Pebble Beach AT & T Pro-Am - February 6 - 12, 2017

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My first Clambake in Pebble Beach was Bing Crosby's Pro-Am Silver Anniversary in 1966. Our family stayed at The Sands Hotel.  In those days the big draw was Dean Martin, Andy Williams, Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus, and Billy Casper.

Dean Martin on the 18th at Country Club

50 years later, the tournament name has changed as well as the players, but the golf courses framed by the exquisite beauty of the rugged Pebble Beach Peninsula are still breathtakingly stunning!

Besides this incredible beauty, there is the knowledge that proceeds from the AT & T Pebble Beach Pro-Am tickets and sales benefit charities.  In 2015, $9.1 million was donated to local nonprofits!

This year the tournament takes place February 6 – 12, 2017 on three courses, Pebble Beach Golf Links, Spyglass Hill Golf Course, and Monterey Peninsula Country Club Shore Course. 

But before I get into my ideas on how to enjoy the event, here are some rules. What can you take into the A T & T? - not much. I take a clear vinyl bag that measures 12" x 6" x 12".  Inside I carry only my wallet, cell phone, medication, and keys. No water or food are permitted. Here is the complete list of this years permitted items.  

When can you take pictures? On the three practice days including Chevron Shoot Out and 3M Celebrity Challenge February 6 - 8th  the public may take as many pictures as they want. February 9 - 12th, no pictures or video allowed by the public.  

 When is the best time to ask for autographs? February 7 - 8th during the Chevron Shoot Out and Celebrity Challenge.  Or line up where participants walk from one hole to the next and yell out the name of your intended target as they walk by. If you are lucky they will stop and sign your program or t-shirt.

What is the best way to get there? Wednesday, February 8 through Sunday February 12th park at CSUMB for free and take the free shuttle.  

Here are a few ideas on how to enjoy this year’s event.

Buy a ticket on line.  The best value is the Weekly Badge for $150 which includes general admission for all seven days at all three courses, plus admission to the Chevron Shoot-Out, Facebook Million Dollar Hole-in-One Challenge, and the 3M Celebrity Challenge.

All military, active, reserve and retired, veterans, and National Guard may register for up to two complimentary, general admission single day tickets through the Birdies for the Brave program. 

Last year 3,473 military personnel took advantage of the 4,000 complimentary tickets available.  Don’t miss out!

Volunteer for one of the numerous positions that need filling in order to make the AT & T a success. Right now the Carmel Youth Center is in desperate need of volunteers! As of Friday February 3rd they had over 500 slots open. Please see www.carmelyouth.com/volunteer if you feel you are able to help. 

There are benefits to volunteering.   Mike and I are working the Carmel Youth Center Bloody Mary Tent for four hours - in exchange we receive complimentary admission to the tournament. 

Practice Round Ticket, for $60 this entitles holder to unlimited viewing Monday February 6 through Wednesday February 8.  If you are not in the military, and unable to commit to the volunteer hours, this ticket is a great option.

With this ticket, on Monday February 6^th you will enjoy practically empty courses while watching pros practice. 

On Tuesday February 7^th enjoy the Chevron Shoot-Out.  It has a new format, billed as Champions vs. Champions, this year top athletes from the world of sports are paired with past AT & T winners. 

On Wednesday February 8^th   enjoy the 3M Celebrity Challenge which sets Team Eastwood against Team Murray.  A quick check of the list of competitors for this event still shows Eastwood and Murray are TBD.  

Both the Shoot-Out and Celebrity Challenge take place on what is called the ‘Whiskey Route,’ holes 1, 2, 3, 17 & 18. 

The terrace at Gallery Café next to the practice green at Pebble is a perfect place to view competitors as they prepare for competition. 

Once the players head for hole #1, I walk to either the tee or green of the next hole in play.  

This allows me to stake out my own front row spot for viewing and not have to hassle with crowds. 

 Enjoy, and until next time Happy Adventures 

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All pictures by L.A. Momboisse unless listed below: 

Black and white of Dean Martin on the 18th at Country Club - (Game & Gossip, February 7, 1966, p3 - photo by Julian P. Graham - Harrison Memorial Library Local History Branch)

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