A Day on the Bay by Frank LaRosa
With the full 36-hole renovation complete, the Bayonet and Black Horse golf courses on the Monterey Peninsula should be on your must-play list. If you have played them before the eye-popping makeover, you’re in for a treat.
The history behind the Bayonet and Black Horse golf courses is as colorful as their lush green fairways and white sand bunkers. Located overlooking the beautiful Monterey Bay on the former Fort Ord Army base, Bayonet Golf Course was built in 1954 by Commanding General Robert McClure and named after the 7th Infantry’s Bayonet Division.
It seems the lefty general was plagued with a bit of a slice and a little creative architecture managed to reduce his handicap with a series of sharp dogleg holes known as Combat Corner where I’ve waged a bit of war myself. Black Horse was named in honor of the Blackhorse 11th Cavalry Regiment.
Renovations on the 36-hole layout began at the bottom with new fairways, redesigned bunker complexes, and beguiling bentgrass greens. The result is two sparkling ocean-view gems…each offering a different experience. Bayonet’s more traditional deep bunkers and tamer greens contrast with the stunning large serrated bunkers and greens with more movement you’ll find on Black Horse.
Correspondingly, tee shots are more challenging on Bayonet with plenty of room to miss on Black Horse. Architect Gene Bates, is the artist behind the renovation. Bates, who may just be the most affable person I’ve met in golf, has created a masterpiece with unobstructed views of the Bay and perfect bentgrass tees, fairways and greens.
My host, the personable tournament director, Julio Rodriguez ordered up perfect Peninsula weather with blue skies and puffy white clouds to go along with the temperate climate. Even if I had found myself with a bad lie on the course (which I didn’t), it wouldn’t have mattered.
Pick one or play them both. You won’t be disappointed. For more information, visit bayonetblackhorse.com
P.S. The photos here are by Julio Rodriguez. Top is number 18 on Bayonet and the other photo is the finishing hole on Black Horse.
November 27, 2009 at 1:20 pm | Golf To Go by Frank LaRosa, Uncategorized | No comment
How We See It-Latest On Giants and A’s Free Agency, Stadium In San Jose and More
There’s a new wrinkle in the Giants free agency chase. In fact, I’m sure you probably haven’t heard this one before. Also, where the Oakland A’s Jack Cust may end up, and the A’s want to move to San Jose now?
November 24, 2009 at 4:33 pm | Derek Moore's Blog | No comment
On the Bookshelf by Frank LaRosa
Although we’re blessed with great weather most of the year in Northern California, we’re getting into the time of year when the winter weather might be more suited to reading a book about golf than actually going outside to brave the elements. Three new offerings from Abrams Books will give you plenty of pages to turn as you look forward to the return of our 100 degree summer days.
David Barret’s new book, Golf’s Dream 18s presents a unique premise. Barret has imagined 18 amazing courses, each made up of the greatest holes in different categories. Barret has chosen the 18 best scenic holes, the 18 best shore holes, 18 best historic holes, etc… If that’s not enough, he put together his ultimate course made up of the best of his other 17 categories!
Add some great color photos and tips on how to play the holes and you’ve got a book that will either have you nodding in agreement or wondering how Barret could choose his over yours!
Author Darius Oliver visited every course he reviewed in his book Planet Golf USA which not only outlines his best, hardest and most dramatic courses and holes, but also reviews the Top 100 ranked courses in the United States according to two national golf magazines.
I went through the list quickly checking off the ones I’ve played while making a mental note of the ones I still want to play.
I’m looking at the title of Chris Santella’s book as an assignment in the hopes that it actually keeps me around until I complete the Fifty More Places to Play Golf Before You Die! The author interviews 50 golf world luminaries asking about their favorite courses and experiences. From touring professionals, photographers, journalists and travel specialists, he put together a list that included Royal Dornoch in Scotland, Nirwana in Bali and China’s Jade Dragon Snow Mountain where players tee off at 10,000 feet at the base of the Himalayas. Can you imagine the hang time on that one?
Look for these books and more golf diversions at your local bookstore.
November 23, 2009 at 5:15 pm | Golf To Go by Frank LaRosa | No comment
The Sacramento Monarchs Fold
The Sacramento Monarchs have announced that they are folding as of today, according to News 10.
The move was made to put full efforts into the Sacramento Kings turnaround, and due to financial challenges the team faced.
There’s already rumors that they might resurface in the Bay Area in the near future.
November 20, 2009 at 12:48 pm | Derek Moore's Blog | 1 comment
How We See It-A Look At Tim Lincecum, the Cy Young Race and the Future
Tim Lincecum wins the Cy Young Award in one of the closest races ever. You could argue either St. Louis Cardinals pitcher could have one, but came up short.
Me and Brian Lopez talked about this, his future and how he compares to the greats.
November 19, 2009 at 3:26 pm | Derek Moore's Blog | No comment
Exclusive: Forrest Griffin talks about upcoming bout w/Tito Ortiz
Watch Forrest Griffin Ready For His Tito Ortiz Bout II At UFC 106 on RawVegas.tv
November 18, 2009 at 11:23 am | MMA Fix by Dave Farra | No comment
San Francisco Giants Starting Pitcher Options
Brad Penny doesn’t look like he’s going to factor into the Giants future plans. The word on the street has the Giants focused on a few other free agents to compliment Lincecum, Cain and Zito.
Names include the best risk/reward of the bunch in Ben Sheets. Sheets has been out of baseball for the last year due to a torn tendon. More affordable options like Erik Bedard and Rich Harden are also possibilities. Guys like John Lackey are pretty much a done deal for the Giants, who aren’t looking to pay big money for pitching.
November 17, 2009 at 5:05 pm | Derek Moore's Blog | No comment
I Love That Sound - by Frank LaRosa
I thought I was a pretty serious golfer the first time I was fitted for clubs. All these years later, I still don’t have the heart to get rid of my PING Eye 2 irons. They were wildly popular in the 80s and PING Golf was at the forefront of the perimeter weighted cavity back clubs. Today, almost every manufacturer offers this type of forgiving golf club.
PING Golf’s humble beginnings can be traced to the family garage where Karsten Solheim’s late nights, persistence, and curiosity developing innovative products led to the foundation of the world-renowned golf equipment company that celebrates their 50th anniversary this year.
The innovations continue today with the introduction of the G15 and I15 drivers. Don’t look for movable weights or funny shapes. These drivers just work. If maximum forgiveness, distance and accuracy are what you seek, your choice might be the G15. If you like to work your tee shots, the I15’s fade-biased design and its 460cc titanium head is for you.
The sound of a well-struck drive is almost as satisfying as one that actually goes straight and long. With the new PING G15, you get the sound, the straight, and the long!
Although they felt slightly different when I hit them, testing on the track man proved I produced more optimum spin rates and carry distance with the G15, demonstrating the importance and value of proper fitting. If long and down the middle are OK with you, you won’t make a wrong choice with either the G15 or I15 driver from PING Golf.
November 13, 2009 at 4:16 pm | Golf To Go by Frank LaRosa | No comment
Javon Walker Says to the Raiders, “I’m Outta Here”
Boy, that Javon Walker deal sure was sweet huh? $16 million to be a mentor for the other receivers for the Raiders. That’s a stroke of luck if you ask me.
I guess he’s now bored with collecting a paycheck while doing absolutely nothing. He’s asked for his release. He says-”It’s not that I can’t play; I can play. From everyone who sees me at practice, I still got it going on.” We will see if anybody in the NFL agrees with that assessment.
November 13, 2009 at 12:29 pm | Derek Moore's Blog | No comment
ESPN 1320-How We See It-Giants/A’s Free Agent Possibilities
Derek Moore and Brian Lopez take a look at all of the latest rumors with the San Francisco Giants and Oakland A’s. There are a few interesting possibilities, especially for the Giants at catcher. The A’s need something at 1st and 3rd.
November 11, 2009 at 4:14 pm | Derek Moore's Blog | No comment
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