Black Horse is always a peninsula favorite with several views of the Monterey Bay. Course is very challenging due to the severe undulations and multiple tiers of the greens. Greens are spacious in ... Continue »

Black Horse is always a peninsula favorite with several views of the Monterey Bay. Course is very challenging due to the severe undulations and multiple tiers of the greens. Greens are spacious in theory but realistically the preferred landing areas are tiny.

Condition wise the track is in real nice shape. They are getting ready for the PGA professionals tournament to be held here in a couple weeks so most things are in prime condition (Greens, fairways, tee boxes, sand traps). Being that they are putting the last minute touches on the course there are a few areas in the fairway that they have roped off for GUR where they replaced the grass with new sod. Also some of the tee boxes are temporary closed. Normally there are 4 sets but right now there are only two sets of tee's. Not a real big deal other than a bit embarrassing that of the handful of times they had us moved up to the "red" tee box, I only managed 2 pars out of it (but then again it was one of those days).

POP is always a strong 4-4.5 hrs. during prime time and we were right at the 4.5 hr mark. After years of being associated with Taylormade, I noticed the new range balls are Titleist. Honestly, I didn't check to see if they are Pro V1 practice balls or not. I saw the cart gal on the way down to the range but never saw her out on the course which was disappointing because you don't go back around to the clubhouse and I forgot to restock my bag with snacks.

Customer service is good. Not over the top great like Aviara or Quail but solid nonetheless. I was a bit upset at the guys at the front. When I pulled in they were too busy chit chatting with each other so I had to get my own cart. I never mind tipping the crew for loading up my bag and actually prefer it when at a nice course. A bit disappointing to not receive the expected service.

Also, from now until the tournament in mid June it's cart path only.

Definitely, a recommended Monterey Peninsula course and a great one to warm up on to get used to tough greens, before hitting any of the Pebble Beach tracks.

It's hard to believe I haven't played here for 3 months. Blackhorse is one of my peninsula favorite courses. Conditions are usually above average (but not quite superior like Quail or Spyglass). Blac... Continue »

It's hard to believe I haven't played here for 3 months. Blackhorse is one of my peninsula favorite courses. Conditions are usually above average (but not quite superior like Quail or Spyglass). Blackhorse is a challenging course. Every green has multiple tiers and breaks making the preferred landing area very small. In addition to that the greens are firm so holding approach shots can be difficult at times.

The layout is fun with several elevation changes throughout the course. Numerous views of the Monterey Bay help ease the pain of the difficult greens.

Greens are in decent shape but are in need of the upcoming maintainance next week. They are rolling a little slow (medium speed) right now. More than likely they haven't been mowed in a couple days due to the rain we've had this week.

Fairways weren't bad. A few thin areas but very palpable throughout. Fairways were super soft due to the recent rain so roll out on drives was non-existent.

First cut of rough was lush throughout.

This course sits in a cooler foggy area of the peninsula. It's not uncommon for temps to be 10 degrees cooler at Blackhorse than at surrounding neighborhoods just a few miles down the road. It may be sunny and warm at your hotel but it can be cool and damp at Bayonet/Blackhorse. Come prepared with extra layers.

Also, unlike Bayonet, you will not go back by the clubhouse at the turn (or at anytime during the round). The beverage cart is regularly out during prime time and there is a cooler with bottled waters on the 10th tee box. Other than that make sure you are stocked up with food and drinks.

Played 1-10-18 teeing off before noon as a single and finishing in a little under 2 1/2 hours going through two foursomes. Tee boxes were just okay, most had good coverage and few were a little un-lev... Continue »

Played 1-10-18 teeing off before noon as a single and finishing in a little under 2 1/2 hours going through two foursomes. Tee boxes were just okay, most had good coverage and few were a little un-level. Fairways were descent but had a ton of unfilled divots, and a few bare and thin areas. Rough was not to long in in okay shape with some bare spots. Was in three greenside bunkers all of which had nice firm sand. Greens were in nice shape rolling medium speed with an occasional bump. Love the layout of this course, not as tough as Bayonet but still gives you a nice challenge. Costumer service was very friendly from start to finish.

Sub four hour round on a clear cool beautiful fall day. The staff was welcoming especially the starter for our round - real nice guy, as well as the marshal out that morning! The facility has two 18... Continue »

Sub four hour round on a clear cool beautiful fall day. The staff was welcoming especially the starter for our round - real nice guy, as well as the marshal out that morning! The facility has two 18 hole courses that mingle somewhat throughout the round. The tee boxes were all in great shape with a couple of the par 3's a bit chewed up but playable. The fairways had fantastic coverage with mostly tight lies and a bit of divot damage from approach areas on the par 4's and par 5's. The rough was very thick and made finding shots not in the short stuff a challenge. The traps were great around the greens - I did notice a few fairway traps that were a bit shaggy around the edges. The greens were rolling pretty fast and were not holding all good approach shots real well. Most of the greens are very large and extremely sloped with a few different levels on some holes - made for a fun round of putt putt golf! I loved the views of the Bay from the course and the overall conditions! This is surely a course that a couple of rounds would make a good difference for scoring and shot selection. The rates are very reasonable for the course and worth the short drive from the south or the Bay Area. I recommend Black Horse to those that enjoy a well maintained course with great views at a fair rate!!

This was the 4th and final stop on our central CA golf trip. We got a rate of $59 on GolfNow, which I thought was a terrific deal for a Friday morning. We teed off at 8:40, which in my book is early... Continue »

This was the 4th and final stop on our central CA golf trip. We got a rate of $59 on GolfNow, which I thought was a terrific deal for a Friday morning. We teed off at 8:40, which in my book is early (Weber is usually done by that time), so we could drive home afterward.

Like Bayonet, its sister course, the rough was kept long for a tournament. But we were in luck, sorta, because the rough was being cut down to normal length. We didn't see the freshly cut grass until the back nine, but my game improved significantly with the shorter grass. Like Bayonet, conditions were very good, and these greens were even trickier than Bayonet's. Bunkers, fairways, and tee boxes were all in great shape, and POP was fine, although we had to wait from time to time.

I would definitely play this one again on my next trip, along with Bayonet.

My idea of a perfect course is one that has elevation changes, immaculate conditions, on the ocean and has forced carries over water hazards. Think Spyglass Hill! Well Blackhorse meets 3 out 4 req... Continue »

My idea of a perfect course is one that has elevation changes, immaculate conditions, on the ocean and has forced carries over water hazards. Think Spyglass Hill! Well Blackhorse meets 3 out 4 requirements. Suburb conditions all around with numerous elevations changes throughout the track. In fact there are only 4 holes that are flat. While not directly on the ocean, you have views of the Monterey bay from about half of the holes.

The greens are the trickiest in the business. Rarely do you have a flat straight putt at Blackhorse. It's not uncommon to be putting for par and then chipping for double bogey here. I've literally seen 15' putts make a U turn and end up further back behind the player. Having said that the greens rolls smooth.

Sand traps are excellent and plentiful greenside. Fairways are lush and on par with those in the 93953 zip code up the road. Some of the tee boxes have taken a beating as of late. Whereas some are in perfect shape, a couple were severely damaged with bare spots and divots galore.

The only thing missing from this track is a forced carry over water. In front of the 15th green would have been a great place or even in place of the cluster of the back bunkers on the 1st hole. The first hole is a reachable Par 5 and in my opinion the easiest hole on the course. Replacing the cluster of bunkers with water would force the player to think strategically instead of always going for it without fear of being penalized.

Overall, Blackhorse is a must play track in the Monterey Peninsula. I know I'm biased as this is one of my home courses, but it truly is a gem well worth the money.

Amazing course and near perfect condition! Haven't played Bayonet, but played with a local single and he said this is the better of the 2... has more variety in holes. 10min drive with no traffic fro... Continue »

Amazing course and near perfect condition! Haven't played Bayonet, but played with a local single and he said this is the better of the 2... has more variety in holes. 10min drive with no traffic from DT Monterey. Will come back to play again with my normal golf group and would love to play Bayonet. $65 rate via golf now, played 11/3/16 8:20AM POP 4.5 **Bad reviews from GK are crazy to me, they complain about things that don't matter (Practice greens, other groups etc.) - Longer then expected, played blues and with the 6500+ yardage in Monterey cold wet weather....it was plenty. - Great Shape from tee to greens....almost perfect, this is for someone coming from So-cal where local conditions are drought restricted. We are forced to play in Palm Springs for great conditions. - Elevation changes, dog legs, cypress trees, tough greens with many false fronts and false backs. Greens were fast and in perfect shape, cant imagine on a hotter dryer day. Sandtraps new clover shaped, with new white sand.

Played Sunday 7/17, 7am tee time; I saw online they had an "aerification special" for $85 incl cart, and a free future round. It wasn't on GK, so I took a chance. I knew they had some big amateur cha... Continue »

Played Sunday 7/17, 7am tee time; I saw online they had an "aerification special" for $85 incl cart, and a free future round. It wasn't on GK, so I took a chance. I knew they had some big amateur championship, so maybe it was an error. Alas, the greens were punched Monday. big holes, rolled ok, but it made determining speed with grain a challenge. The practice green was very grainy. Was first off, put with a couple, but they insisted I go ahead of them. So a quick 2 1/2 hr round.

The course is a good track. challenging, rolling through hills. Plenty of strategically placed bunkers and trees. Not as foresty as Bayonet. More wide open. Lots of elevation changes, both dramatic and subtle. My main complaint is it looks like they are struggling with the fairways. There seem to be many areas of bad disrepair. Some places looked like they were watering more on purpose,, but the whole course is wet... and moisture in the air is heavy, so why water all morning? Many areas were very wet. Many areas around the greens were very thin (and wet). And there are a ton of unfilled divots. An amazing amount. I guess they get a lot of walkers, and I guess they don't have sand. For the rack rate, you would expect a nicer kept course. (I'm not even complaining about the greens, btw) It's a nice track, but needs to be in better shape. Maybe they are working on it. And maybe the Bayonet is in better shape. But I had fun either way.

Played Black Horse on New Years Day with an early tee time. Ended up with a significant frost delay but was in the fourth group out. Got a Golfnow rate of $105, which was a decent cut off the $140 r... Continue »

Played Black Horse on New Years Day with an early tee time. Ended up with a significant frost delay but was in the fourth group out. Got a Golfnow rate of $105, which was a decent cut off the $140 rack rate. The course was beautiful. The conditions were good. The lies were winter tight but that was to be expected. I had a tough time in the sand so am not a good judge of it. For whatever reason, it did not suit me. The greens were tough. Very undulating with difficult pin placements. I thought the pin placements were punitive but they may have been putting them at sloped areas because Monterey had got quite a bit of rain. Overall, a fun layout with above average conditions. The pace of play was only okay, about 4:45. The service was exceptional. I would like to play it again in the summer when the grass is more lush.