The national sports spotlight shifts this week from Santa Clara to the picturesque Monterey Peninsula, as the Pebble Beach Pro-Am kicks off following the theatrical conclusion of the NFL season with last Sunday’s Super Bowl. This prestigious PGA Tour event, running from February 12 to 15, is set against the stunning backdrop of Pebble Beach Golf Links and Spyglass Hill Golf Course, promising a mix of excitement and serene competition.
This year’s tournament attracts top talents such as Rory McIlroy, Scottie Scheffler, and Justin Rose, with a staggering $20 million purse on the line, including a remarkable $3.6 million for the champion. The format pairs an impressive field of 80 PGA Tour professionals with amateur celebrity golfers over the first two days, culminating in a best-ball scoring approach. Competitors will then shift to stroke play for the weekend’s rounds, hosted exclusively at Pebble Beach.
Coverage of the event will be extensive. While CBS will provide linear television coverage, Golf Channel will air the pro-am rounds along with the first two hours of action during the tournament’s weekend rounds. For a more interactive viewing experience, golf fans can enjoy streaming options on ESPN+, with coverage that includes the tournament’s featured holes.
Historically, the Pebble Beach Pro-Am dates back to 1937, initially known as the “Bing Crosby Pro-Amateur Golf Championship.” The event has evolved significantly over the decades, moving to Pebble Beach in 1947 and adding Spyglass Hill as part of its course rotation in 1967.
As the tournament commences, newly-crowned world number one Scottie Scheffler enters with an impressive streak of seven consecutive top-four finishes on tour—a feat achieved only a handful of times since 1983. His success continues to build anticipation as he teams up with David Abeles, CEO of TaylorMade, for the event. Meanwhile, Rory McIlroy, returning as the defending champion for his 2026 PGA debut, aims to replicate last year’s extraordinary performance, which included an unforgettable hole-in-one.
The field features a mix of seasoned professionals and exciting up-and-comers, including Justin Rose, who recently demonstrated remarkable skill at Torrey Pines, and Chris Gotterup, celebrated for his victories in the recent WM Phoenix Open and Sony Open.
Alongside the professional players, a lineup of notable celebrity amateurs adds an extra layer of entertainment. Retired NFL quarterback Alex Smith and former basketball star Pau Gasol are among those taking part, further elevating the event’s appeal.
With its storied history and the promise of thrilling golf action amid breathtaking coastal scenery, the Pebble Beach Pro-Am serves as a remarkable opening chapter for the PGA Tour season and an engaging experience for golf enthusiasts around the globe. As players take to the courses, fans eagerly anticipate a week filled with sporting excellence.