Sylvan Road
Monterey, CA, United States
Del Monte Golf Course is a landmark 18-hole course located in Monterey, California, that opened as a nine-hole layout in 1897 and expanded to 18 holes in 1903. Originally designed by Charles E. Maud, it is the oldest course in continuous operation west of the Mississippi River. Playing to a par of 72 at 6,356 yards, Del Monte features the classic characteristics of its era, including small, sloping greens and tight fairways with out-of-bounds hazards lining approximately half the holes.
The course is deceptively challenging despite its modest length. Its defining features include steeply contoured greens—particularly on holes 3, 12, 14, and 17—that demand precise shot placement and strategic approach play. The layout emphasizes accuracy over distance, with strategic bunkering and tiered greens requiring careful consideration of pin positions.
Del Monte holds significant historical importance as the birthplace of the California State Amateur in 1912 and hosted the 1916 Western Amateur, the first national amateur championship played west of Colorado. The course continues to host prestigious tournaments, including the annual Monterey City Amateur Championship and Monterey Open. Its enduring legacy has made it one of the most prestigious courses in Western golf history.
