Introduction

Big changes are coming to the Pebble Beach Pro-Am, and it's not just because it's now a Signature Event! This time, the 80-player squad will be teeing off on both Pebble Beach and Spyglass Hill Golf Course, and amateurs will be joining the party for the first two rounds.

Pebble Beach's Golfing Legends

Pebble Beach is practically a golfing legend factory. Since 1947, it's been home to the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am, with heavyweights like Mark O'Meara and Phil Mickelson clinching the title five times each. And let's not forget the all-time greats – Ben Hogan, Byron Nelson, Billy Casper, and the list goes on.

Double Trouble at Pebble Beach

Not everyone can conquer Pebble Beach, but Tiger Woods, Jack Nicklaus, Tom Kite, and Tom Watson did it in style, winning both the AT&T and a U.S. Open at this iconic venue. Woods and Nicklaus even managed to pull off the double victory in the same year!

Meet the Courses

Hold on to your golf hats because we've got Pebble Beach Golf Links (Par 72 – 6,972 yards) and Spyglass Hill (Par 72 – 7,041 yards). These courses might be short, but they pack a punch, especially when the weather's playing hard to get. 

Three years back, Pebble Beach was the eighth toughest course on the Tour, and it had four holes that were among the 50 trickiest: the 202-yard 12th, the 504-yard 9th, the 428-yard 8th, and the 195-yard 5th. And that's not even counting the beefy 580-yard 14th and the scenic 543-yard 18th, two of the gnarlier par-5s out there. So, what makes this short course such a pain? Well, first off, there's the weather. And then there are the greens—smaller than anywhere else on the Tour, averaging just 3,500 square feet, which is almost half the usual size. That means you've got to be spot-on with your iron game, or if that's not happening, you better be a scrambling wizard. These little Pebble greens with their tricky poa annua grass are also heavily guarded by bunkers, with a whopping 120 of them scattered across the course. The Spyglass greens, slightly bigger at 5,000 square feet, also sport that tricky poa. Interestingly, for the last two years, Spyglass has been the hardest kid on the block, while Pebble was playing nice as the easiest.

Pebble Beach isn't just a pretty face – it's got some serious game. The eighth hole, Nicklaus calls it the "finest second shot in golf." Woods, on the other hand, finds it downright daunting. And let's not skip over the ninth and tenth – a dynamic duo of par-4s that measure a whopping 1,000 yards combined!

Weather Woes and Player Picks

Watch out for the weather – gray skies, morning rain, and winds that can't make up their mind. In these conditions, experience counts, especially at Pebble Beach. Expect some wayward balls, making good scramblers the unsung heroes.

They're calling for rain every day except Saturday, and the wind is gonna be a constant pain. Some forecasts say the wind will gradually pick up to 20-30 mph in the first two rounds, while others think it could go over 40 mph on Sunday. It's always a challenge dealing with the unpredictable conditions, and you gotta be patient and adjust on the fly. The daytime temps won't even get past the mid-50s. Pebble Beach is a real tough cookie when the wind blows, tougher than Spyglass historically. If you can, it's better to play Pebble when the weather is calmer. Both courses are par 72s. Pebble's got the smallest greens on the PGA TOUR, so success there is all about hitting the ball well. And because the course is just 6,972 yards, it's all about managing your shots. Spyglass is no pushover either at 7,041 yards, but it's more forgiving unless you're driving into a headwind. This week, it's gonna be all about smart course management. Because of the wind, don't expect the putting greens with Poa annua grass to be as fast as they usually are, probably not hitting the 12 feet on the Stimpmeter they're aiming for.

Who's Making Waves

Scottie Scheffler, World No. 1, is making his debut, while Viktor Hovland returns after a solid run last season. Rory McIlroy is back in action after missing in 2018, bringing some extra buzz. And keep an eye on Nick Dunlap – the amateur sensation turned pro!

It's Not Your Average Weekend Golf

Pebble Beach isn't just any golf course – it's a dream for every golf enthusiast. Short but tricky, with water hazards galore and those infamous poa annua greens. And let's not forget, it's all about that second shot magic. So, get ready for a weekend of golfing thrills, spills, and maybe a surprise or two at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am!

ONE AND DONE PICK: Matthew Fitzpatrick

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