Bayonet

Already drawing rave reviews for its renovation, Bayonet Golf Course has ushered in a new and exciting era for the landmark golf course that overlooks the famed Monterey Peninsula.

Certain to provide both challenges and inspiration to golfers for generations to come, Bayonet has been re-sculpted by award-winning golf course architect Gene Bates.

Retaining its classic, tree-lined character, while showcasing Bates’ elegant bunkering and graceful greens, the new Bayonet offers expanded views of the bay. Although the overall length of Bayonet has increased only 16 yards, the strategic and visual impact created by Bates’ bunkering is immeasurable.

The front nine, which debuted in May of 2007, is different from the original layout in several ways — mostly notably the order that the holes are played has changed and a spectacular new ninth hole has been created.

The new finisher to the front is an uphill par 4, 476 yards, with a dogleg right. The all-new fairway is lined by numerous young cypress, oak and pine trees – most transplanted from nearby areas of the property. One tree cluster cuts off the right corner, while a bunker pinches the fairway further on the left. The test lies with an all-carry approach, where three staggered bunkers lead up to a broad green that is cut into the crest of the hillside.

Par has not changed on any hole, although the longest par 5 on the course has been shortened from 626 yards to 613 yards. Now the eighth hole, it comes into play right just before the new ninth to create a daunting one-two combination totaling 1,089 yards.

Overall, the addition of Bates’ classic bunkering, punctuated by snow-white sand, and removal of the Kikuyu and poa annua grasses in the fairways and greens have produced a substantial improvement to Bayonet’s playing conditions.

With the removal of the Kikuyu and poa annua, all of the new turf is 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 installed on all 36 holes.

One of the most dramatic design changes to the greens is the more level putting surface on what was the par-4 seventh hole (now the fifth hole on the side). Gone is the drastic, left-to-right dropoff, replaced with a more welcoming target with gentle movement.

Bayonet, which opened in 1954, is steeped in golf and military history. Created on the site of the former Fort Ord by General Robert B. McClure, it was christened in honor of the 7th Infantry Light Fighter Division (nicknamed the “Bayonet Division”).

Always stimulating and in spectacular shape, and with Monterey Bay as its inspiring backdrop, the remodeled Bayonet is ready for the new era to begin.

Course Record

Andres Gonzales

Course Record: 62
Course Yardage: 7005 Yards
November 17th, 2010
PGA Tour Qualifying School- Stage 2
Currently Playing on The PGA Tour

Bayonet, with its narrow playing corridors and steep, penal bunkering, has long been considered the most difficult test of golf on the Monterey Peninsula. The par-72, 7,104-yard course has retained its famous bite after the recent renovation by award-winning architect Gene Bates, but playability and strategic options have been greatly improved. The uphill, dogleg right, 476-yard, par-4 ninth hole exemplifies the course’s significant challenge.

Hole 1

Description

Favor the right side of the fairway on the tee shot and second shot to avoid the fairway bunkers on the left. This will leave you a short iron in for your third shot. An easy par on this hole can set the tempo for the rest of your day.

Category	Par	Yardage	Handicap
Black	5	548	7
Blue	5	520	7
White	5	505	7
Red	5	474	5

Hole 2

Description

Accuracy is of the utmost importance on this tee shot. Favor the left side to have the best angle into the green. The second shot will play half a club downhill and any shot over the green will run away from you.

Category	Par	Yardage	Handicap
Black	4	436	1
Blue	4	423	1
White	4	357	1
Red	4	317	7

Hole 3

Description

Longer hitters may try to clear the fairway bunker, but other players will want to lay-up just short of it and approach from there. This green is very deep so look to see where the pin is.

Category	Par	Yardage	Handicap
Black	4	365	17
Blue	4	332	17
White	4	317	17
Red	4	278	11

Hole 4

Description

This par 3 is downhill, but the prevailing ocean breeze means it will play to the yardage. The bunker protecting the front of the green leaves a difficult up-and-down, so choose your club wisely.

Category	Par	Yardage	Handicap
Black	3	201	11
Blue	3	176	11
White	3	156	11
Red	3	122	15

Hole 5

Description

No need for driver here. Play to your favorite yardage and take advantage of this birdie opportunity. Take note, because any shot over this green will really get away from you.

Category	Par	Yardage	Handicap
Black	4	343	15
Blue	4	327	15
White	4	306	15
Red	4	285	13

Hole 6

Description

This is a long par 3 that plays a bit uphill. The left bunker appears to be right in front of the green but is actually 15 yards from the front edge. A conservative line into this green may be the prudent play.

Category	Par	Yardage	Handicap
Black	3	221	13
Blue	3	189	13
White	3	170	13
Red	3	136	17

Hole 7

Description

This tight, uphill par 4 plays longer than the yardage. Some players can carry the bunker, but don’t get too far left as the tree in front of the green can block a left pin placement. This approach shot plays one club uphill.

Category	Par	Yardage	Handicap
Black	4	392	9
Blue	4	363	9
White	4	336	9
Red	4	294	9

Hole 8

Description

You’ll need three solidly struck shots to get home on this long par 5, as well as to navigate three well-placed fairway bunkers. Pay close attention to your yardage to the bunkers when laying up. The green is over 40 paces deep and very narrow, so your yardage will vary greatly depending on the pin location.

Category	Par	Yardage	Handicap
Black	5	613	5
Blue	5	593	5
White	5	541	5
Red	5	474	1

Hole 9

Description

An accurate tee shot on this long dogleg-right par 4 will set you up to make par. Take at least one extra club to this elevated green. The green is wide and shallow.

Category	Par	Yardage	Handicap
Black	4	476	3
Blue	4	449	3
White	4	388	3
Red	4	350	3

Hole 10

Description

Play down the right side of this par 5 to set up the best angle to approach the green. Any shot short of the green will find a collection area.

Category	Par	Yardage	Handicap
Black	5	517	5
Blue	5	510	5
White	5	462	5
Red	5	402	5

Hole 11

Description

A tee shot down the middle of this dogleg-left par 4 will split the bunkers and leave a short approach to the green. Pay attention to the pin placement to leave an uphill putt.

Category	Par	Yardage	Handicap
Black	4	387	8
Blue	4	355	8
White	4	331	8
Red	4	250	14

Hole 12

Description

This dogleg-left, uphill par 4 requires every bit of accuracy and distance control. Try to hit your tee shot just right of the fairway bunker. The second shot will play a club longer than the yardage.

Category	Par	Yardage	Handicap
Black	4	419	4
Blue	4	378	4
White	4	316	4
Red	4	290	8

Hole 13

Description

This long par 4 plays longer due to the ocean breeze. Any shot that carries the fairway bunker on the right will get an extra kick toward the green. Accuracy is a must as both greenside bunkers are very deep.

Category	Par	Yardage	Handicap
Black	4	479	2
Blue	4	444	2
White	4	387	2
Red	4	369	4

Hole 14

Description

The ocean breeze behind you should offset the elevation change on this par 3. The green is very deep, so make sure to check the pin location.

Category	Par	Yardage	Handicap
Black	3	192	18
Blue	3	170	18
White	3	149	18
Red	3	118	18

Hole 15

Description

Hit this tee shot right over the little oak on the right side to set up the best approach angle. There is more room right than appears off the tee, so choose a line that takes the left trees out of play. A well-thought-out tee shot should allow for a great birdie opportunity.

Category	Par	Yardage	Handicap
Black	4	370	14
Blue	4	350	14
White	4	320	14
Red	4	262	10

Hole 16

Description

Split the two fairway bunkers off the tee and take an extra club for this uphill approach. The green is deep with collection areas left and right.

Category	Par	Yardage	Handicap
Black	4	393	6
Blue	4	364	6
White	4	326	6
Red	4	275	12

Hole 17

Description

This par 3 will play a club less but it is well guarded by bunkers front and right. If the pin is back right, play for the center of the green.

Category	Par	Yardage	Handicap
Black	3	225	16
Blue	3	200	16
White	3	150	16
Red	3	137	18

Hole 18

Description

Take the tee shot just right of the fairway bunker. A layup short of the fairway bunkers will allow for a legitimate birdie opportunity to end your round!

Category	Par	Yardage	Handicap
Black	5	527	10
Blue	5	498	10
White	5	428	10
Red	5	396	2

Click image for full-size scorecard.