AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am: Weather, format changes, crowd counts, charitable contributions

Steve John took a walk instead of a golf cart at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am. The tournament saw many changes.

Steve John, the tournament director and CEO of the Monterey Peninsula Foundation, typically uses a golf cart to get around and watch some golf during the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am. However, this year, the crowds were too large, so he decided to walk instead. The changes to the tournament this year came with uncertainty and questions. Would the fans who come to see celebrities return to the event? The changes included trimming the number of courses played during the week from three to two, cutting Hollywood celebrities from the amateur field, and limiting amateurs to just two days of competition. Despite the weather and the changes, John feels that the new model will drive in the most money possible for the charities supported in the tri-county area. Safety is a major concern, and the final day of competition was postponed until at least Monday due to heavy rain and winds. The tournament saw a record number of golfers on the PGA Tour, and John believes that the changes were well-received by the fans. The event also saw a course record of 60 established at Pebble Beach on Saturday by U.S. Open champion Wyndham Clark. Once the tournament concludes, John and his staff will get together to see what can be improved upon for future events. Despite the weather, John feels good about what was accomplished this year and is confident that the changes have enhanced the efforts for the charities and the future of the event. The amount of money raised for the charities is expected to top the $18 million raised last year. John believes that there is still room for improvement and that the changes have been successful.

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