Monterey Peninsula's Bayonet Golf Course gets another big qualifier

How good is the Bayonet Golf Course on the Monterey Peninsula? Good enough to get another high-profile qualifier, apparently.

The golf course, which was part of an overall $13 million renovation of the 36 holes at Bayonet Black Horse a little more than a year ago, has landed Stage 2 of the PGA Tour qualifying tournament Nov. 15-20.

“Second Stage is a hotly-contested round featuring many of the game’s rising stars,” said Dick Fitzgerald, project director for the facility’s owner/operator, Seaside Resort Development. “We are excited to host the event and honored by Bayonet’s selection and affiliation with the PGA Tour.”

The PGA Tour Q-school event will be the second high-level qualifier this year at Bayonet. On May 10, Bayonet will be the host course for a U.S. Open qualifier. The U.S. Open will be played just down the road from Bayonet at Pebble Beach Golf Links, June 17-20. Bayonet is particularly challenging with its narrow corridors and difficult greens and bunkers.

Apparently, the PGA Tour was as impressed with the work of architect Gene Bates, who not only oversaw the renovation of Bayonet, but sister course Black Horse as well. Tour officials cited Bayonet’s championship-caliber layout and commitment to maintaining “tour level” conditions.

Both courses received new bunkering, advanced bentgrass on fairways, greens and surrounds, and totally new greens. Much of the underbrush and tree canopies were cleared out, too, opening up great views of the Pacific Ocean.

(By the way, early last year I wrote a review of Bayonet Golf Course at GolfCalifornia.com.)