Until I bought a Duke's card several years ago, mostly for the discounts at
Spyglass and Spanish Bay, I had only played Del Monte once or twice and had unfairly compared it to the other more spectacular courses in the area. But after playing the course four or five times and with friends at the card price I actually came to appreciate it more. There actually is an ocean view from the course that I had not noticed and it has a country club feel to it. I still would rather play Poppy or Fort Ord, although I haven't played the redesign, but would still play Del Monte on any trip to Monterey.
Also for those that are anti-Duke's, Tom, or don't plan on playing any other courses, Del Monte puts out coupons in the local papers and NoCal golf magazines pretty regularly, so you can usually find a discount.
What did the architect junkies think of the church pews on no. 10?