Spanish Bay Course
Pebble Beach, CA, USA
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.
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
Public: #300
Best in USA
Public: #187
Best in CA
Public: #15
Golfers say Spanish Bay offers stunning ocean views and a memorable setting along the dunes, with some praising the fun, target-oriented layout and the iconic bagpiper experience at sunset. Most acknowledge the routing feels awkward in places due to environmental constraints, and several find the design uninspiring given the quality of the land, with a few noting the course struggles with modern equipment. Reviewers frequently mention that pace of play and cost are concerns, and some report inconsistent conditioning, particularly on the greens. Despite these critiques, many still consider it a worthwhile experience for the scenery and atmosphere, though opinions vary on whether the course itself lives up to its premium price and spectacular location.
8.2
312 players
great
Suffers in comparison to its neighbors but a great course. Views are stunning.
Glad I got to play before full renovation.
A lot of people consider this the stepchild of the 17 mile drive courses. Some environmental concerns made for some awkward routing. Still fantastic ocean views and it does have some fun holes. Unless you’re a hardcore architecture snob you’ll have a great day and the bag piper and a cocktail on the patio at dusk feels like a million bucks
About the worst golf course that could’ve been designed on this piece of land. I would argue that the land at Spanish Bay rivals the best on the Peninsula because of the open dunes and potential ocean vistas but the course itself is largely uninspired. A few good holes but mostly forgettable. Pace of play and cost are out of control as well. Excited for Gil to get his hands on it.
Simply does not work with modern equipment.
Playing Spanish Bay was an awesome experience, and we got incredibly lucky with perfect weather for the round and the starter even told us it was the first time they had seen the sun in 3 weeks. The course has a really fun and unique shorter layout that makes it all about target golf, requiring precise shots off the tee and into the greens. The ocean views are stunning, and a few holes feel like you’re playing right on the beach, which makes for an unforgettable setting. The only downside for me personally was the greens, for a $360 round, they weren’t in the best shape, with some patchy and bumpy spots that made putting tricky and a game of luck at times, though it could just be the type of grass they use. Overall, it’s a very scenic ocean course that’s worth playing if you ever have the chance, especially on a day when the weather cooperates.
Public courses closest to Spanish Bay.
FAQ
Ratings, design, and course details pulled from Course Vaults.
Spanish Bay has a Course Vaults score of 8.2 out of 10 based on 111 explicit golfer ratings.
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.
