The iconic Pebble Beach Pro-Am just got a major makeover, transforming one of golf’s most beloved tournaments into something even bigger.
Since 1937, this unique event has brought together the world’s best golfers and famous faces at the stunning Pebble Beach Golf Course in California. It’s where pros and celebrities team up to show what they can do on one of golf’s most beautiful stages.
The tournament’s come a long way since Sam Snead won the first one and took home just $500. Today’s winner? They’re walking away with a cool $3.6 million from a massive $20 million prize pool.
But 2024 changed everything.
The event is now a PGA Tour Signature Event, meaning bigger purses and more FedEx Cup points for the pros. They’ve also streamlined things – instead of using three courses like before, they’re now just using Pebble Beach and Spyglass Hill.
Here’s how it used to work: 156 pros would pair up with 156 amateurs, playing across three courses for three days. The pairs that made the cut would head to Pebble Beach on Sunday for the final showdown.
Now? It’s gotten a lot more exclusive.
The field’s been cut to just 80 pros and 80 celebrity amateurs. These aren’t just any pros – they’re mostly last season’s top performers, with a few spots saved for special invites and rising stars.
The format’s tighter too. Teams now play just 36 holes instead of 54, splitting their time between Pebble Beach and Spyglass Hill. After two days, they crown the winning team, and the pros continue alone at Pebble Beach for the individual title.
What’s really interesting is there’s no cut anymore – all 80 pros play all four rounds, battling it out for those bigger paychecks and crucial FedEx Cup points.
The tournament that started as a friendly pro-am has evolved into one of golf’s premier events, while still keeping the fun celebrity element that fans love. It’s a perfect blend of serious competition and entertainment, set against one of golf’s most spectacular backdrops.
