Traveling north along the Pacific Coast Highway from the resort community of Monterey lies the City of Seaside. In the heart of this city, the U.S. Army purchased a tract of land to be used as a training facility, which was named Fort Ord in honor of General Edward Otho Cresap Ord – a famed Civil War Veteran.
It was upon this great land that General Robert B. McClure constructed the Bayonet Golf Course in 1954. Bayonet was named after the 7th Infantry “Light Fighter” Division (nicknamed the “Bayonet Division.”) It has been said that General McClure was a “left-handed” golfer with an all too common fade. The General managed to effectively reduce his handicap with a little creative architecture in the design of the Bayonet Golf Course. Holes #11-#15, a series of sharp doglegs, widely known as “Combat Corner” are interrupted only by a 226-yard uphill par 3.
Due to Bayonet’s initial acclaim, Fort Ord decided to expand the course and in 1964 a second 18-hole championship course was officially opened – Black Horse. The course was named in honor of the 11th Calvary Regiment (nicknamed “Black Horse”) which was stationed across the Bay at the Presidio of Monterey from 1919-1940.
In conjunction with the Defense Realignment Closure, the Fort Ord Military Base was ordered closed. Under this legislation, the military was required to sell the base to local municipalities.
On January 16, 1997, Bayonet Black Horse was purchased by the City of Seaside
Both courses are steeped in rich tradition, and have played host to PGA Tour greats such as Palmer, Nicklaus, and Watson, as well as several U.S. Presidents and foreign dignitaries.
Bayonet Course
Named after the Army’s 7th Infantry Division – the first major unit to occupy Fort Ord, as well as the last. The famed Light Fighters (nicknamed the “Bayonet Division”) marched for the last time during inactivation ceremonies in 1993 as part of the Base Realignment and Closure Act (BRAC). With 7,104 yards of oak and cypress-lined fairways, Bayonet Golf Course was designed in 1954 by General Robert McClure, the Commanding Officer of the post at that time. Gen. McClure, a left-handed golfer with a severe slice, designed the course to fit his game. This is evidenced by holes #11-15, a series of sharp doglegs, widely known as “Combat Corner.” Notoriously known for its magnificently manicured, long, and narrow fairways, Bayonet is one tough, but rewarding 18-hole adventure. With four sets of tees, the course is a par 72, with a slope of 139 and a rating of 74.8.
Black Horse
Named in honor of the 11th Cavalry Regiment (nicknamed “Black Horse”) which was stationed at the Presidio of Monterey from 1919-1940. Black Horse was designed in 1964 by General Edwin Carnes, the Commanding General of Fort Ord from April 1963 until June of 1965. With the most breath-taking views of the Monterey Bay imaginable, the most recent renovations transformed Black Horse into a longer, more challenging “championship golf course.” With long rolling fairways, “championship golf tees,” and alluring panoramic views of the Monterey Bay, Black Horse will not only take your game through its paces, it will also captivate your soul. Black Horse is now 7,024 yards long, with four sets of tees; a par 72, with a slope of 141 and a rating of 73.7.
