Don Delorenzo - It ' s Your Swing :
Take a Day to Enjoy the AT & T Pebble Beach Pro-Am
We all know that we live in one of the most expensive areas in the country . Housing , gas , groceries — you name it — and it costs a lot . That stated , we also have to agree that we live in one of the most beautiful areas in the country . Perhaps no area is more beautiful than the famous Monterey Peninsula . When I think of this area the first thing that comes to mind is GOLF . There is possibly no place on earth that boasts so many beautiful golf courses within walking distance of each other than this area . And , we are so lucky to live only 45 minutes away . Not only are these golf courses beautiful to look at and play on , but we have the opportunity every February to spend a day or two on them watching the games ’ greatest golfers and celebrities compete in the AT & T Pebble Beach Pro Am .
The AT & T Pro-Am started as the Bing Crosby Pro Am , with roots all the way back to the 1930 ’ s . Crosby had the idea to give some of his member friends of Lakeside Country Club in Southern California a chance to play with 50 or so professionals who were on the west coast during the winter months .
The first tournament was held in 1937 at Rancho Santa Fe Golf Club and was only 18 holes after rain washed out the first round . It was won by Sam Snead and he collected the winner ’ s check in the amount of a whopping $ 500 . The tournament moved north to the Monterey Peninsula in 1947 and has been drawing huge crowds ever since . Spanning over a half century , the AT & T Pebble Beach Pro Am has undergone changes that have made it one of Northern California ’ s most popular sporting events . The recipe of three parts professional golfer to one part celebrity or famous athlete has gone down as smooth as some of the libations at the ' Tap Room ’ at Pebble Beach ’ s Del Monte Lodge — a must stop while there .
If you attend the Pro Am in 2025 , you will probably see stars such as Buster Posey , Toby Keith , Alex Smith , Matt Cain , Condoleeza Rice and Chris O ’ Donnell , just to name a few . Add this to the lineup of the top PGA Professionals and you
74 have the makings of a great day . Even if you don ’ t play golf , the chance to stroll the lush green fairways of Pebble Beach and Spyglass Hill is a ‘ can ’ t miss ’ experience .
Spyglass Hill — the more inland course of the two that are played — has only four holes ( 2-3-4-5 ) with views of Monterey Bay . The majority of the course rolls and meanders through the Del Monte forest in the heart of the world famous 17-Mile Drive . Huge pine trees and white sand will take your breath away — as if the beautiful golf shots of the pro ’ s you watch won ’ t . Walking Spyglass is probably the most difficult of the two courses . I give it a 7 out of 10 on the difficulty scale to walk . However , the greatest thing about any course or any tournament is your ability to stay in one place and let the golfers come to you . Although you may find yourself just wanting to spend the entire day watching the crashing ocean instead of Bryson deChambeau ’ s booming tee shots .
The other course on the rotation is Pebble Beach . Site of the 2019 US Open , it has been called “ the greatest meeting of land and sea .” This spectacular piece of real estate only has only a handful of holes where you can ’ t see the ocean . You owe it to yourself as a Californian , golfer or not , to walk the 6-7-8-9-10- 17-18 holes along the crashing ocean to see this venue . It has long been a favorite host of many championship tournaments including six United States Open Championships . The next Open Championship is slated to be at “ Pebble ” in 2027
While you ' re on the Monterey Peninsula , drive by the other golf courses such as the famed Cypress Point ( private ), Poppy Hills , Spanish Bay , The Hay , and Monterey Peninsula Country Club ( private ). They are literal eye candy with their unparalleled beauty .
This year ' s tournament dates are January 29 through February 6 . Getting to the tournament is easy . Travel to the Monterey peninsula and follow the signs . There is generally parking at Cal State Monterey Bay with free shuttle service to the golf courses . Cost of a ticket varies from weekday to weekend with practice round tickets running $ 50 and tournament rounds $ 70- $ 80 . Discounts are available for weekly tickets .
So if you ’ ve never been , go . If it ’ s been awhile , go again ! Make a day , weekend , or even a week out of it !
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