The Pebble Beach Pro-Am has long been a staple on the PGA Tour. The scenic views of the Monterey Peninsula and star-studded fields – not just of golfers, but celebrities – date back to 1937 when Bing Crosby and Larry Crosby hosted the tournament. But this year, it has taken on a new look thanks to the PGA Tour's new schedule, which features eight limited fields in what's being dubbed as 'Signature Events.'
This week, each professional will compete alongside their amateur partner for the first two rounds of the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am. Each player will play one round at Pebble Beach and the other round at Spyglass Hill. The final two rounds will be played exclusively by the professionals at Pebble Beach. In what's historically a fairly lighthearted, fun event, this week's outing is going to show its teeth often and early. The weather in the practice rounds saw 45+ mph wind gusts and heavy rain, which eventually led to a halt in the golf. One of the Tour's longest hitters, Tony Finau, hit driver on the 7th hole – which often plays under 100 yards. The wind and heavy rain should make the week unpredictable when it comes to the results. Showers will be present on Thursday and Friday, with more than an inch of rain expected.
This week features the smallest greens on the Tour schedule. Players are going to require precision with their irons; otherwise, making par is the best-case scenario. With the weather, I don't anticipate a barrage of birdies, but this isn't the U.S. Open, so don't expect a finishing score above Par either.
The odds-on favorites this week are Rory McIlroy (+750), Scottie Scheffler (+800) and Viktor Hovland (+1200). However, if we've learned anything from the last four weeks, the favorites haven't gotten it done. In fact, each of the last 4 winners were 100:1 or greater to win the tournament based on the pre-tournament odds. Will we see a favorite claim the first $3.6M check on the mainland, or will Vegas enjoy another underdog taking the trophy?
Jason Day - In his last 9 trips to the Pebble Beach Pro-Am, Day has made the cut 8 times, while finishing in the Top 12 an astounding 7 times. Dare I say, "Horse for the course?"
Patrick Cantlay - The California born Cantlay has quite the history at Pebble Beach. 5 trips, 5 made cuts, and 2 Top 5's.
Beau Hossler - A definite underdog in comparison to the rest of the field, but his track record here can't be overlooked. He has finished 11th and 3rd his last two trips, and also finished in the Top 10 last week at Torrey Pines.
Justin Rose - A brilliant record here at Pebble Beach. The Englishman knows how to play in wet, windy conditions.
Tommy Fleetwood - His current form is good, although not a lot of experience on the Monterey Peninsula. Generally plays well in cold and rain.
Adam Scott - Scotty can never be counted out. Recently his play has shown very promising results with 4 Top 10s in as many tries. Pebble doesn't necessarily suit his style, but the form cannot be overlooked.
Tee times begin at 11:45 AM EST on Thursday.
