Hole 10 at Links at Spanish Bay, The
- Par
- 5
- Yardage
- 520 yds
- Stroke index
- 8
- Hazards
- 6 bunkers
Aerial source not provided
Green size: 27 yds deep × 33 yds wide
Scorecard yardage is for Pro tees. The aerial shows its labeled reference position; distance rings measure to the green.
Pro tees · Par 5 · 520 yards
The plan for No. 10
The 10th hole at Links at Spanish Bay marks the turn with a commanding 520-yard par 5 that epitomizes true links golf along the Monterey Peninsula. This straight-away hole demands strategic thinking from the championship tee, where coastal winds can dramatically influence club selection and ball flight. The generous fairway invites an aggressive tee shot, but players must respect the ever-present Pacific breezes that can turn a well-struck drive into a challenging recovery. The approach to the small green requires precise distance control, as the intimate putting surface offers little margin for error. Designed by the legendary trio of Watson, Trent Jones Jr., and Tatum, this hole showcases the authentic links experience that transformed a former sand quarry into one of California's most revered coastal layouts, where strategy trumps power.
Off the tee
Your tee shot strategy should prioritize finding the fairway's center, giving yourself the best angle for your second shot. Driver is typically the play here for most golfers, as the straight layout minimizes trouble off the tee. Focus on a smooth, controlled swing rather than maximum distance - position over power is crucial on this links-style design. The coastal winds can significantly affect ball flight, so factor in crosswinds when selecting your target line. A fairway wood or hybrid might be the smarter choice in strong wind conditions.
Approach & recovery
The approach shot presents the hole's critical decision point. Stronger players may attempt to reach in two, but the small green makes this a high-risk proposition. Most golfers should play conservatively to a comfortable wedge distance - typically leaving 80-120 yards for the third shot. This strategy allows for better distance control into the small target. When playing your approach, remember the coastal conditions: club up significantly from what you'd normally hit at sea level. If you think you need one extra club, take two - the marine layer and wind consistently make the ball fly shorter than expected.
On the green
The small green at the 10th demands precise distance control and careful attention to pin position. With limited real estate to work with, approach shots that come up short or fly long will find trouble. Focus on getting your ball below the hole when possible, as uphill putts are generally easier to control on this putting surface. The coastal location means the greens can play differently throughout the day as marine conditions change, so pay attention to how your earlier putts have been rolling.
Watch for
- Bunkers and waste areas influence line selection; use mapped hazard edges for the selected tee.
Hole 10 Green Complex
Mapped green boundary
Green size: 4,805 sq ft
Course and tournament history
Historical context for the course and venue. Each entry identifies the event or course it describes.
1974 · Tom Watson
Responding to player complaints from the 1974 U.S. Open, Tatum famously defended the U.S. Open course set-up, stating, “We had no intention of confounding the best players in the world. We just wanted
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How did Hole 10 play?
How did this hole play today?
Frequently asked questions
Yardage reference: Pro tees · 520 yards.
Can this par 5 be reached in two?
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At 520 yards, A true three-shot hole for most players. Position your layup to leave a comfortable wedge distance.
How difficult is hole 10?
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This hole is a good scoring opportunity for most golfers. Key challenges include: heavily bunkered.
How big is the green on hole 10?
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The green is medium-sized with moderate targets. Pay attention to pin placement when selecting your approach club.
What's a good score on hole 10?
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This hole is a solid birdie opportunity with smart layup strategy. Most golfers can reach in three. Position your layup to leave a comfortable wedge.