Who Won the 2026 Pebble Beach Pro Am? Final Results & Highlights
The Pebble Beach Pro Am is a PGA Tour Signature Event where professional golfers team up with high-profile amateurs for a mix of competitive rounds and casual camaraderie. This format has evolved over decades, creating a one-of-a-kind event that celebrates golf’s accessibility while showcasing elite play. In this guide, we’ll trace its origins, break down the rules, spotlight unforgettable moments, highlight star participants, explore the iconic venues, review recent champions, and explain its enduring appeal all to give you a clear, engaging rundown on why the Pebble Beach Pro Am captivates fans year after year.
The Origins of the Pebble Beach Pro Am
The story of the Pebble Beach Pro Am begins in 1937, when entertainer Bing Crosby organized a casual “Clambake” tournament at Rancho Santa Fe Golf Club in California. What started as a laid-back gathering of Hollywood friends and pro golfers quickly grew into a national phenomenon. By 1947, it moved to the glamorous Pebble Beach Golf Links, cementing its coastal identity.
Renamed the Bing Crosby National Pro Am in the 1950s, the event gained traction through Crosby’s star power, attracting amateurs like actors, musicians, and athletes. It became a PGA Tour fixture in 1960, with sponsorships rolling in Clorox in the ’70s, Nestlé in the ’80s, and now AT&T since 2010. This evolution reflects golf’s shift from exclusive clubs to inclusive spectacles, where the Pebble Beach Pro Am has hosted over 80 editions, raising millions for local charities like the First Tee and youth programs.
Key milestones include:
- 1937: Inaugural Clambake with 36 pros and amateurs.
- 1958: First victory by a then-unknown Arnold Palmer, launching his career.
- 1990s: Mark O’Meara claims five wins, tying the record for most Pebble Beach Pro Am triumphs.
- 2024: Upgraded to Signature Event status, boosting the purse to $20 million.
Today, the Pebble Beach Pro Am honors its roots with a nod to Crosby’s legacy, blending nostalgia with modern prestige.
How the Pebble Beach Pro-Am Format Works
The Pebble Beach Pro-Am stands out on the PGA Tour calendar thanks to its hybrid structure, which pairs pros with amateurs for the opening rounds before shifting to pure professional competition. This setup creates buzz, as celebrities and executives rub elbows with tour stars, often leading to viral moments.
Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of the format:
- Field Selection: 156 players total 120 pros (top earners, winners, and invitees) and 36 amateurs (celebrities, CEOs, and qualifiers). Amateurs are chosen via auctions, sponsorships, or past performance.
- Rounds 1-2: Pro Am Teams: Pros and amateurs play together on rotating courses. The team score counts the pro’s score plus the amateur’s net score (after handicap). Top teams advance; the winning duo takes home $100,000 for charity.
- Rounds 3-4: Pros Only: After the cut (top 60 and ties), professionals compete solo on Pebble Beach Golf Links. The overall winner pockets $3.6 million from the $20 million purse.
- Handicaps and Rules: Amateurs use verified handicaps (often single-digit for celebs) to level the field. Play follows standard PGA rules, with weather delays common due to the coastal location.
This format ensures the Pebble Beach Pro-Am feels approachable fans love watching Larry Fitzgerald shank a drive while delivering high-level golf on the back end.
Iconic Moments from Pebble Beach Pro-Am History
Few events match the Pebble Beach Pro-Am for sheer drama, from hole-in-ones to heartbreaking collapses. Its history is packed with tales that have shaped golf lore.
One standout: In 1977, Tom Watson birdied the famed par-5 18th to edge Jack Nicklaus by a stroke, kicking off a rivalry that defined the decade. Phil Mickelson, a local legend, birdied five of the last six holes in 1996 to win his first pro title at his “home” event. Tiger Woods dominated in 2000, winning by 15 strokes en route to the U.S. Open at the same venue.
More recent thrills include:
- 2019: Mickelson’s record-tying fifth win, holing a bunker shot on 18 for the ages.
- 2023: Justin Rose’s wire-to-wire victory amid rainy conditions.
- Weather Woes: The 1995 event famously halted after 54 holes due to storms, awarding Payne Stewart the title.
These moments underscore why the Pebble Beach Pro Am isn’t just a tournament it’s a stage for golf’s unpredictable magic.
Stars Who Shine at the Pebble Beach Pro-Am
No PGA event rivals the Pebble Beach Pro-Am for star power. Celebrities have been integral since day one, turning the pro-am into a red-carpet affair on grass. Their involvement boosts attendance (over 50,000 weekly) and TV ratings, while auctions for pairings raise six figures for charity.
Legendary participants include:
- Bill Murray: The Caddyshack star’s antics, like dancing on the green, are tournament staples.
- Clint Eastwood: The actor and longtime Pebble owner has played since the ’60s, once teaming with Mark O’Meara.
- Joe Montana: The Hall of Fame QB won the pro am in 1988 with Ray Floyd.
- Jack Lemmon: The Oscar winner claimed three team titles in the ’80s and ’90s.
For 2026, expect fresh faces like NFL star Travis Kelce, former Gov. Ron DeSantis, and ex-Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, paired with pros like Scottie Scheffler and Rory McIlroy. These pairings add levity remember Carson Daly’s 2015 team win with Jordan Spieth? and humanize the pros.
The Courses of the Pebble Beach Pro-Am
The Pebble Beach Pro-Am rotates three world-class layouts for the first two rounds, but all roads lead to the iconic Pebble Beach Golf Links for the finale. Designed in 1919 by Jack Neville and Douglas Grant, Pebble’s cliffside holes like the par-3 seventh over the ocean rank among golf’s most photographed.
- Pebble Beach Golf Links: 6,972 yards, par 72. Signature hole: No. 18, a dramatic 543-yard finisher.
- Spyglass Hill Golf Course: 7,041 yards, par 72. Robert Trent Jones Sr.’s 1966 design, known for its tough inland dunes.
- Monterey Peninsula Country Club (Shore Course): 6,633 yards, par 70. Jack Neville’s 1926 creation, offering ocean views and strategic bunkers.
These venues challenge accuracy over power, with wind and elevation changes amplifying errors. Pros average under par, but amateurs? That’s where the fun (and high scores) begin.
Recent Winners and 2026 Highlights
The Pebble Beach Pro Am has crowned diverse champions lately, from veterans to rising stars. Mark O’Meara holds the record with five wins (1985, 1989-90, 1992, 1997), but recent dominance belongs to Phil Mickelson (five total).
A quick look at the last five pros:
| Year | Winner | Score to Par | Notable |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Rory McIlroy | -21 | First win of the season; closed with 66. |
| 2024 | Wyndham Clark | -17 | Defended his U.S. Open title vibes. |
| 2023 | Justin Rose | -19 | Wire-to-wire in windy conditions. |
| 2022 | Tom Hoge | -14 | Surprise maiden PGA victory. |
| 2021 | Daniel Berger | -18 | Pandemic-shortened event. |
As of February 2026, the Pebble Beach Pro-Am is in its final stages, with Akshay Bhatia leading after a strong third round. Rickie Fowler lurks close, promising a Sunday showdown. The pro-am team crown went to Keegan Bradley and Mary Meeker, the first female winner of that portion. With a $20 million purse, expect fireworks on Pebble’s back nine.
Why the Pebble Beach Pro-Am Endures
In a crowded PGA schedule, the Pebble Beach Pro-Am shines for its perfect storm of accessibility, scenery, and star wattage. Unlike majors’ intensity, it offers levity through the pro-am, while Signature Event status ensures top talent like Scheffler and McIlroy. Its charitable impact over $25 million raised adds heart, supporting Monterey Peninsula youth.
Compared to peers, here’s how it stacks up:
| Event | Purse | Location | Unique Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pebble Beach Pro-Am | $20M | Pebble Beach, CA | Celebrity-amateur pairings |
| The Sentry | $20M | Kapalua, HI | No-cut, winners-only field |
| Genesis Invitational | $20M | Riviera CC, CA | Tiger Woods-hosted tradition |
| Arnold Palmer Invitational | $20M | Bay Hill, FL | Demanding layout, military tribute |
| The Players | $25M | TPC Sawgrass, FL | “Fifth major” with island green |
This blend keeps the Pebble Beach Pro Am relevant, drawing casual fans and die-hards alike.
Conclusion
The Pebble Beach Pro Am masterfully fuses golf’s competitive edge with its social soul, from Crosby’s clambake roots to today’s celebrity showdowns. Key takeaways? It’s a format innovator that levels the green for all, a scenic showcase of skill, and a charity powerhouse amid elite play. Whether you’re tracking scores or spotting Kelce’s swing, it reminds us golf thrives on community.
Catch the final highlights on PGA Tour broadcasts or the official site, and consider a future visit to Pebble Beach tickets start at $150 for practice rounds. What’s your favorite Pebble Beach Pro Am memory? Share in the comments.
FAQs
What is the Pebble Beach Pro Am?
The Pebble Beach Pro Am is a PGA Tour Signature Event where pros pair with celebrities and amateurs for team play in the first two rounds, followed by solo pro competition.
When is the Pebble Beach Pro Am held?
It typically runs the second full week of February, from Thursday to Sunday, with the 2026 edition wrapping up on February 16.
Who are some famous celebrities that have played in the Pebble Beach Pro-Am?
Icons like Bill Murray, Clint Eastwood, Joe Montana, and Jack Lemmon have competed, with recent stars including Travis Kelce and Condoleezza Rice.
What courses are used in the Pebble Beach Pro-Am?
The event features Pebble Beach Golf Links for the final rounds, plus Spyglass Hill and Monterey Peninsula Country Club’s Shore Course earlier.
Who won the most recent Pebble Beach Pro-Am?
Rory McIlroy claimed the 2025 title at -21; the 2026 winner is still unfolding, with Akshay Bhatia in contention.
How does the pro am format differ from standard PGA events?
Teams of one pro and one amateur play together initially, using net scores, before pros go solo adding fun and unpredictability.
Is the Pebble Beach Pro Am considered a major?
No, but its prestige, history, and Signature status make it a marquee event, often called golf’s Super Bowl of the West Coast.
