AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am debuts new changes on first day of competition

PEBBLE BEACH, Calif. (KION) - For the first time in its storied history, the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am kicked off this year as a signature event on the PGA Tour.

The debut of the new-look tournament, brings with it a new format, larger purse, and a condensed amateur field.

That limited group of only 80 amateurs, will now compete over two days instead of three, with no actors or entertainers in the mix. Only select professional athletes are among the 2024 competitors, including New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers.

"To be honest, I miss the three days out here," Rodgers said. "But, it's great for golf that they elevated this event. It's been a great event for a long time."

For fans, the new changes yielded mixed reactions.

Marilyn Payne made the trip to Pebble Beach from Santa Maria to see Buster Posey out on the links.

"I was kind of bummed out," Payne said. "I like the celebrities, but I also like to see the great golfers."

But while there are less familiar faces on the course, more long-term benefits are expected from these adjustments. See Monterey President and CEO Rob O'Keefe thinks it will greatly benefit the area.

"The organizers are going to trade a little levity for a lot of golf world gravitas that is going to broaden the audience and bring more people here in the long run," O'Keefe said.

Lily Hansen, senior marketing manager for the Monterey Peninsula Foundation, said ticket sale trends are already similar to last year.

"We're seeing many people getting really excited about the changes," Hansen said.

While the tournament may have a new feel to it, the charitable aspect remains untouched.

"That is one thing that will not change," Hansen said. "We have an unwavering commitment to charity and we are going to continue giving as much as possible."

The Second Round of the Pebble Beach Pro-Am kicks off bright and early on Friday morning at 8:45 a.m.