ESPN Senior Writer Mark Schlabach reported on January 30, 2024, that the PGA Tour is making its way back to the Monterey Peninsula for the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am. This year’s tournament promises a shift in focus with fewer celebrities, a more exclusive field of pro golfers, and a significant increase in prize money.
The pro-am event, now the second among eight signature events this season, has reduced its field from 156 two-man teams to 80 in a no-cut format. Notably, the absence of celebrities such as Bill Murray and Ray Romano will be felt, as the 80 amateurs will only participate on Thursday and Friday, weather permitting.
The tournament unfolds across two courses, Pebble Beach Golf Links and Spyglass Hill Golf Course, in the initial rounds, with Pebble Beach Golf Links exclusively hosting the event on the weekend. The reduced field eliminates the need for Monterey Peninsula Country Club.
Despite the potential decrease in humor, the competition is expected to be more intense, featuring 48 of the top 50 players from the BMW Championship in 2023. Notable players making their 2024 debut include Scottie Scheffler, Ludvig Åberg, Hideki Matsuyama, Collin Morikawa, and Cameron Young.
Among the celebrities expected to participate are Tom Brady, Aaron Rodgers, Alex Smith, Larry Fitzgerald, Buster Posey, and Jake Owen.
The tournament also marks the pro debut of former Alabama star Nick Dunlap, who made history as the first amateur in over 30 years to win a PGA Tour event at the American Express on January 21.
Although he couldn’t accept the purse at La Quinta Country Club, Dunlap had the opportunity to keep whatever he earned at Pebble Beach.
Justin Thomas, who struggled in the 2022-23 season, is looking for a fresh start. Despite a challenging period, he has shown promise with four consecutive top-five finishes in worldwide events, including a tie for third at the American Express.
The weather forecast for Pebble Beach Golf Links indicates challenging conditions, with an 80% chance of rain on Thursday and highs in the low 50s.
A total of about three inches of rain is expected from Wednesday through Friday. The tournament experienced inclement weather last year, with Justin Rose emerging victorious in a Monday finish.
Additionally, the PGA Tour’s player advisory council has welcomed new members, including Lanto Griffin and Grayson Murray, who have criticized the tour’s move to smaller fields and increased FedEx Cup points in signature events.
They have also been vocal about potential deals with Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund and Strategic Sports Group. The advisory council now includes a mix of established and outspoken players such as Sam Burns, Max Homa, Scottie Scheffler, and others.
