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I was hoping to find an alternative to the expensive golf choices throughout the Carmel - Monterey area while on vacation. Unfortunately Monterey Pines is not the answer for anyone with a handicap of 16 or less. Slow round of golf (5 hrs if you’re lucky), a beginner’s course similar to an “executive” course, with average conditions. 2 to 3groups backed up at most holes throughout. Maybe this was all because it was a Saturday, but I’d rather pay higher rates than play here again.

Too bad there is so much new construction adding homes all over the course. Seems like there was 50% fairways/greens and 50% areas being renovated, repaired, or built upon. Hope these courses don’t become more like the unaffordable Pebble Beach courses when all the development is completed 🥺

New home construction all over the courses made it annoying, but the fairway and green conditions of Black Horse were uncommonly poor. Staff, clubhouse, pro shop, and restaurant were good - but Black Horse course conditions we’re definitely below acceptable and a shame.

Bayonet was in excellent condition, although currently there is multi-site single family construction in process all over the course which was somewhat disruptive. The home construction @ Black Horse was even more interrupting to our play, and Black Horse’s condition was surprising below expectations; several bare spots, hard-pan, and burned -out greens that never should exist even on a muni course (which these are not supposed to be). Still better than paying $350 + for a round of golf at Pebble Beach courses, however. So it’s all relative . . . just a little disappointing since I last played these courses 2 years ago on my last vacation to this area from another state.

Driving range was terrible - at least move the hitting area to where there is grass. They aren’t over seeding until 10/18, and there was plenty of green grass at the range, but not where they set up the balls and hitting area. We were warming up off of dirt! That’s my only complaint. Come on, you’re better than that.

Played early and our foursome finished in just under 4 hours. Very nice course and the cost was very reasonable..

Excellent layout and great condition, but those fine points are almost cancelled out by a terrible driving range hitting off of old mats and without anyone policing the area for rowdiness by teenagers. Never saw a ranger or anyone else once we tees off , so I can see why other reviews have complained about pace of play. I played on a Thursday and we finished in 4 hours 10 minutes fortunately. Can’t comment on friendliness of staff since there weren’t any unless you go into the pro shop.