Monterey Peninsula Country Club: Shore

Mike Strantz’s transformation of the Shore Course is nothing short of remarkable, turning a once unremarkable layout into a breathtaking masterpiece that holds its own against its famous neighbor, Cypress Point. Strantz reimagined the course by reversing the direction of holes five through fifteen, giving players sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean. He artfully threaded fairways through cypress trees, creating a unique experience he described as “dancing among the cypress,” and introduced native grasses to evoke a coastal prairie aesthetic.

Tragically, the redesign was Strantz’s final creation. He passed away six months after completing this labor of love. His vision lives on, carefully preserved by his associate and former PGA Tour player Forrest Fezler, who served as consulting architect until his own passing in 2018. Today, the Shore Course stands as a tribute to Strantz’s artistry, blending strategic brilliance with stunning natural beauty.