Okay, so I finally got around to playing Black Horse Golf Course in Monterey. I’d heard so much about it, and let me tell you, it lived up to the hype, mostly. Here’s how the whole thing went down.
Getting There and Getting Started
First off, finding the place was pretty easy. I just plugged it into my phone’s GPS, and it took me right there. No problems at all. Parking was ample, so that’s a plus. I grabbed my clubs from the trunk and headed to the pro shop to check in.
The staff there were super friendly. I mean, really welcoming. They got me set up with a cart and pointed me towards the first tee. I did a few stretches; gotta loosen up, you know, I want to try my best for a good result!
The Course Itself
The first few holes were… well, they were okay. Nicely maintained, the greens were in good shape, but nothing too spectacular. I was starting to think, “Okay, is this it?” But then, man, things started to change.
Around the fifth or sixth hole, the views started getting really impressive. You’re up high, looking out over the bay, and it’s just gorgeous. The course layout gets more interesting too, with some challenging doglegs and elevation changes. It definitely kept me on my toes.
- The Good: The views, obviously. Also, the course was in great condition. The greens were fast and true, which I appreciate.
- The Not-So-Good: The pace of play was a little slow. I got stuck behind a group that seemed to be taking their sweet time. Maybe they are newer for golf.
The Back Nine
The back nine is where Black Horse really shines. It’s more challenging, more scenic, and just more… fun. There are some holes where you really have to think about your shot placement. It’s not just grip-it-and-rip-it golf. My drive isn’t very good; I need to practice a lot more.
I ended up shooting a… well, let’s just say it wasn’t my best round. But I honestly didn’t even care that much. I was having too much fun enjoying the scenery and the challenge. I’ll definitely work at improving my skills.
Wrapping Up
After the round, I grabbed a drink at the clubhouse. It’s a nice spot to relax and rehash the game with your buddies, if you have some. I was solo this time, but it was still a good way to unwind. Next time I’ll bring some friends.
Overall, I’d definitely recommend Black Horse. It’s not the cheapest round of golf you’ll ever play, but for the experience, it’s worth it. Just be prepared for some potentially slow play, and make sure you bring your camera for those ocean views!