Del Monte Golf Course

The closing three holes give Del Monte Golf Course a properly testing finish. The 421-yard par-4 16th is the toughest assignment on the inward nine, demanding a controlled tee shot before the green comes into play. There is then a change of mood at the par-5 17th, a realistic two-shot opportunity for golfers who have positioned the ball well from the tee. The final hole is shorter, but no casual conclusion, as approaches must allow for a green that slopes sharply from right to left. Across the round, fairways run tightly between trees and the small greens are well guarded, placing a premium on direction from the tee and disciplined distance control into the flags. A driving range makes it easy to loosen up before the first tee. The course began with nine holes in 1897 and has remained in continuous operation longer than any other course west of the Mississippi River, yet its challenge is rooted in shot placement rather than nostalgia.

Del Monte Bar & Grill works well for a coffee and a bite before the round, or a relaxed drink once the cards are signed. For an on-course stay, Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel & Spa sits across 22 acres of Monterey pines and has Del Monte on site, which makes the early start particularly straightforward. The Lodge at Pebble Beach is another Pacific coast base with access to the Pebble Beach courses. Downtown Monterey is only minutes away for evenings beyond the resort, while Del Monte Beach lies about a mile from the course, bringing the shoreline within easy reach after golf.