The Links at Spanish Bay at Pebble Beach Resort

Location: Pebble Beach | Style: Coastal links-style | Length: ~6,821 yards | Par: 72 | Opened: 1987 | Designer: Robert Trent Jones Jr., Tom Watson & Sandy Tatum

Set among the sweeping sand dunes of 17-Mile Drive in Monterey & Pebble Beach, The Links at Spanish Bay offers a coastal, windswept layout that evokes the feel of a traditional Scottish links. Winding through dunes, natural contours, and Monterey pine outcroppings, the course offers expansive views of the Pacific while demanding strategic play and shotmaking.

The property features practice facilities, including a driving range and putting green which allows players to warm up before their round. Though relatively young compared to classic links in Britain, Spanish Bay has earned a reputation as a top destination for a California golf vacation, praised for its aesthetics, drama, shifting winds, and subtle green complexes.

Course highlights

• Stunning coastal routing: Several holes hug the dunes and coastline for pure visual drama and gusty challenge.
• Scottish-style elements: Pot bunkers, firm turf (especially in coastal stretches), wind influence, and strategic placement make it feel “links-like.”
• Strong architecture pedigree: Designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr. with input from Tom Watson and Sandy Tatum.
• Evening bagpiper: A nightly tradition has a bagpiper playing at sunset, marching down the fairway, and “putting the club to sleep.”
• Tournament history: Hosts the TaylorMade Pebble Beach Invitational and other local pro-am and amateur events.

Signature Holes

While several holes are memorable, these stand out:

• Hole 5 “Blind Choice” (par-4, ~451 yards): Ranked frequently as the course’s signature, this hole is guarded by three pot bunkers in the fairway. Golfers can play safer left for a tougher second shot or flirt with the narrower right side for an easier approach. The green is set against an ocean backdrop.
• Hole 10 “Half & Half” (par-5, ~510 yards): On the back nine, this hole splits the fairway with pot bunkers, presenting decisions from tee to green.
• Hole 16 “Dune Hollow” (par-3, ~200 yards): A scenic but challenging par-3, with bunkers guarding the green and coastal winds influencing club choice.

Clubhouse & amenities

Spanish Bay shares a modern clubhouse (and associated facilities) with The Spanish Bay Club. Within the clubhouse is STICKS, the on-site restaurant and bar, offering food, drinks, and breathtaking views of the course and ocean. The course also offers putting and pitching greens for warm-ups, and a well-stocked pro shop.

Did You Know?

• The course is built on the site of a former sand mine, which helped shape the dune character of the terrain.
• A major renovation is planned (starting March 2026), led by Gil Hanse, to update infrastructure and improve sustainability while preserving the course’s character.