This is the newest course (January 2006) in the Central Coast. It's "across the road" from BlackLake in Nipomo. The back nine is loaded with dunes (hence the name)...and requires some know-how when it comes to target golf.
The front nine lets you stretch your drives.
All the greens are fast and true. Very, very short grass on the greens, which leads to some not-so-pretty divots.
The surroundings are beautiful. You feel like you're playing somewhere special on all 18 holes.
At 10 a.m. I went out as a single (ahead of a group of 12). Caught up with a twosome at the 4th hole, and we hooked up the rest of the way. Nobody in front of us for about 10 holes!
I drive up to San Luis Obispo every two months to visit my grandkids, and play various courses in the Central Coast. Now, Monarch Dunes is on my must-play list every trip.

Course opened New Year's Day...not yet rated. But what a winner! It's the newest addition to the Central Coast...near BlackLake and Cypress Ridge. Greens are true, fairways full of grass-covered dunes, par 3s are reachable. Good value for your buck (intro prices are in effect thru March. The down-side: they're constructing hundreds of new homes in and around the course. A bit noisy, but not yet crowded.

I play this course every other month when visiting my daughter in San Luis Obispo. No matter what time of year, the course is in great shape. It's run by SLO county...the green fees are easy on the budget, especially for seniors. And the entire course is senior friendly. It's a must for out-of-towners (although many locals play here regularly.