Follow through fully, for a 2-handicap player, ~10 minutes.
Practice Programs
Complete Golf Practice Blueprint for Monarch Dunes Golf Club
Discover tailored practice programs for this course.
Total Programs
15
15 complete programs built for this course
Unique Drills
88
Total unique drills across all programs
Skill Pillars
11
Accuracy · Aim · Alignment · Dispersion · Distance Control · Green Reading
Session Durations
7
3 days , 4 days , 5 days , 6 days , 7 days , 8 days , 9 days
Challenge Practice Profile
We've mapped a comprehensive practice profile for Challenge, identifying the specific skills this course demands most. The skill distribution below shows which areas of your game will be tested most frequently based on the hole-by-hole analysis (hole handicaps, stroke index, yardage, etc.), while the handicap ranges indicate the typical player profiles who perform well here.
Focus your practice on these key skills to maximize improvement and lower your scores. Check the practice programs below for targeted drills that address these specific skills.
Skill Distribution
Handicap Performance Insights
The handicap ranges shown represent the typical performance levels for this course. Players within these ranges can expect competitive scores, while those outside may yield benefits or may need additional practice in the highlighted skill areas to perform at their best.
Top Drills
Featured Drills for Challenge
Most-used drills from for this course. Practice as standalone drills or scroll down for full programs.
Single Tee, 15/25
Make 15 out of 25 putts
Chip | Parallel Ball Lines | Quadrants
Align a bucket of balls (avg. bucket is 40 balls) into 2 parallel lines 20 balls per line and stop chip shots inside quadrants. Count the number of successes.
Driver | Y Area
Hit 15 balls to each Y area using driver only. Hit one bucket of ~50 balls. Count total number of successful shots.
Around the Hole: 8 Ball Circle, 4/8
Make 4 out of 8 putts from [6 ft | 2 m], 5 times in total.
Putting Aid: Alignment Mirror, 15/25
Make 15 out of 25 putts using an alignment mirror.
Stop the Ball: Circle, in a Row [Long]
Eliminate long distance misses by stopping 5 balls inside the circle, in a row.
Course Details
Everything you need to know about Challenge.
Contact Information
Phone
+44 (0)1250 872622
Fax
+44 (0) 1250 872622
minas@monarchdunes.com
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Facilities
Location
1606 Trilogy Parkway
Course Description
Midway between San Francisco and Los Angeles, Monarch Dunes is nestled neatly on California's Central Coast. Famously known for our year-round 75 degree weather and clear skies, you will find thoughtfully manicured fairways and greens. A perfect scenery for a relaxing round of golf on our two professionally designed courses. Monarch Dunes Golf Course was designed by architect Damian Pascuzzo & PGA Tour Pro Steve Pate. Golf Digest ranking Monarch Dunes third among "America's Best New Courses" in their January 2008 issue, the only California-based course to make the magazine's list.
golf course • golf lessons • golf tournaments • golf events • golf membership • golf • recreation • leisure • outdoor activities • links course • scenic location
Course Information
Holes
30
Par
36
Type
Parkland
Architect
Damian Pascuzzo/Steve Pate
Opened
2009
Google Reviews
Monarch Dunes Golf Club Social Media Presence
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Programs
Skill-Based Practice Programs for Challenge
We studied the course layout and prepared practice programs to lower your scores. The programs are purpose-built for each tee to align with the course strategy. Each program consists of curated drills, with pre-defined modules designed to deliver results.
Filter programs by category (select one)
Showing 15 Programs
% match to course practice profileHit putts with both left and right breaks, for a 1-handicap player, ~10 minutes.
Hit intended line, for a 30-handicap player, ~20 minutes.
Avoid three-putts, for a 35-handicap player, ~30 minutes.
14 Week Flagship Program for Challenge
A complete and progressive long-term development curriculum mapped from easier to harder drills, specifically for Challenge. Start with the basics and work your way towards more challenging drills. Commit to 14 weeks of training and get in proper shape. Four days counts as a week.
Putting · 6 ft (2m) only
Sink More Putts Accurately
Difficulty: Expert · Program HCP 2.0
Putting · Long (20+ ft)
Sink All Long Putts
Difficulty: Expert · Program HCP 0.0
Short Game · Chip
Stop Chips Near Hole
Difficulty: Beginner · Program HCP 35.0
Short Game · Bump'n'Run
How straight can you roll it? Test your setup
Difficulty: Beginner · Program HCP 31.0
Short Game · Chip
Hit Intended Line
Difficulty: Beginner · Program HCP 29.0
Short Game · Sand
Vary your landing spot and see how soft you can land it
Difficulty: Beginner · Program HCP 24.0
Driving Range · Woods (Hy,5W,3W)
3-Wood Dispersion Control For Beginners
Difficulty: Beginner · Program HCP 35.0
Driving Range · Driver
Control Driver Ball Flight
Difficulty: Beginner · Program HCP 35.0
Driving Range · Long irons (4,3,2)
Eliminate Hook With Long Irons
Difficulty: Beginner · Program HCP 35.0
Precision from 200 yards, for a 1-handicap player, ~10 minutes.
Unlock Your Golf Potential
Get personalized coaching and custom training programs tailored to your game.
Get StartedControl 3-wood dispersion, for a 35-handicap player, ~30 minutes.
Convert every opportunity, for a 3-handicap player, ~10 minutes.
Stop on a dime, for a 24-handicap player, ~20 minutes.
Stop within 2 feet, for a 1-handicap player, ~10 minutes.
Square up, for a 31-handicap player, ~30 minutes.
Control flight, for a 35-handicap player, ~30 minutes.
Stop missing fairways, for a 35-handicap player, ~30 minutes.
Maximize in regulation, for a 1-handicap player, ~10 minutes.
Precision short irons, for a 1-handicap player, ~10 minutes.
Advanced accuracy, for a 1-handicap player, ~10 minutes.
Prepare for Tournaments at Challenge
Follow a complete multi-week structured practice program ahead of the upcoming events and arrive prepared.
No upcoming tournaments at this time.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions about Challenge
Get answers to common questions about playing Challenge and what to expect.
How difficult is Challenge for mid-handicap golfers?
Challenge presents a demanding test. The 120 slope rating keeps it accessible for developing players. The course rating of 70 reflects on scoring relative to par 36.
What tees should a 15 handicap play at Challenge?
A 15 handicap golfer should consider tees closer to 6000 yards. The back tees extend to 6500 yards, which makes approach shots longer and scoring more challenging.
What is considered a good score at Challenge?
With a course rating of 70 and par 36, a mid-handicap golfer would typically score in the mid to high 80s. Stronger players aiming to break 36 must manage approach shots and avoid penalty strokes.
How long is Challenge and how does yardage affect play?
At a full length of 6500 yards, it balances distance with positional strategy.
What type of course is Challenge and how should I play it?
Architecturally, it reflects a Parkland style. Overall, the setup will reward players who place the ball in safe positions far from hazards. Also, type of shot is more crucial rather than just trying to gain distance.
What features make Challenge strategically challenging?
The combination of a slope rating of 120 and yardage reaching 6500 yards creates consistent pressure on approach shots. You will need to balance risk and reward, especially on longer par 4s and protected greens.
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