Black Horse is the course with an ocean view from almost every hole. Tighter fairways, smaller greens and rolling hills force you to dig deep for a little bit of everything. Both courses are well-drained, even in wet El Nino years. Forget the ocean views and fog. Set in the rugged hills of the Monterey Peninsula, the 1,700 acre Carmel Valley Ranch hosts Pete Dye s 18-hole championship golf course.
Luxurious accommodations overlook the course, which offers undulating greens and target-style play.
The first part of the course follows the Carmel River up along the foothills for a dramatic elevation change then back to finish at the river again. Although the semi-private course is not a long course, about 6,300 yards, the ranch setting means a quiet, secluded game. The fairways and greens are friendly and so is the weather. Carmel Valley Ranch is one of several courses along the Carmel River, including two courses at Rancho Canada and the golf club at Quail Lodge. The Laguna Seca Golf Course, opened in 1970, is a prime example.