PEBBLE BEACH, Calif. -- The Links at Spanish Bay was the face of links golf in America long before Bandon Dunes, Chambers Bay and Whistling Straits.
The dunes, firm-and-fast conditions, winds off the water and stunning ocean scenery are all reminiscent of a Scottish links. Tom Watson, Sandy Tatum and Robert Trent Jones Jr. collaborated on the 6,821-yard design behind the Inn at Spanish Bay.
No one has touched Watson's course-record 67 shot during the grand opening in 1987. Wildly sloping greens and ball-gobbling cross hazards provide formidable obstacles for resort guests dreaming of breaking par. Spanish Bay opens and closes with spectacular par 5s near the shore.
The back nine climbs into the Del Monte Forest for a demanding stretch of holes that serve as a nice change of pace.
Golfers who finish near dusk are entertained by the sounds of the bagpiper who plays every night.
Every Golf Advisor review for Spanish Bay -- which costs significantly less than Pebble Beach Golf Links or Spyglass Hill Golf Course -- is five stars.
User 'roomdoc' wrote: "(I) cannot describe the beauty of the course, most of the holes were along the ocean. Spectacular condition on fairway, (and) greens. Staff was very nice and food was excellent. Would replay this course the next time I am in Monterey.
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The par-5 14th hole on The Links at Spanish Bay is called "To The Sea. Jason Scott Deegan/Golf Advisor
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It's all ocean views on the first hole of The Links at Spanish Bay. Jason Scott Deegan/Golf Advisor
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The second green of The Links at Spanish Bay sits in the shadow of the luxurious Inn at Spanish Bay. Jason Scott Deegan/Golf Advisor
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Deer wander by the par-3 fourth hole at The Links at Spanish Bay in Pebble Beach, Calif. Jason Scott Deegan/Golf Advisor
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Bunkers guard every angle of the sixth hole on The Links at Spanish Bay. Jason Scott Deegan/Golf Advisor
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The dunes and wetlands make playing The Links at Spanish Bay a unique experience. Jason Scott Deegan/GolfPass
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The par-4 ninth hole of The Links at Spanish Bay heads inland toward the forest. Jason Scott Deegan/Golf Advisor
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It's a scary approach over a hazard to the 12th green on The Links at Spanish Bay. Jason Scott Deegan/Golf Advisor
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The boardwalk is the only safe passage through the hazard on the 15th hole on The Links at Spanish Bay. Jason Scott Deegan/Golf Advisor
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The wind off of the ocean can whip across the par-3 16th green of The Links at Spanish Bay in Pebble Beach, Calif. Jason Scott Deegan/Golf Advisor
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There are hazards galore lining the 18th fairway on The Links at Spanish Bay. Jason Scott Deegan/Golf Advisor
