GOLF Poppy Hills Golf Course Public Located in the heart of the Del Monte Forest, Poppy Hills is another of Pebble Beach’s championship courses that will challenge even the best. Golf Digest ranks it as 87th on its list of the Top 100 American courses open to the public. Poppy Hills held the 2018 U.S. Girls’ Junior Championship. It places a premium on accuracy, with a design that also minimizes environmental impacts. But it’s also a beautiful course. As Robert Trent Jones Jr. described it, “Playing Poppy Hills is as close as you can get to playing golf in a national park.” 7,002 yards. Bar and grill. 3200 Lopez Road, Pebble Beach. (831) 622-8239, poppyhillsgolf.com Spyglass Hill Golf Course Public The toughest on the Peninsula and one of the trickiest on Earth, this AT&T Pro-Am course humbles even the best golfers. Yet they keep coming back for more, partly on account of the epic views. The first five holes share their fairways with the Pacific Ocean while the following 13 holes weave through the dense Del Monte Forest, navigating tight doglegs and a natural flowing terrain. Golf Digest ranks it 12th of the top 100 public courses. 7,029 yards. Designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr. Restaurants and bar (outdoor and indoor seating), driving range. 3206 Stevenson Drive, Pebble Beach. (800) 877-0597, pebblebeach.com The Hay Public Re-designed in 2021 by none other than Tiger Woods, this picturesque par-3 upholds original designer Peter Hay’s most cherished goal: to make golf courses accessible to players of all skill sets. Beginners can chip and putt their way through the Hay—no driving necessary— and practice their technique on the putting course (where you can bring your cocktail with you). Seasoned players will notice that each hole plays in a different direction, allowing wind to be a constant factor, and get the chance to play a replica of Pebble Beach Golf Links’ historic 7th hole. 670 yards. Restaurant (outdoor and indoor seating with great views). 3260 Stevenson Drive, Pebble Beach. (800) 877-0597, pebblebeach.com SALINAS Salinas Fairways Golf Course Public This mostly level course is straightforward, well-maintained and features large and fair greens, which means reaching par isn’t out of reach. It’s also a big value and a godsend for inland golfers without the time to drive west. 6,848 yards. Original design by Jack Fleming. Restaurant (outdoor and limited indoor seating), practice range. Salinas Airport, 45 Skyway Blvd., Salinas. (831) 758-4653, salinasfairways.com SEASIDE Bayonet and Black Horse Public Set atop the heights of the old Fort Ord with views across Monterey Bay, these two courses offer challenges for all skill levels. Bayonet is a PGA qualification course and is the tougher of the two. Black Horse offers more scenic views and is generally more open, with oaks instead of cypress trees surrounding the fairways. There are hazards, but the biggest challenge may be keeping your eyes on the ball, not the view. Renovated by Gene Bates. Bayonet: 7,104 yards. Black Horse: 7,024 yards. Restaurant (outdoor and indoor seating), driving range. 1 McClure Way, Seaside. (831) 8997271, bayonetblackhorse.com 50 THE BEST OF MONTEREY BAY ® 2024-2025 Reservations up to 60 days IN ADVANCE. RECOGNIZED BY GOLF DIGEST AS ONE OF THE “BEST DEALS IN GOLF” RANKED BY GOLF MAGAZINE AS ONE OF THE “ NATION’S TOP 50 GOLF COURSES UNDER $50” 77 Asilomar Blvd. • Pacific Grove • 831.648.5775 • www.playpacificgrove.com • PfN ’11-’20 ’22-’23 Best Public Golf Course PG-Links_1-2h_VG24_dg.indd 1 6/19/24 4:00 PM
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