The Links at Spanish Bay

The links at spanish bay was designed by robert trent jones jr. (with input from tom watson and former usga president sandy tatum) and is set on a large area of sandy terrain overlooking the pacific ocean. Along with del monte, spyglass hill, and pebble beach, the links-style layout opened in 1987, becoming the fourth 18-hole course to join the pebble beach company's impressive californian golf portfolio.

The fairways wind through a series of sand dunes, many of which were formed during course development, on the oceanfront site of a former sand mine between the monterey peninsula country club and asilomar state beach. As a result, golfers will see that the scenery has more than a touch of a scottish connection as the round progresses. âĢľitâĢĻs very much like scotland, you can almost hear the bagpipes playing,âĢĿ tom watson is quoted as saying.

The 400-yard right doglegged 6th (âĢľsandyâĢĿ) is a highlight hole on the front nine, and it's understandably named because the road to the elevated green is defended by nine bunkers. The 520-yard 10th (âĢľhalf & halfâĢĿ) on the back nine is another standout hole, with three pot bunkers dividing the fairway. The 200-yard 16th (âĢľdune hollowâĢĿ) is a nice par three where it's best to go left to avoid a pair of pot bunkers on the right front side of the course.