War Veteran. It was not until 1954 that Bayonet Golf Course was designed by General Robert McClure, the Commanding Officer of the post at that time. Bayonet was named after the 7th Infantry “Light Fighter” Division, which was often referred to as the “Bayonet Division.” General McClure was left-handed and rumor has it that he designed the course to match his game to effectively reduce his handicap. Holes #11 through #15 are commonly known as “Combat Corner,” which requires golfers to deal with five blind dogleg fairways in a row. Previously owned by the U.S. military, this course was opened up to the general public in 1994.

This superbly manicured layout features long, cypress tree lined fairways with fast undulating greens, many of which are multi-tiered. Beautiful views of the Monterey Bay are located throughout this course. Bayonet Golf Course is a PGA tour qualification venue and is regularly touted as one of the toughest courses in California with a slope of 141 and a rating of 74.8. Destinations Magazine rated Bayonet as the 13th most challenging golf courses in the State of California. Golf Digest rated this course #71 under the category of “America’s Top 75 Affordable Courses” in their list of “America’s Best Golf Courses Everyone Can Play.” Bayonet is one half of the 36 hole facility which includes Black Horse Golf Course.

The redesign is complete and all 36 holes of this facility are now open.

Black Horse Golf Course was designed by General Edwin Carnes, a General of the former Fort Ord Army base, in 1964 and named in honor of the 11th Calvary Regiment which was nicknamed “Black Horse.” Previously owned by the U.S. military, this course was opened up to the general public in 1994, (They still offer a special military discount, which makes them an excellent value for military personnel looking for a golf package in California.)

This championship course features long, undulating, cypress-lined fairways with some of the most spectacular views of the Monterey Bay. The well-manicured, multi-tiered greens roll true leaving the approach placement the key to scoring. With a slope of 141 and rating of 73.7, Black Horse Golf Course will challenge you at every turn. Golf Today Magazine rated Black Horse as one of the “Top 20 Public Courses in Northern California and Northern Nevada. Golf Digest rated this course #71 under the category of “America’s Top 75 Affordable Courses” in their list of “America’s Best Golf Courses Everyone Can Play.” Black Horse is part of a 36 hole facility which includes it’s sister course Bayonet.