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.