Golf enthusiasts who fantasize about wind-swept dunes and the sea are likely to mention the links at Spanish bay as well as the best courses in Scotland. Also, Located on the popular 17-Mile Drive of Pebble Beach, California, this is a course that has over the decades somehow gained its status as one of the most true-to-form links-style courses in America. At the present, however, the course is closed with a major overhaul redesigning its future and golfers around the world are asking what is being changed and when they can start playing it again.
This guide tours all the things to know, its history and its trademark customs to the huge Gil Hanse renovation that is being done now.
Quick Facts About The Links At Spanish Bay
And just to get into this deeper, a quick look at what is needed so that a reader can get the bare necessities quickly.
| Detail | Information |
| Location | Pebble Beach Resorts, 17-Mile Drive, California |
| Course Style | Scottish-style links |
| Opened | 1987 |
| Original Designers | Robert Trent Jones Jr., Tom Watson, Sandy Tatum |
| Current Status | Closed for renovation |
| Renovation Lead | Gil Hanse (Hanse Golf Course Design) |
| Construction Start | March 2026 |
| Reopening Target | April 2027 |
| Original Par | 72 |
| New Par | 71 |
What Makes The Links At Spanish Bay So Special
This course is unique as it has not only imitated the appearance of a Scottish links course but also feels like one, as it opened in 1987. Hard fairways of fescue, harsh pot bunkers, and the near-consistent wind force has golfers thinking their way through the layout instead of swinging hard and hoping to get lucky. Because of this, the course soon came to be followed by purists who desired a true links experience without having to travel abroad.
The setting is another source of charm in addition to the golf. Therefore, Almost all holes are framed by rolling sand dunes and the rugged Pacific coastline offers dramatic backdrop to the game which few courses can possibly match anywhere.
The Sunset Bagpiper Tradition
Nothing, perhaps, is more reminiscent of this course than its evening ritual. Also, It is the tradition of the bagpiper to come round and play the grounds in the evening at about 5:45 PM every day, as the sun is setting, sending the course to the bed once more. Neither do visitors have to be on a tee time to enjoy this moment as the guests can watch through the outdoor fires pits in the inside Spanish bay Inn, as they have a drink and enjoy the coastal atmosphere.
Due to this tradition, lots of their visitors remember the performance of the bagpiper equally as well as the round of golf.
Course Stats Before The Redesign
Knowledge of the direction this course is moving depends on knowledge of how it has arrived at such a destination. The layout had the following characteristics before the building was closed to build.
| Feature | Original Detail |
| Par | 72 |
| Yardage | 6,821 yards |
| Course Rating | 74.3 |
| Slope Rating | 142 |
| Green Fees | Roughly $350 to $425 |
| Terrain | Fescue fairways, pot bunkers, coastal winds |
The course was a true test of numbers, particularly when the afternoon winds picked up off the Pacific.
Why The Course Closed For Renovation
Wear and tear are natural aging effects that affected the layout after 38 years of constant games. Thus, the Pebble Beach Company collaborated with such a renowned designer as Gil Hanse along with his design team at Hanse Golf Course Design and fully redesigned the course. The last round was to be held in mid-March 2026, and the construction began a little later.
But the bottom line is no clean up. The project will rather take the course to a new level where it will be considered an equal partner with its well-known neighbors along the Monterey Peninsula, such as Pebble Beach Golf Links and Spyglass Hill.
Major Changes Coming To The Redesign
The change is felt almost in all the areas of the course and the magnitude of the change is truly remarkable. The following is a list of the expectations that golfers have when it opens.
| Category | What’s Changing |
| Fairways | Widened by approximately 30% |
| Greens | Enlarged by roughly 40% and fully resurfaced |
| Par | Dropping from 72 to 71 |
| 13th Hole | Converted into a brand-new par 3 |
| Forward Tees | Shortened by about 500 yards |
| Championship Tees | Extended past 7,100 yards |
| Irrigated Turf | Reduced by 12% |
| Irrigation & Drainage | Fully replaced |
| Green Surrounds | Rough replaced with low-cut turf for recovery shots |
| Cart Paths | Redesigned to blend naturally into the landscape |
Besides transforming the playability, there is also a resettlement of some of the greens such as the existing 14th and 18th holes. This rotation opens the area that will accommodate that new par-3 which will replace that old 13 th hole.
A Focus On Sustainability
Interestingly, this redesign is not solely in scorecards and yardage. Another key responsibility of the planning process at Pebble Beach Company was environmental responsibility. As a result, the completed course will include almost three more acres of environmental habitat zone, and less turf, which will be irrigated, and improved drainage systems that will be constructed on a long-term basis.
Due to these developments, the course will need less input to maintain and still provide the plush, coastal appearance golfers desire.
Who’s Leading The Transformation
Hanse leads the team together with the rest of the HGCD team, making it possible through Gil Hanse, the president and head designer at Hanse Golf Course Design. The location has been characterized by Hanze as some of the best golf land that his crew has ever dealt with mainly due to the crashing surf and the spectacular seaside landscape that surrounds each of the holes.
In the meantime, the Pebble Beach Company leadership has shown great confidence in the path the redesign is taking and the vision they had formed in the course of planning is proving to be much more than what they expected.
When Will The Course Reopen
The course now is planned to be open to the public again in April 2027. Remarkably, this is no media coincidence but it coincides with U.S. The Open is being played in Pebble Beach Golf Links; the seventh occasion. Consequently, there is a sense of build-up, not only to the tournament but also to golfers who may wish to have a glimpse of the newly redesigned layout.
Membership And Access Options
Although this is a social course but not a club, one can still choose various membership options, which will offer one a discounted entry or additional benefits around the resort.
| Membership Type | Approximate Cost | Key Benefit |
| Duke’s Club Membership | $595 per year | Discounted green fees for Northern California residents |
| Spanish Bay Club (Fitness & Social) | ~$47,500 initiation + $305/month | Access to Bagpiper’s Golf Club and dining discounts |
| Pebble Beach Practice Facility Membership | $3,500 per year (individual) | Year-round range access plus play at The Hay |
Interestingly, in the meantime, Duke has Club tee times on hold at this course, but the membership is still earned at other resort courses.
Dining And Amenities Near The Course
It is not only golf that is the attraction. Traps Restaurant, directly overlooking the clubhouse, serves panoramic oceanic meals and up market dining to visitors who wish to unwind after their round. There are also usually caddies and golf carts, which can help visitors negotiate their way through the hilly dunes and not wear themselves out before the back course.
What This Means For Golfers Planning A Visit
This is going to be an unplayable course until April 2027, should you want to visit Pebble Beach before that date. Nevertheless, the surrounding courses such as Pebble Beach Golf links and Spyglass Hill are still available, therefore, there is no need to postpone a visit to Pebble Beach. When construction is completed, though, golfers will get an entirely new experience with expanded fairways, greens and a new par-3 hole that was not included under the initial design.
Conclusion
Finally, the links at Spanish Bay is one of the most expected changes in golf that is currently taking place in California. With its traditional Scottish roots and mythical bagpiper at the sunset to the grandiose Gil Hanse remodel that has changed its future, this course hasn’t stopped the eyes amidst its cover all along before it opens in April 2027. The golfers, who also believe in tradition and technology, will have little trouble in waiting to see what can be brought by the links at Spanish Bay in the next few months.
FAQs About The Links At Spanish Bay
Is the links at Spanish Bay open right now?
No, the course will also end in March 2026 to be completely redesigned and should resume in April 2027.
Who designed the original course?
It was designed in 1987 by Robert Trent Jones Jr., Tom Watson, and Sandy Tatum.
Who is redesigning it?
The renovation is headed by Gil Hanse and his team of Hanse Golf Course Design.
What is the new par after the redesign?
The par is decreasing by 72 to 71 with the substitution of the 13th hole with the new par-3.
What time does the sunset bagpiper perform?
The bagpiper is also supposed to play around 5:45 pm daily.
How much did green fees cost before closure?
The range of green fees was between 350 and 425 per round.
Can I still play nearby during construction?
Yes, the golf links of Pebble Beach and the golf links of Spyglass are open to everybody.
Is there a membership option for discounted rounds?
Yes, the Club Membership of the Duke provides reduced prices, but at present the tee times in Spanish Bay are put on hold.
Also Read About: Kota Damansara Driving Range: Prices, Hours & Tips