Bayonet Unveils First Nine Holes

The first nine holes of a fabulous golf complex transformation are complete as the legendary Bayonet Golf Course in Monterey, California unveiled a Gene Bates redesign which includes eight renovated holes along with a brand new solid finisher.

Both Bayonet Golf Course and its companion course Black Horse Golf Course are steeped in military history, but trust me, this is not the same Bayonet played by PGA great Ken Venturi, who teed-it-up regularly with his commanding officer, General Robert McClure while stationed at Fort Ord. My last visit a couple of years ago found me warring with narrow fairways and encroaching trees resulting in an unsatisfying round of traditional Army golf. I was left…right…left all day!

A recent opportunity to experience Bates' handiwork left me with an entirely different reaction. The new holes are not only more open, airy and much more inviting but there is Monterey Bay, to be operated by Fairmont Hotels & Resorts, all scheduled for completion in late 2009.

“This is not merely the beginning of a new chapter in the history of the golf courses, it is an entirely new book,” said Joe Priddy, director of golf at Bayonet and Black Horse, which opened in 1954 and 1964, respectively.

For 40 years, the golf course facility at Fort Ord was open only to the military and its guests. Through the years, the courses have tested many of the greatest players in the game from Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus to Tom Watson and Johnny Miller, as well as several U.S. Presidents and foreign dignitaries.

The current ongoing alterations will create two golf courses that are distinctly different, yet compatible and equally challenging. While Bayonet is retaining most of its classic, tree-lined character, Black Horse is to acquire a more open, flowing personality, and each is to benefit from Bates' elegant bunkering and graceful greens.

Moreover, each also benefits from nature's spectacular views of the breathtaking Monterey Bay.

The front nine holes of Bayonet are the first to be completed, with work on the back nine of Black Horse to be completed in the spring of 2008, when work on the resort hotel is to begin.

At that time, the remaining holes (the back nine of Bayonet and the front nine of Black Horse) also will be under reconstruction.

Concurrently the new double-ended practice facility - 58,000 square feet of grass hitting space that already has been completed - will be open daily. Please disregard enough eye candy to keep you focused all day. The architect's use of bent grass fairways and white sand bunkers frame and complement the landing areas and the result is picture postcard views from every tee. I would suggest that with the back tees set at more than 7,100 yards, you won't want to bite off more than you can comfortably chew. Playing the right tees will ensure an enjoyable day.

Under Bates' guidance, both Bayonet and Black Horse, are being sculpted into the golf centerpiece of a multi-million dollar project by the Seaside Resort Development, LLC (SRD).

The end result will feature a luxury destination hotel and spa overlooking the nasty over-the-top divots on the far left of the driving range. It wasn't my plan to leave my mark but being the first person to take a swing on the perfect new turf, I guess I got a bit excited!

Although the overall length of Bayonet has increased only 16 yards (to a total of 7,133), the strategic and visual impact created by Bates' bunkering is immeasurable. Par has not changed on any hole, although the longest par 5 on the course has been shortened from 626 yards to 613 and will play just before the new hole to create a daunting one-two combination totaling 1,089 yards.

Overall, the addition of the classic style bunkering, punctuated by white sand and removal of the Kikuyu and poa annua grasses in the fairways and greens produce the most substantial improvement to the playing surface.

The Kikuyu and poa annua eradication is to continue throughout the renovation process on both golf courses.

All of the new turf is to be Jacklin T1 Bentgrass, a type that is superior in density and performance that will allow not only for better roll, but will harmonize with the state-of the- industry drainage and irrigation systems being installed on all 36 holes. And as I've mentioned earlier, it creates a marvelous look from the tee.

When the sun is shining, I'm not sure there is a more glorious spot on the planet than the Monterey Peninsula. Thanks to Gene Bates and the folks at Bayonet Golf Course, there's an exciting bonus while you're soaking up the views!

For more information, visit www.bayonetblackhorse.com or call (831) 899-7271.