AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am

Pebble Beach Golf Links, host of the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am

The AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am is one of the most distinctive and highly anticipated events on the PGA Tour schedule. Held annually on the iconic Monterey Peninsula in California, it’s a unique blend of world-class professional golf and celebrity spectacle. What began as a casual “Clambake” hosted by Bing Crosby in 1937 has evolved into a premier tournament where top PGA Tour professionals are paired with amateur partners, including many notable celebrities from sports, entertainment, and business. The tournament’s stunning coastal venues, combined with its pro-am format and philanthropic mission, create an unparalleled atmosphere that draws both serious golf fans and those seeking a star-studded experience.

History & Significance

The AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am has a rich and colorful history that sets it apart from other PGA Tour events. Its origins trace back to Bing Crosby’s casual golf gatherings, which grew into a professional tournament aimed at raising money for charity. This philanthropic spirit remains a core part of the event’s identity, raising millions annually for local causes.

The tournament has evolved over decades, attracting golfing legends and Hollywood’s biggest stars. The shift to a “Signature Event” status in 2024 further emphasized the professional competition while retaining the popular pro-am element. The unique atmosphere, where fans can often walk alongside and interact with both top pros and famous celebrities, makes it a fan favorite.

Notable Traditions & Moments:

  • “The Clambake”: The original nickname given by Bing Crosby to his pro-am tournament, reflecting its informal and convivial beginnings.
  • Celebrity Antics: Known for the lighthearted moments provided by celebrity participants, particularly Bill Murray, whose unpredictable and entertaining behavior has become legendary.
  • Picturesque Venues: The stunning coastal scenery of Pebble Beach and Spyglass Hill provides a breathtaking backdrop, making it one of the most visually appealing stops on the PGA Tour.

Qualification

For professionals, qualification is based on their performance on the PGA Tour. For amateurs, participation is primarily by invitation.

  • Professional Qualification (Signature Event):
    • Top 50 in the prior season’s FedEx Cup standings.
    • Aon Next 10 (top 10 not otherwise exempt from the FedEx Cup Fall standings).
    • Aon Swing 5 (top 5 points earners from specific tournaments leading up to the event).
    • Leading finisher from the DP World Tour’s Race to Dubai (if not otherwise exempt).
    • Sponsor exemptions (up to four spots for players chosen by the tournament organizers).
  • Amateur Qualification: Amateurs, typically high-profile celebrities, sports figures, and business leaders, participate by invitation. They often play to a handicap.

Tournament Overview

Governing Body: PGA Tour
Established: 1937 (as Bing Crosby National Pro-Amateur Golf Championship
Frequency: Annually
Timing: Typically held in late January or early February
Format: 72-hole stroke play for professional tournament/An 80-team competition (one professional, one amateur) playing a better-ball format over the first 36 holes for Pro-Am Tournament. Amateurs typically play with handicaps.
Field Size: 80 players/80 celebrity/invited amateurs.
Cut: No cut for the professionals in the Signature Event format, ensuring all professionals play all four rounds. The amateur competition concludes after 36 holes.
Courses: Since becoming a Signature Event in 2024, the tournament is played across two courses – Pebble Beach Golf Links (Host course for final rounds) & Spyglass Hill Golf Course (Co-host for earlier rounds)
Prize Money: One of the PGA Tour’s “Signature Events,” featuring an increased prize purse (e.g., $20 million in 2024, with $3.6 million to the winner).

Planning Your Visit to the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am: Travel, Tickets & Accommodation

Attending the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am is a dream for many. Given its iconic location and the tournament’s popularity, careful planning for travel, tickets, and lodging is essential.

How to Get There

The AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am is held on the Monterey Peninsula in California.

  • 1. By Air:
  • 2. By Car & Parking:
    • 17-Mile Drive Access: Pebble Beach Golf Links and Spyglass Hill Golf Course are located within the private 17-Mile Drive, which has a gate fee for day guests (often reimbursable with qualifying purchases at Pebble Beach Resorts).
    • Official Spectator Parking: For the tournament, general public parking is typically off-site at designated lots (e.g., at California State University Monterey Bay in Marina), with complimentary shuttle services transporting spectators directly to the course entrances. Always check the official tournament website for specific parking locations and shuttle schedules for the current year.
    • Traffic: Expect significant traffic congestion on roads leading to and within the Monterey Peninsula, especially during tournament week. Plan for extra travel time.
    • Ride-Share/Taxis: Designated pick-up and drop-off zones are established for ride-share services and taxis.
  • 3. Local Transportation:
    • Pebble Beach Resorts offers on-site ground transportation for guests, which can be convenient for getting between the resort properties and golf courses. Public bus service from Monterey also serves the Pebble Beach area with a stop near the tournament grounds.

Tickets & Hospitality

Tickets to the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am are in high demand, offering various viewing experiences.

  • General Ticket Types:
    • Daily Gallery Tickets: Provide general admission to the tournament grounds for a specific day.
    • Weekly Passes: Offer access for the entire tournament week, including practice rounds.
    • Hospitality Packages: Premium options that include exclusive access to indoor venues, all-inclusive food and beverages, and prime viewing spots. These often provide a luxurious and comfortable way to experience the event.
  • How to Purchase:
    • Official Channels: Tickets are best purchased directly through the official tournament website or authorized PGA Tour ticket partners. Information and sales typically begin many months in advance.
    • Demand: Weekend tickets, especially for Sunday at Pebble Beach Golf Links, are the most sought after. Early purchase is highly recommended.

Where to Stay

Accommodation on the Monterey Peninsula fills up quickly, especially during the tournament. Early booking is crucial.

  • 1. Accommodation Types:
    • Pebble Beach Resorts: Staying at The Lodge, The Inn at Spanish Bay, or Casa Palmero offers the most convenient access and a luxury experience directly on the properties.
    • Carmel-by-the-Sea: A charming and popular nearby town with boutique hotels, inns, and vacation rentals.
    • Monterey: A larger city offering a wider range of hotels (from budget to upscale) and more dining and entertainment options.
    • Pacific Grove: A quaint Victorian town with charming inns, just north of Monterey.
  • 2. Booking Tips:
    • Book Well in Advance: Due to high demand, particularly for this popular event, secure your accommodation as soon as your travel dates are confirmed, often 6-12 months out.
    • Consider Location & Transportation: Evaluate the proximity of your lodging to the courses and shuttle services.
    • Golf Packages: Pebble Beach Resorts often offer golf packages that bundle accommodation with rounds of golf on their courses, which can be a great way to guarantee tee times.
    • Check Cancellation Policies: Understand the terms for any bookings made far in advance.
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Fan Experience / What to Expect at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am

The AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am offers a unique and vibrant fan experience, blending competitive golf with a relaxed, star-studded atmosphere.

  • Walking & On-Course Navigation: Be prepared for significant walking across undulating terrain, especially at Pebble Beach and Spyglass Hill. Comfortable footwear is essential. Tournament maps will guide you to grandstands, concession areas, restrooms, and popular viewing spots.
  • Celebrity Spotting: Keep an eye out for famous actors, musicians, and athletes playing alongside the pros. The practice days and early pro-am rounds offer the best opportunities for celebrity sightings and interactions.
  • Best Viewing Spots:
    • Pebble Beach: The iconic 7th, 8th, and 18th holes offer dramatic ocean views and pivotal golf action. The grandstands around the 18th green are a popular spot for the final round.
    • Spyglass Hill: The first five holes offer stunning coastal views as the course winds through sand dunes, while the inland holes present a challenging tree-lined test.
  • Weather: The Monterey Peninsula weather in winter can be unpredictable, ranging from sunny and mild to foggy and rainy. Dress in layers, and bring rain gear and sun protection.
  • Concessions & Merchandise: Numerous concession stands offer a variety of food and beverages. Large merchandise tents provide official tournament apparel and souvenirs.
  • Prohibited Items: A strict list of prohibited items (e.g., coolers, outside food/beverage, large bags, cameras during competition rounds) will be enforced. Check the official tournament guide before arriving.
  • Mobile Phone & Wi-Fi: Complimentary Wi-Fi may be offered in key fan areas. While mobile phones are generally allowed for communication, strict etiquette applies around players during competition. Photography restrictions may be in place during competitive rounds.

Helpful Links for Planning Your AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am Experience

For the most accurate and up-to-date information for your visit, always consult these resources:

Official Sites:

Official Social Media:

Travel & Booking Tools:

Last Updated on June 16, 2025 by Sports Tourist

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