The "Best Remodel" category is part of Golf Digest's annual "Best New Courses" survey conducted by its panel of nearly 950 male and female raters. Courses are rated using five criteria: shot values, design variety, resistance to scoring, memorability and aesthetics. Bayonet and Black Horse are the only two public courses to make the list.
"This is a tremendous honor and validation of the hard work and dedication of our staff and Gene Bates' team that went into making Bayonet and Black Horse two of the best golf courses in the region," says Dick Fitzgerald, project director for owner/operator Seaside Resort Development. "The recognition by Golf Digest will increase awareness among avid golfers in search of an unforgettable, yet affordable, 36-hole golf experience."
Bayonet and Black Horse re-opened in December, 2008 after a $13 million renovation by Bates Golf Design Group (Gene Bates). Both courses underwent dramatic view-shed alterations and hole re-routings to reveal new, breathtaking ocean vistas and improved playing options. Bunkers, tee boxes and greens were completely rebuilt to USGA specifications.
The agronomic enhancements to both courses are equally as dramatic and impactful: the invasive kikuyu and poa annua grasses on the tees, fairways and greens has been replaced with Jacklin T1 Bentgrass, a rarity on the Monterey Peninsula and a turf that produces superior lies and ultra-smooth putting surfaces.
The "Best Remodel" honor is the second bestowed upon Bayonet and Black Horse this year by Golf Digest. In April, Bayonet was named to the magazine's vaunted "50 Toughest Golf Courses" list, ranking No. 35. While it focuses on overall difficulty (slope rating, course rating and reputation), the list is also a veritable roll call of