When The Links at Spanish Bay opened in 1987, it made incredible waves as a bold and rugged tribute to the traditional Scottish courses, complete with coastal dunes, rolling fairways, and those signature bagpipes serenading players at sunset. But after roughly four decades, even a masterpiece can benefit from a fresh set of eyes.

At the moment, the management of Pebble Beach Company is handing the reins to one of golf’s most respected architects, Gil Hanse, for a transformative revamp that promises to elevate Spanish Bay’s coastal charm while addressing the modern demands of the game.

A Vision Grounded in the Roots of the Land

Hanse is not one to apply his style to a course without understanding its core soul. His past work at Pinehurst No. 4, the Olympic Course in Rio de Janeiro, Streamsong Golf Resort, and Trump Doral Blue Monster shows a commitment to letting the natural landscape guide the design. For Spanish Bay, that means preserving the rugged beauty of the Monterey Peninsula while fine-tuning the course’s playability and flow.

The renovation will not really be about overhauling what makes Spanish Bay special - it will be about enhancing the experience:

• Anticipate strategic tweaks that will refine shot values.
• Reimagine bunker placements.
• Improve sightlines without compromising the course’s coastal allure.

Hanse’s approach is rooted in subtlety, where even slight changes can make a dramatic impact on how the field feels underfoot and plays across 18 holes.

Modernizing with Purpose

The renovation will enhance both aesthetics and gameplay, resulting in an experience that golfers of all levels can anticipate with admiration. But beyond the boost in beauty and playability, the transformation that will take place will dive deep into the infrastructure of the course:

• The aging irrigation system that's already long overdue for an upgrade will soon be replaced with cutting-edge technology designed to reduce water usage - one essential move in California’s climate-conscious landscape.
• In addition, the storm drain system will be realigned and repaired to ensure the field remains resilient against the elements without disrupting its natural picture.

But sustainability here is not just about advancing innovation. It is about weaving eco-friendly practices into the fabric of the course itself. Hanse and his team will be working to make The Links at Spanish Bay more harmonious with its environment and make sure that the overall layout will not only look finer but also function better for generations of golfers to come.

What the Countdown Means for Golfers

Mark your calendars: March 17, 2026, will be the final day of play before The Links at Spanish Bay closes for its 13-month upgrade period. During this time, the other iconic courses at Pebble Beach Resorts, such as the Pebble Beach Golf Links and Spyglass Hill, will still be open to provide a lot of opportunities for golfers to indulge in the resort’s legendary offerings.

For those who have tee times booked at The Links at Spanish Bay during its revamp period, you can expect that the travel desk at Pebble Beach Resorts will reach out to you for a reschedule. But for others, this closure will spark hope rather than disappointment. The chance to return to a renewed course that’s shaped by one of the greatest minds in modern golf architecture is one thing to watch for.

When Hanse puts his stamp on a course, renovation and reawakening will follow through, especially since almost everyone already knows that his flair balances the traditions of golf architecture with fresh perspectives that challenge players while respecting the land. In this mission, he’ll be working alongside his longtime design partner, Jim Wagner, to bring their collective vision to life while guaranteeing every change feels intentional and inspired. With this prominent duo at the helm, the renovation journey of The Links at Spanish Bay is about to become a thrilling and memorable one.

Excited about the upcoming transformation at The Links at Spanish Bay? Explore our exclusive Pebble Beach Resorts golf packages to experience world-class golf during the renovation period. Book your unforgettable golf getaway with Golf Trip Junkie today!

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