Bayonet & Black Horse (Black Horse)

The U.S. Armed Forces operates a number of golf facilities on its bases, which often fall under the popular radar. The Bayonet Course at Fort Ord, however, was so well-received that the military brass agreed to build a second 18-hole loop, known as the Black Horse Course. Eventually the base was closed and, fortunately, the courses were sold to the local governments and remain open to the general public to this day.

Black Horse was not originally designed by a well-regarded architect, but in fact General Edwin Carnes, who counted “head golf course designer” among his roles while serving as the Commanding General on site. The more recent renovations, which brought the course to more than 7,000 yards, were carried out by the more experienced Gene Bates. Although many of the bunkers are new, the course’s most popular feature — the views across Monterey Bay — have been there since the course was first laid out.

The Black Horse Course was named after the 11th Cavalry Regiment, nicknamed “Black Horse,” which was stationed in the area from 1919 through 1940.