
Spanish Bay Course
The Links at Spanish Bay
About this course
The Links at Spanish Bay, etched into the dramatic coastline of Pebble Beach, is where the untamed spirit of Scottish linksland collides with the majestic beauty of the Monterey Peninsula. Here, golfers duel with the elements amidst windswept dunes and crashing waves, a constant reminder of the Pacific's power. Designed in the late 1980s by Robert Trent Jones Jr., Tom Watson, and Sandy Tatum, Spanish Bay embraces its seaside location. Wide fairways appear generous, but clever bunkering and undulating greens demand strategic thinking. The ever-present coastal winds reward creativity and shot-making, with the back nine presenting a particularly stern test as it winds closer to the rugged shoreline. While not a major championship venue, Spanish Bay offers a stern test. It remains a vital stop for amateurs and resort guests seeking an authentic links experience on one of the world’s most celebrated stretches of golfing real estate. After a round, many golfers gather around the fire pits overlooking the 18th green, often accompanied by the soothing sound of a bagpiper, a nightly ritual that embodies the course's unique charm.
Rankings
Ranked by CV ratings from golfers who've played this course. Positions are shown worldwide, by country, and by state; the Public column compares courses anyone can play.
Best in World
Best in USA
Best in CA
Quick facts
- Location
- Pebble Beach, CA, USA
- Access
- Public
- Year built
- 1987
- Holes
- 18
- Designer(s)
- Robert Trent Jones, Jr., Sandy Tatum, Tom Watson
- Par
- 72
- Length
- 6,821 yards
- Difficulty
- 74.2/142
- Course Vaults score
- 8.2
Getting there
The journey to The Links at Spanish Bay begins at either Monterey Regional Airport - a compact, convenient gateway just fifteen minutes north - or San Francisco International for those connecting from farther afield, followed by a stunning two-hour coastal descent down Highway 1 or the quicker inland route via Highway 101 and Carmel Valley Road. Private aviation finds its home at Monterey Regional's dedicated facilities, offering discreet arrival mere moments from the Del Monte Forest gates. The final approach winds through Pebble Beach's legendary seventeen-mile scenic corridor, past windswept Monterey pines and glimpses of sapphire Pacific, before delivering you to Spanish Bay's understated entrance - where Robert Trent Jones Jr.'s Scottish-inspired linksland awaits along one of California's most dramatic stretches of coastline.

FAQ
Common questions about Spanish Bay
Ratings, design, and course details pulled from Course Vaults.
Spanish Bay has a Course Vaults score of 8.2 out of 10 based on 320 logged golfers.
Spanish Bay was designed by Robert Trent Jones, Jr., Sandy Tatum, and Tom Watson.
Yes. Spanish Bay is listed as welcoming public or guest play on Course Vaults.
Par at Spanish Bay is 72.
Spanish Bay plays 6,821 yards from the back tees on Course Vaults.
The slope rating at Spanish Bay is 142.




