ATTENNNSHUN…EEYES RIGHT…PARAAADE RESTGOLF AT FORT ORD’S BAYONET AND BLACK HORSEBy Anthony ScaggsATTENNNSHUN…EEYES RIGHT…PARAAADE REST. In the recent past these sounds resonated from the Drill Sergeant’s booming voice throughout Ford Ord. With the down sizing of the military, many facilities were de-commissioned and returned to the public. Fort Ord, adjacent to Carmel-by-the-Sea, California, was one such base. And what a bonus to golfers! Fort Ord’s Bayonet and Black Horse are two, just-opened-to-the-public, golf courses overlooking Monterey Bay’s waters. The warm sunshine, soft ocean breezes and the rolling waves accent the beauty of the fairways but only whisper at the challenge that lies ahead for even the most skilled golfers.
At Ford Ord you will be greeted in a manner assuring you have made the right choice. The day begins on a high note as the Starter gives you the friendly go-ahead off the first tee. Progressing through the course, you will encounter Groundkeepers. They greet you like a welcomed guest in their private garden. They love their work and want to make your visit the best experience possible. Most golfers are weekend warriors. We do not practice hours a day to hone our skills as professional golfers. We may hit a few balls at the driving range and putt a few times on the practice green before our tee time. We are anxious to tee up and start our round. We cannot wait to hit that first drive long and straight. (I did that once may be twice). Standing on the tee waiting for the foursome in front to clear, we may talk about business or family matters or stand in silence. We may be caught in the strategy of the game, the challenge to do well, or that last great shot. I wonder about a sport that can create such frustration in the participants and yet be set in surroundings of such incredible beauty. The courses at Fort Ord not only challenge your skill but also tempt your eyes and please your soul. Even non-golfers will enjoy riding through this garden and visual paradise.
After completing the first nine or regrouping at the nineteenth hole, you will be pleasantly surprised at the spaciousness and comfort of the snack bar. I stopped for coffee and was pleased at how good it tasted. I finished that day as I had started—thoroughly in love with this frustrating and challenging game. Some days I master it, but usually the golf is the master and I am but the understudy. It is always that one great shot or incredible round that brings us back. Fort Ord’s Black Stallion and Bayonet will challenge you at every turn and fill your senses with beauty.
Southwest Airlines http://www.southwest.com flies into San Jose and San Francisco from many locations. Golf clubs are counted as one piece of baggage. 1-800-I-FLY-SWA(1-800-435-9792) Images by Anthony Scaggs |
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I always arrive at the course with positive thoughts of shooting 72 or better. Of the many aspects of golf, service and staff professionalism are crucial for achieving the day’s success. Many courtesies and amenities promise that Bayonet or Black Horse will be one of your best golfing experiences.
The two courses are adjacent to each other. Looking across the fairways, I thought that Merlin had whisked me away to the Emerald Isles. The tee boxes, fairways and the greens were exactly that—green, green, green. At any moment, I thought that a Leprechaun would leap out from behind a tree to grant me three wishes or offer a pot of gold. 
The second shot on a par four or a par five or maybe your dive on a par three that leaves the ball nestled next to the pin is the shot that keeps the golf fires burning. It brings you back for more. 
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