Hole 11 at Links at Spanish Bay, The
- Par
- 4
- Yardage
- 365 yds
- Stroke index
- 14
- Hazards
- 5 bunkers
Aerial source not provided
Green size: 40 yds deep × 28 yds wide
Scorecard yardage is for Pro tees. The aerial shows its labeled reference position; distance rings measure to the green.
Pro tees · Par 4 · 365 yards
The plan for No. 11
Hole 11 at Links at Spanish Bay represents a deceptive challenge in this Robert Trent Jones Jr. masterpiece along Monterey Peninsula's dramatic coastline. This 365-yard par 4 appears straightforward from the tee, but the prevailing Pacific winds demand careful club selection and strategic thinking. The straight layout features a generous fairway that invites aggressive driving, yet the small green complex requires precision on the approach shot. With minimal hezards protecting the target, accuracy becomes paramount as the compact putting surface offers little margin for error. The coastal breeze that makes Spanish Bay famous among Pebble Beach's renowned courses can turn this seemingly manageable hole into a stern test, especially when the wind picks up in the afternoon, making it a memorable challenge in one of Golf Digest's top 50 public courses.
Off the tee
Your tee shot strategy should prioritize position over distance on this hole. With only 365 yards to work with, most players can comfortably reach the green in regulation without needing a driver. Consider hitting a 3-wood or hybrid to ensure you find the fairway and leave yourself with a comfortable approach distance. The straight layout means your target line is straightforward - aim for the center of the fairway to give yourself the best angle into the small green. Given Spanish Bay's coastal location, be prepared for crosswinds that can push your ball offline, so factor in extra margin for error in your aim.
Approach & recovery
The approach shot is where this hole's true challenge reveals itself. The small green demands pinpoint accuracy, and the web knowledge from experienced Spanish Bay players emphasizes a crucial point: **club up significantly on your approach shots**. Many golfers report needing to take two extra clubs due to the sea-level conditions and coastal winds. If you're normally between clubs, always take the longer option. A mid-iron to long-iron will typically be required depending on your tee shot position, but don't be surprised if you need more club than the yardage suggests. Aim for the center of the green rather than chasing pins, as the small target leaves little room for error.
On the green
With a small green, your putting strategy should focus on leaving yourself manageable second putts rather than being overly aggressive. The compact putting surface means most putts will be relatively straight, but pay attention to any subtle slopes that could affect your ball's roll. Position your approach shots below the hole when possible, as uphill putts on a small green are much more manageable than downhill ones where you risk rolling off the putting surface.
Watch for
- Bunkers and waste areas influence line selection; use mapped hazard edges for the selected tee.
Hole 11 Green Complex
Mapped green boundary
Green size: 6,275 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 11 play?
How did this hole play today?
Frequently asked questions
Yardage reference: Pro tees · 365 yards.
What's the best strategy off the tee?
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For this 365-yard par 4, most players will hit 3-wood or driver to set up a comfortable approach.
How difficult is hole 11?
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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 11?
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The green is fairly large with multiple pin positions. Lag putting becomes important on longer putts.
What's a good score on hole 11?
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This hole is a medium-length test where par is a solid result. A straightforward par 4 where course management pays off.