PEBBLE BEACH — A year ago, the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am golf tournament went off without a hitch — and without amateur golfers, without spectators, and without rain. This week, amid pandemic precautions, both amateurs and aficionados have been invited to return to the greens, up close and cautious. However, this legendary tournament in the kingdom of golf has never been more sought after, causing elements of the five-day event to have sold out.
“Having moved away from a weekly ticket to individual tickets, at $70 a ticket for general admission on Thursday and Sunday, and $80 a ticket for general admission on Friday and Saturday, both ticket sales and projected revenue are up this year,” said Lesley Varney, vice president of Marketing & Business Relations for the Monterey Peninsula Foundation, which hosts the event. “General admission tickets remain available, yet certain upgraded tickets are already sold out.”
Wednesday’s Community Day, presented by Cisco, which offered complimentary admission, has reached guest capacity. The event will feature the 3M Celebrity Challenge on five holes at The Hay, the Chevron Challenge putting contest, also at The Hay, and the Million Dollar Hole-in-One for Charity at Pebble Beach’s iconic 17th hole.
Certain upgraded hospitality tickets to the tournament are sold out for Friday and Saturday, yet tickets remain available, as of Monday morning, for Thursday and Sunday. Similarly, Palmers Club 18, presented by Citrix, considered the “most coveted ticket in golf,” providing access to a climate-controlled venue, with outdoor stadium seating, breakfast, lunch, and hors d’oeuvres, and premium spirits and cocktails, is sold out for Saturday and Sunday admission, yet high-end tickets are still available for Thursday and Friday.
This year, all tickets have been sold digitally, says Varney. Spectators still receive a commemorative, wearable ticket, but proof of admission will be accessed electronically rather than having paper pass through hands. This way, no one will risk losing their ticket and, if someone cannot attend, they can simply transfer their ticket to a friend.
Rain or shine (and there isn’t rain in the forecast), hospitality or general admission tickets, spectators are returning to an event that promises to be par for the course organizers say.
“It truly changed the event to lose both amateur golfers and fans last year,” said Steve John, tournament director and CEO of Monterey Peninsula Foundation. “Our tournament is more of an Am-Pro since so many of our fans are more interested in the celebrities and athletes than the pro golfers. While it was a big loss last year, we have a tremendous professional field this year, paired with a wonderful group of amateur golfers, both new and returning players.”
Although the pro field will miss some stalwarts such as former champions Phil Mickelson and Dustin Johnson, who have opted to play in Saudi Internation this week, reigning champion Daniel Berger is back as are many of the most popular celebrities.
Among the amateur field is Mia Hamm, the two-time Olympic gold medalist in soccer; rock musician Lucas Nelson, son of Willie Nelson; LA Dodgers right fielder Mookie Betts; wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald and quarterback Steve Young; actors Andy Garcia, Don Cheadle, Josh Duhamel, Chris O’Donnell, Alfonso Ribeiro, and Ray Romano; musicians Darius Rucker, Jake Owen, and Huey Lewis; Chef Thomas Keller, and golf reporter and former Miss America Kira K. Dixon. And, of course, Bill Murray.
John, who played in the tournament a reported nine times before becoming CEO of the Foundation, remembers first watching the golf tournament with his dad, who played in The Crosby in 1983, ’84, and ‘85. He’s heard a lot of stories over the years. Yet, while the event has changed over time, and the charitable contribution to the community has grown, the essence of the “Crosby Clambake” persists, he says, which is a true testament to the quality of the players and all who contribute to the event.
“People have been dealing with COVID for so long,” said John. “We’ve grown weary of the protocols around gathering in public. But as long as the threat of infection persists, we need to adhere to the precautions designed to keep us healthy, even though it’s outside. No matter what, it’s exciting to put on the event. We’re thrilled to have the fans and amateurs back and hope to have a typical, successful tournament this year. It will be worth the wait.”
Success comes in many forms. In addition to those who enter the winner’s circle and all who enjoy the game is the charitable giving that underscores the event. In 2012, says John, Monterey Peninsula Foundation eclipsed $100 million in charitable giving. Ten years later, that number has doubled. “All thanks to the generosity of our title sponsor, our secondary sponsors, our players,” said John, “and our fans.”
As the pros and the ams get ready to compete, fans also need to prepare for their return to the golf gallery by becoming acquainted with the rules and regulations established to keep everyone healthy and safe in the context of COVID. Here are some tips for those attending this year’s tournament.
- COVID precautions: Masks are required for all indoor public gatherings and in shuttle buses. Proof of vaccination is not required for entry to the tournament; although the CDC recommends vaccination for everyone 5 years and older.
- Be cognizant of weather: There’s no rain in the forecast, but dress in layers, it will be cool, especially in the mornings, with some breezes depending where you are.
- Tickets: Tournament tickets are available via https://www.attpbgolf.com/tickets/
- Autographs: To enhance the autograph-seeking experience, fans are advised that on-course autograph seeking is prohibited and will be restricted to designated autograph zones, organized and managed by the tournament.
- Photography: Cameras are not allowed on the course during tournament rounds, Thursday through Sunday. Cell phones may be used to take photos during the tournament; although they must remain on silent at all times. Calls may be placed or received away from play. No live streaming is permitted at any time. No large bags or backpacks are allowed, and all items are subject to search. Unauthorized items, such as cameras, will be confiscated.
- Prohibited items: New this year, no memorabilia can be brought into the tournament including pin flags, photos, trading cards, balls and other sports paraphernalia. Moreover, noise-producing or other distracting devices, including electronic/compressed air, bells and horns or any other such device are prohibited. For a complete list of items that cannot be brought into the tournament, visit https://www.attpbgolf.com/spectators/policies-etiquette/.
- General parking: Free spectator parking is located at CSU Monterey Bay (CSUMB) in Marina (Exit 406). Free tournament parking shuttles will transport spectators from the parking lot to the Pebble Beach Main Gate. For additional information on parking and shuttle service, visit https://www.attpbgolf.com/spectators/parking-directions/.
- Other shuttles: The Carmel Chamber (https://bit.ly/3ufQvCI), Pacific Grove Chamber (www.pacificgrove.org) shuttles are a good way to ride to and from the golf course for those fans not at CSUMB parking.
- On course: Along the way, spectators should stop at Triangle Plaza to see the AT&T Loft, visit the Meiomi Wine Lounge or Hacienda Patrón. Fans can charge their phones, shop for souvenirs, and grab a beverage and a bite to eat.
If you go
- What: AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am
- Where: Pebble Beach Golf Links, Spyglass Hill Golf Course, Monterey Peninsula Country Club Shore Course
- Tournament: Thursday-Saturday, 8 a.m., all three courses. Sunday’s final round at Pebble Beach GL, 7:30 a.m.
- Practice rounds: Tuesday-Wednesday all courses, 7 a.m. (tournament courses closed to spectators Tuesday, Pebble Beach GL open to ticket holders Wednesday, although those tickets are sold out)
- Wednesday special events: 3M Celebrity Challenge, The Hay, 10:30 a.m.; Chevron Challenge Champions vs. Champions, The Hay putting green,12:30 p.m.; Million Dollar Hole-in-One for Charity presented by Cisco, Pebble Beach Golf Links, hole 17, 2:30 p.m.
- Tickets/more information: www.attpbgolf.com
- Coming Wednesday: Swingtime, your guide to the tournament with maps, stories and photos
Source: www.mercurynews.com