PEBBLE BEACH – The Links at Spanish Bay, one of four championship courses run by Pebble Beach Resorts, will undergo a comprehensive redesign after the last round is played on March 17.
The Pebble Beach Company and Hanse Golf Course Design released their plans for the transformation that took inspiration from the Monterey Peninsula’s other courses a few weeks ago. Under the guidance of Gil Hanse, Jim Wagner and the Course Design team, the 38-year-old Spanish Bay will be totally reworked, hoping to take full advantage of its coastal setting.
The finished redesigned The Links at Spanish Bay aims to be more fun, playable and strategic for all golfers, while also better suited to challenge today’s elite player according to the plans.
Changes to the course will include relocating several green sites, including the current 14th and 18th holes, creating room for a new par-three that will replace the current 13th hole, expanding putting greens by about 40% and resurfacing to provide smoother, more receptive targets and variety for hole locations. Fairways will be widened by about 30%, fairway bunkers will be adjusted in an attempt to make the playing corridors more forgiving and strategic. In total, the forward tees will be about 500 yards shorter (4,705 total) and the championship tees about 375 yards longer (7,115 total) with the par changing from 72 to 71. The cart path system will also be altered to try and better blend into the landscape.
New drainage and irrigation systems will be installed with 12% less irrigated turf and three more acres of environmental habitat area.
“Working on a project like this is a golf course architect’s dream,” said Hanse, president and lead designer of Hanse Golf Course Design in a press release. “The Spanish Bay site is one of the best we’ve seen for golf, one where all your senses are stimulated by the crashing Pacific surf, and we are excited by Pebble Beach Company’s commitment to creating another extraordinary golf experience on the Monterey Peninsula. This opportunity truly brings out the golf fan in me as much as the designer.”
The new course is expected to open to the public April 17, 2027, just ahead of the 127th U.S. Open being played at Pebble Beach Golf Links for a seventh time. Bookings on the new course are currently available through Pebble Beach Resort Reservations.
“We are highly confident in the HGCD team and their ability to transform Spanish Bay into a ‘must play’ course for any golfer visiting Pebble Beach,” said David Stivers, CEO of the Pebble Beach Company, in the release. “We have seen a brilliant vision emerge from the planning stages and look forward to watching it take shape over the coming year.”
Construction updates and documentary content will be shared throughout the process on Pebble Beach’s website and social channels. For general information about Pebble Beach Resorts, visit www.pebblebeach.com or follow Pebble Beach on Facebook and Instagram.
