AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am brings in tourists and economic growth to Monterey Peninsula
PEBBLE BEACH, Calif. (KION) Every year thousands of people from out of the area flood into the Monterey Peninsula for the annual AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am.
By the time the first round begins on Thursday, local restaurants and shops see a huge boost in business.
“They have to eat. They have to drink. They have to sleep somewhere," tournament director Steve John said. "At the end of the day it works for our community.”
At Pebble Beach Golf Links, there are hundreds of jobs created to work at the tournament and prior to the event to set up one of the biggest events on the Central Coast.
“AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am is a world-class event that not only brings in tourists during our off-peak season – it provides significant television and social media exposure to a world-wide audience,” said Rob O’Keefe, interim President and CEO at Monterey County Convention and Visitors Bureau. "While the event is focused on golf, the coverage of the players and celebrities puts on display many other aspects of our gorgeous destination such as our unmatched scenic beauty and incredible wine country."
Monarch’s Pub, a newer restaurant and bar in Pacific Grove, saw a spike in their business last year from the AT&T Pro-Am, and are prepping for more this year.
“When the tournament finishes for the day that’s when we get a huge influx. We’re pretty much busy the entire weekend,” owner Paul Whitecross said.
Whitecross said a shuttle drop off from the tournament funnels people right over to his pub. It also means more tips and more staff needed for the weekend.
“Bolstering the schedule for the weekend probably starting on Thursday,” Whitecross said.
At the end of the day, attendance comes down to weather, and what celebrities and pro golfers show up to play.
“Our celebrity field is A list. We added a couple. Macklemore is playing, which really spiked ticket sales. The Manning brothers (Eli and Peyton) are coming too,” John said.
Tournament play begins Thursday at Pebble Beach Golf Links, Monterey Peninsula CC and Spyglass Hill Golf Course.
