PEBBLE BEACH — The first two rounds of the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am got the PGA Tour tournament off to a nearly picture-perfect start, with blue skies, interrupted occasionally by dark clouds, and unseasonably warm temperatures drawing crowds to the coast.
Spectators lined the fairways early Thursday and Friday, many carrying folding chairs and coffee as they followed their favorite players from hole to hole. The ocean shimmered beyond the cliffs, and light winds made for ideal playing conditions throughout the first day.
Despite the loss of much of the celebrity presence of past years, the event is still garnering support and spectators. Many fans were traveling to Pebble Beach for the first time, bringing friends and family along. This is the third year the tournament has been a Signature Event on the PGA Tour. The field has been reduced and it is played on just two courses, not three. Many celebrities from the entertainment industry — including Bill Murray — are no longer included in the field. However, more of the PGA Tour’s top golfers play in the event.
“I’ve heard about this event year after year, but this is my first time coming down and just enjoying the game. It’s a great day, and I like being able to see the pros in action,” said Ryan Hayes from San Jose, who came with others from the Silver Creek Valley Country Club.
Others were returning for the second or third time.
“My husband and I had such a good time a couple of years ago that we had to come back,” said Pam Harmon from Montana. “I’m a little disappointed that Bill Murray isn’t here this time, but it doesn’t change my experience, I’m still having a good time.”
Steve and Cherry Morris from Monterey joked that they had different priorities when it came to the Pro-Am tournament. Steve was all about golf while Cherry hoped to catch a glimpse of Travis Kelce, one of the celebrity highlights of the week.
“These (most recent Pro-Am tournaments) have been a better golf experience for me,” said Steve Morris. “I think in previous years there was a lot of extra stuff that slowed the game down. Now we can just watch the pros.”
Meanwhile, Cherry Morris said she enjoyed the crowds and allure surrounding the celebrities.
“I liked the movie stars and different athletes (from different sports), it’s part of the fun,” Cherry Morris said. “But it’s still a beautiful day out at Pebble Beach and that’s always enjoyable.”
Several spectators said they were following specific players throughout the day, including Scottie Scheffler, Chris Gotterup and Hideki Matsuyama. Large galleries formed near each drive as groups moved along the course together.
Fans could be seen gathering along the ropes, some holding phones to capture photos or videos as players approached. Applause followed tee shots and putts, and words of encouragement were occasionally called out from the crowd.
Mary Valderrama of San Jose said she attends with her husband and friends, who are familiar with the course.
“My husband and friends, they come every year,” Valderrama said. “This beautiful weather and this location. It’s fun, they’re definitely pros. It bums me a little that we used to be able to ask for autographs and pictures but they don’t do that kind of thing anymore.”
Ryan Fujiaka and William Reynolds from San Francisco said they had been trying to attend the tournament for several years.
“It’s Pebble Beach and hosts some of the best of the best golfers in the world. What more can you ask for?” Fujiaka said.
Fujiaka said Scheffler, the top-ranked player in the world, was one of the players he was hoping to see, along with Gotterup. He added that it was “so cool seeing him play after he won last week.”
Galen Ishii from Monterey said he was spending the day with friends.
“It’s beautiful and I come out rain or shine, but this year is nice,” Ishii said, adding that he was interested in watching Matsuyama.
Throughout the first two days, spectators continued moving between holes, adjusting their positions to follow different groups. Some settled near greens overlooking the Pacific, while others walked the full course to keep pace with the players they were tracking.
By midafternoon Thursday, sun hats and sunglasses were common across the course as temperatures remained warm. Clear skies stretched over the fairways, and the coastline remained visible beyond the cliffs.
Tournament play will continue on Pebble Beach Golf Links through the weekend. Although the mild weather is expected to hold through Saturday, rain is forecast for early Sunday and then returning Sunday afternoon. For tickets and more information visit attpbgolf.com.
