Perched on California's Monterey Peninsula, The Links at Spanish Bay gives you a proper taste of links golf, windswept, dune-framed and right on the edge of the Pacific. It sits on a superb stretch between Monterey Peninsula Country Club and Asilomar State Beach, with the famous 17-Mile Drive running through the same neighbourhood as Pebble Beach and Spyglass Hill.
The names behind it aren't exactly lightweight either: Robert Trent Jones Jr, Tom Watson and Sandy Tatum teamed up on the layout, and you can feel the Scottish inspiration in the way it asks you to think. Expect firm turf, plenty of movement in the fairways and greens, and a steady dose of coastal breeze that can turn a nice little iron into a proper decision.
Want to include Spanish Bay as part of a Monterey multi-course trip? It's a great counterpoint to its more famous neighbours, offering a distinctly different challenge to the parkland-style tests nearby. Bring an extra layer, the wind off the Pacific can be brisk even on sunny days.
Who is this for?
Golfers planning a Monterey Peninsula trip who want one round that feels closest to traditional links golf, plus couples and groups who like great views and a strong resort atmosphere.
Who is it best for?
Players comfortable in wind and firmer conditions, especially mid-to-low handicappers who enjoy plotting a way round rather than simply hitting it high and hard.
