Prepare yourself for an AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am like no other.
Hello world no. Scottie Scheffler is the world No. 1, followed by former major champion Rory McIlroy, and FedEx Cup winner Viktor Hovland.
The Crosby Clambake will be in its 87 th season, with a field reduced from 156 to 80 two-man teams. Amateurs will play only two rounds, instead of three, or even four. There are also two courses, as Monterey Peninsula CC has been removed.
The PGA Tour has selected the tournament as one eight signature events. It will be a no-cut, limited field event with a purse worth $20 million.
If you were to turn it around, and we had never been a pro am, and the Tour told us, “hey, guys, what’s this? We are going to offer you two pro-am days, on Thursday and Friday. Steve John, CEO of the Monterey Peninsula Foundation and tournament director, said that the Monterey Peninsula Foundation would be thrilled if the tournament was held at Pebble Beach Golf Links or Spyglass Hill. “Yes, it’s only two days, instead of three or four. But, this is going to be an amazing two days.” The amateurs’ experience will be unmatched.
The tournament had struggled in recent years to attract a top-tier field. It was time to do something to bring back the glory of this once-loved event. Only 21 of the 100 top golfers in the Official World Golf Ranking made up the field last year, and over half were ranked outside of the top 300.
John, in his 12 thyear of overseeing the event, said, “I’ve heard for years that I would love to come, but it’s just not working for me.”
John stated that the Tour was successful in its efforts to bring new energy into the event, by making the field of stars the main attraction, rather than celebrities from the music industry, film, and sports world. They’re coming.”
He is no longer recruiting, he is enrolling. He said 48 of the 50 best players in the world have already committed and expressed his confidence that the other two will soon follow suit. John says ticket sales are up $200,000 over last year.
John commented, “It is an amazing thing to see almost everyone who is eligible attend.” “This is the closest you can get to a major.”
John knows that change is not easy. The field size dropped from 180 in 2010 to 156. The tournament needed to get its sponsors and partners on board financially in order to reduce the field size from 180 down 80.
John said, “Not everyone can play.” It was difficult to decide who would get the golden tickets. People had to be willing to give as much as we did before. They stepped up and gave a lot. We are very grateful for this.
There will only be athletes on the field: Tom Brady Alex Smith Aaron Rodgers Pau Gasol Larry Fitzgerald Busey Posey. The Celebrity Shootout is no longer. The sky suites on the 18 th were reduced due to fewer amateurs competing. As a result of this, the 18 th will be surrounded with grandstands, and the general public can now enjoy the seats. The reduction in volunteers from three to two courses is approximately 300. The number of volunteers will remain at 1,600, including 100 people who have been volunteering for over 40 years.
John insists that the AT&T will be a signature AT&T event “in perpetuity.” He told KSBW Action News 8 this is his plan.
John said to Golfweek that the PGA Tour’s feeling, belief, and mindset is to continue this event as a flagship event, not knowing where our future lies.
John confirmed that despite the reduced field which many feared could have the potential of reducing charitable donations, the Monterey Peninsula Foundation expected to still give out over $18 million as it did last.
He said, “I don’t see any reason why we shouldn’t distribute that number or more.”
AT&T agreed to pay the increased purse of $20 million with a $3.6 million winner’s portion. According to sources, the golden ticket jumped from $38,000 this year to $70,000 to compensate for the loss of almost half the field. John would not confirm these numbers but said they were in the ballpark.
It’s difficult to put a figure on them because they are tied to various assets. Some people have upgraded tickets, others are a part of a contract and some are referred by friends. “It’s impossible to give an exact figure for the entry fee,” explained he. “I will tell you that it is worth every penny, and no one complained about the entry fee.”
The time will tell whether the AT&T, with its iconic course and deepest playing field in history, will be a ratings bonanza.
He joked, “My crystal balls broke years ago.”
