The Links at Spanish Bay and Spyglass Hill are two premier courses located on the stunning Pebble Beach property. These sister courses offer the best in golfing excellence and are a must-play for any golf enthusiast. In addition to their impeccably manicured fairways and challenging greens, these courses offer breathtaking views that will take your breath away. But what really sets them apart is their unique layout and design, offering a truly unforgettable golfing experience. And the best part? You can experience all the thrills of these iconic courses at X-Golf, where you can tee off on indoor simulators.
The Links at Spanish Bay
Featuring stunning views of the ocean, an inviting coastline, and refreshing greenery, The Links at Spanish Bay is one of the most famous courses in California. It nestles on a sizable sandy terrain overlooking the Pacific Ocean, offering some of the most stunning seaside views and course-inspired architectural designs. Whether you are a pro or a beginner, The Links at Spanish Bay guarantees a memorable teeing experience thanks to its excellent views, easy design, simple beauty, and diverse holes.
History of The Links at Spanish Bay
The Links at Spanish Bay is a refreshing Scottish-style masterpiece designed by Robert Trent Jones, Jr, Sandy Tatum, and Tom Watson. It opened in 1987 as the fourth 18-hole course of Pebble Beach Company. Other superb courses making up an impressive Californian golf portfolio include Del Monte, Spyglass Hill, and Pebble Beach. From the start, The Links at Spanish Bay was designed with an eye on the environment. It sits on a vast sandy wasteland ideal for creating a true links-style course.
History of tournaments played on the course/famous winner
Spanish Bay hosts some of the world’s famous golf pros for various annual tournaments. For over seven years now, The Links at Spanish Bay has been co-hosting the PGA, and LPGA, during the TaylorMade Pebble Beach Invitational. When the course opened on November 5, 1987, Tom Watson shot a 67 in the inaugural round. Interestingly, this score remains the course record to date. Alongside Pebble Beach, Spanish Bay co-hosts the Champions Tour’s First Tee Open. Peter Jacobsen won the first edition in 2003, finishing with a four-round total of 13-under-par, two strokes ahead of runner-up Tom Watson. This world-renowned course is also featured in leading golf course video games, such as the Tiger Woods PGA Tour series and the Links series.
Featured/significant holes
The Links at Spanish Bay feature a total of 12 significant holes. Each hole is unique in character and design. Step onto the 1st tee (500 Yards, Par-5) named “To the Sea” and experience the refreshing ocean breeze, surf, and whitecaps. Other notable holes include the 2nd Hole (307 Yards, Par-4), 3rd Hole (407 Yards, Par-4), 5th Hole (451 Yards, Par-4), 7th Hole (418 Yards, Par-4), 8th Hole (158 Yards, Par-3), 13th Hole (126 Yards, Par-3) and 18th Hole (574 Yards, Par-5).
Course geography/style, grass types, weather
The Links at Spanish Bay features drop-dead gorgeous views of the Pacific Ocean, incredible plays, and a world-class experience. As mentioned earlier, The Links at Spanish Bay is one of the most ecologically sensitive courses in the world designed to preserve and protect native animals, birds, and plants. Players are usually required to drop outside of specific spots to help preserve the ecosystem that gives the course its uniqueness.
Cost to play the course in real life
Ready to hit your longest drive at the 18th hole on The Links at Spanish Bay but need to know the fees? Well, it costs $295.00 to golf seven days a week at The Links at Spanish Bay. This cost is reasonable, considering the quality of the experience, beauty, and scenery.
Spyglass Hill Golf Course
Known as the course that humbles the most proficient of golfers, Spyglass Hill Golf is located on the Monterey Peninsula in California. It is a public golf course often considered a sister course to Pebble Beach. Spyglass Hill offers a wonderful yet challenging golfing experience thanks to an exciting variety of holes, scenic ocean views, and inviting weather throughout the year. One of the winning features of this golf course is the spectacular coastal dunes that frame the first five holes.
Considered one of the most challenging courses in the world, Spyglass Hill offers a truly unforgettable golfing experience. With a par-72 layout measuring 6,960 yards, championship Tees with a course rating of 75.5, and a slope rating of 144, these courses will put even the most seasoned golfers to the test.
Course history
Designed by Robert Trent Jones, Sr., Spyglass Hill officially opened on March 11, 1966. Originally called Pebble Beach Pines Golf Club, the course is home to 18 holes, each named after a character or place in Robert Louis Stevenson’s Treasure Island. Spyglass Hill ranks among the Top 100 courses in America and the world.
History of tournaments played on the course/famous winner
Spyglass Hill has a rich history as a true championship test of golf. As a result, the golf course has hosted the world’s best golf players and notable tournaments over the last 40 years. In addition to co-hosting the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am, other tournaments played here include multiple annual NCGA amateur championships such as Trans-Mississippi Championship, U.S. Amateur Championship, California State Amateur Championship, and Northern California Amateur. Some notable winners of these tournaments include Allen Miller & Doug Clark, and David Gossett.
Featured/significant holes
Spyglass Hill first five holes boast incredible views of the Pacific Ocean! The remaining thirteen wind inland through the Del Monte Forest. The first hole, Treasure Island, is a downhill 595-yard (544 m) par 5 known to vex even the very best professionals. One of the more famous holes is number 4, aptly named Blind Pew. This Robert Trent Jones’ favorite hole measures 370 yards (338 m) par 4. Other popular hole includes The Black Spot, Captain Flint, and Long John Silver.
Course geography/style, grass types, weather
Spyglass Hill is a links style golf course on the Monterey Peninsula. The first five holes feature coastal dunes and perennial Ryegrass. Beautiful ponds complete the serenity and uniqueness of Spyglass Hill’s opening holes. The mind-blowing views of the Pacific Ocean from the opening holes are as inspiring as those at Pebble Beach. Furthermore, Spyglass Hill’s inland holes near the Del Monte Forest are rated higher than Pebble Beach’s inland holes.
Cost to play the course in real life
Spyglass Hill Golf Course offers challenging plays for golfers at every skill level. Public green fees are $415.00, seven days a week. If you are a non-resident, you will need to pay an extra $45 cart fee.
Conclusion
Experience the thrill of The Links at Spanish Bay and Spyglass Hill without breaking the bank at X-Golf. Our realistic indoor simulators offer the perfect opportunity to test your skills on these iconic courses. Want to see for yourself? Head to X-Golf Fort Collins and check out our simulators for a taste of the excitement. Ready to tee off? Visit our book now page to reserve your indoor tee time on Spanish Bay and Spyglass Hill. Don’t miss out on this amazing opportunity to improve your game, and have a blast doing it.