Bold claim: Pebble Beach’s landmark Spanish Bay is getting a bold, full redesign that aims to redefine what a modern coastal links can feel like. But here’s where it gets controversial: will expanding greens, longer championship tees, and more forgiving fairways actually elevate the experience for purists who savor traditional, exacting shotmaking? The answer, as Pebble Beach Company and Hanse Golf Course Design (HGCD) present it, is a carefully balanced reimagining that preserves the course’s iconic coastal character while enhancing playability, strategy, and year‑round conditioning.
Pebble Beach Company and HGCD unveiled plans to transform The Links at Spanish Bay, one of Pebble Beach Resorts’ four championship courses. After the final round on March 17, 2026, the course will undergo a comprehensive redesign inspired by the Monterey Peninsula’s legendary golf landscape. Under the guidance of Gil Hanse, Jim Wagner, and the HGCD team, Spanish Bay—now 38 years old—will be reworked to capitalize on its stunning seaside setting. The goal is to deliver a course that is more enjoyable, playable, and strategically compelling for players of all levels, while also providing a credible challenge for today’s elite players.
Key changes include:
- Moving several green sites, including the current 14th and 18th holes, to make room for a brand‑new par‑3 that will replace the existing 13th hole
- Expanding putting greens by roughly 40% and completely resurfacing them to yield smoother, more receptive targets and greater hole‑location variety
- Replacing the rough around greens with low‑cut turf to widen recovery options
- Widening fairways by about 30%, repositioning fairway bunkers, and fine‑tuning contours to create forgiving yet strategic playing corridors
- Redesigning tee complexes to improve sightlines, reduce forced carries, and inject excitement at every hole. Overall, forward tees will be about 500 yards shorter (4,705 total) while championship tees will be about 375 yards longer (7,115 total). Par will shift from 72 to 71
- Reworking the cart path network to blend more naturally with the landscape
Beyond the changes to layout and strategy, the project emphasizes sustainability. The course will feature improved drainage and irrigation, with 12% less irrigated turf and three additional acres of environmental habitat. Expect more consistent year‑round conditioning along with better ecological stewardship.
Gil Hanse commented that shaping a project of this magnitude is a dream for a golf course architect, noting Spanish Bay’s exceptional setting where the Pacific meets the senses. Pebble Beach Company’s CEO, David Stivers, expressed confidence in HGCD’s vision to make Spanish Bay a must‑play for visitors to Pebble Beach, with the transformation taking shape over the coming year.
When complete, the new Spanish Bay will sit among Pebble Beach Resorts’ crown jewels, alongside Pebble Beach Golf Links, Spyglass Hill Golf Course, The Hay (the Tiger Woods‑designed short course), and Del Monte Golf Course. The refreshed course is slated to open to the public on April 17, 2027, just ahead of the U.S. Open at Pebble Beach Golf Links that year. Guests can already book reservations for the new course through Pebble Beach Resort Reservations.
Construction updates and behind‑the‑scenes content will be shared via Pebble Beach’s website and social channels. For more information about Pebble Beach Resorts, visit pebblebeach.com or follow Pebble Beach on Facebook and Instagram. Golf reservations can be made by calling 800‑654‑9300.
As with any major redesign, opinions will vary among players, purists, and casual guests. Do you think these changes will enhance Spanish Bay’s appeal, or might they alter the course’s timeless feel too much? Share your perspective in the comments.
Images for editorial use and supporting documents can be downloaded here: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/d2yg74go13x1ybc7luk01/AI320ekhYpq-C3NMQNkwL4Y?rlkey=juxdoeufc7f7xz32imhnmgnul&e=1&dl=0
