The Ultimate Blend of Golf & Celebrity
Introduction
The AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am is one of the most iconic and unique tournaments on the PGA Tour. Played annually at Pebble Beach Golf Links and surrounding courses in California, this event seamlessly blends elite professional golf with celebrity participation, making it a fan-favorite.
Founded by Bing Crosby in 1937, the tournament was originally known as the Crosby Clambake and has since evolved into one of the most prestigious events on the PGA Tour’s schedule. Its breathtaking scenery, rich history, and exciting competition continue to make it one of the most anticipated events in golf.
This article dives into the history, format, legendary winners, and the impact of the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am on professional golf.
A Storied Legacy: The History of the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am
Origins and Evolution
The tournament was founded in 1937 by legendary entertainer Bing Crosby, who invited professional golfers and celebrities to compete at Rancho Santa Fe Golf Club. It moved permanently to Pebble Beach in 1947 and has since become synonymous with world-class golf and Hollywood glamour.
Key Milestones
- 1937 – First edition, played at Rancho Santa Fe Golf Club.
- 1947 – Moves to Pebble Beach Golf Links.
- 1986 – Renamed the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am.
- 2000 – Tiger Woods wins his only title at Pebble Beach with a historic comeback.
- 2024 – Becomes part of the PGA Tour’s Signature Events, elevating its prestige and prize money.
Understanding the Format of the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am
Competition Format
- Field Size: 80 professional golfers and 80 amateur players.
- Three Courses Used:
- Pebble Beach Golf Links (Final round and primary venue).
- Spyglass Hill Golf Course.
- Monterey Peninsula Country Club.
- 72-hole stroke play tournament over four days.
- Pro-Am Format (First Three Rounds): Professionals play alongside celebrities and amateur golfers.
- Final Round: Only professionals who make the 36-hole cut compete for the title at Pebble Beach.
Invitation Criteria
- Top-ranked PGA Tour players.
- Past champions of the event.
- Celebrities and amateur golfers from various industries.
- Sponsor exemptions and special invitations.
🏌️♂️ GOAT Tour Hub
The Iconic Pebble Beach Golf Links
Course Overview
- Location: Pebble Beach, California
- Established: 1919
- Architects: Jack Neville & Douglas Grant
- Course Length: 7,051 yards, Par 72
- Signature Features:
- Dramatic oceanfront holes and breathtaking cliffs.
- Small, fast greens requiring pinpoint accuracy.
- Famous finishing stretch (Holes 16-18) that challenges even the best golfers.
Signature Holes
- Hole 7 (Par 3, 106 yards) – One of the most famous short holes in the world, exposed to ocean winds.
- Hole 8 (Par 4, 428 yards) – Features an iconic second shot over the Pacific Ocean.
- Hole 18 (Par 5, 543 yards) – A stunning finishing hole along the Pacific coastline.
🏆 Recent AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am Champions
2025: Rory McIlroy
- Score: 267 (−21)
- Winning Margin: 2 strokes over Shane Lowry.
- Key Highlights: Claimed his 27th PGA TOUR win, his second in three starts.
2024: Wyndham Clark
- Score: 200 (-17) (Tournament shortened to 54 holes due to weather)
- Winning Margin: 1 stroke over Ludvig Åberg.
- Key Highlights: His first Signature Event victory, surviving brutal weather conditions.
2023 : Justin Rose
- Score: 266 (-18)
- Winning Margin: 3 strokes over Brendan Todd and Brendon Wu.
- Key Highlights: First PGA Tour win in four years, proving his elite ability.
2022 : Tom Hoge
- Score: 268 (-19)
- Winning Margin: 2 strokes over Jordan Spieth.
- Key Highlights: First career PGA Tour win.
2021: Daniel Berger
- Score: 270 (-18)
- Winning Margin: 2 strokes over Maverick McNealy.
- Key Highlights: A clutch eagle on the 18th hole to seal the victory.
2020: Nick Taylor
- Score: 268 (-19)
- Winning Margin: 4 strokes over Kevin Streelman.
- Key Highlights: Became the first Canadian to win at Pebble Beach since 2004.
Golfing Icons & Their Triumphs at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am
Most Wins at Pebble Beach
- Phil Mickelson (5 titles) – 1998, 2005, 2007, 2012, 2019.
- Mark O’Meara (5 titles) – 1985, 1989, 1990, 1992, 1997.
- Jack Nicklaus (3 titles) – 1967, 1972, 1973.
- Tiger Woods (1 title) – 2000.
Memorable Moments
- Tiger Woods’ 2000 Victory – Came back from seven strokes behind in the final round.
- Phil Mickelson’s 2019 Win – Became the oldest champion at Pebble Beach at 48 years old.
- Justin Rose’s 2023 Win – Marked a return to form with a dominant final round.
Traditions & The AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am Trophy
Notable Traditions
- Celebrity Pairings – Features Hollywood stars, athletes, and business moguls.
- Scenic Beauty – One of the most picturesque settings in golf.
- Charitable Impact – The tournament raises millions for local charities every year.
Record-Breaking Performances & Interesting Facts
- Lowest Winning Score: 265 (-22) – Mark O’Meara (1997).
- Most Dominant Win: 8 strokes – Tom Kite (1983).
- Youngest Winner: Jordan Spieth (2017) at 23 years old.
Why the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am Matters in Global Golf
- One of the most prestigious Pro-Am tournaments in the world.
- Combines professional golf with celebrity entertainment, making it unique.
- Part of the PGA Tour’s Signature Events, ensuring a world-class field.
- Hosted at one of the most breathtaking courses, Pebble Beach Golf Links.
- Raises millions for charity, continuing Bing Crosby’s original vision.
Final Thoughts
The AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am is not just a tournament—it’s an experience that blends golf, celebrity, and breathtaking scenery. With its storied history and elite competition, it remains one of the most anticipated events on the PGA Tour.
