The Links at Spanish Bay
Overview
The Links at Spanish Bay was designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr., Tom Watson, and Sandy Tatum to evoke the great seaside links of Scotland. Built atop a restored dune ecosystem along the Pacific, the course features firm fairways, native grasses, and ever-present ocean wind. Each evening a lone bagpiper plays at sunset near the 18th — a beloved Pebble Beach Resorts tradition. It pairs a championship test with one of the most atmospheric settings in American golf.
📜 History
Opened in 1987 as part of the Pebble Beach Resorts collection, Spanish Bay was a pioneering coastal dune restoration project and remains one of the few authentic links-style courses in the U.S.
⛳ Why Locals Play Here
If you want the authentic links experience without flying to Scotland, Spanish Bay is it — wind, dunes, firm turf, and a sunset bagpiper to close the round.
Notable Features
- Authentic Scottish links design
- Sunset bagpiper tradition
- Restored coastal dune ecosystem
- Tom Watson co-design
- Firm fast fairways and ocean wind
Best For
Amenities
💡 Local Insight
Play a late-afternoon tee time so you finish near sunset and catch the bagpiper. The wind is part of the design — keep the ball low and embrace the ground game.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there really a bagpiper at Spanish Bay?
Yes — a lone bagpiper plays at sunset near the 18th green and the resort each evening, a signature Pebble Beach Resorts tradition.
Course Details
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