Pebble Beach Pro-Am Returns with Starry Field and Surprising Handicaps
The highly anticipated AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am is back this week, bringing together some of the biggest names in sports for a chance at a $20 million purse.
Joining PGA Tour pros will be NFL legends Tom Brady, Aaron Rodgers, and Josh Allen, along with two-time NBA champion Pau Gasol, for a thrilling competition on the iconic Pebble Beach courses.
Handicap Revelations:
One of the most intriguing aspects of the Pro-Am is the handicap system, which levels the playing field between amateurs and professionals.
This year’s handicaps have certainly raised eyebrows, with Brady boasting an impressive 8-handicap and Rodgers surprising everyone with a dramatic improvement to a 4-handicap, significantly lower than his 2023 score of 10.
Interestingly, Rodgers and teammate Ben Silverman won last year’s event despite their supposed 10-handicap, sparking controversy from fellow competitor Keith Mitchell.
Pairings and Playtime:
Fans can look forward to exciting pairings this week, with Brady teaming up with Keegan Bradley, Rodgers joining forces with Beau Hossler, Gasol partnering with Emiliano Grillo, and Allen playing alongside Keith Mitchell.
It will be fascinating to see how these amateur-pro duos navigate the challenging Pebble Beach courses.
Last Year’s Controversy:
Fueling the excitement is the lingering tension from Mitchell’s remark last year, calling Rodgers’ 10-handicap “crap” and claiming victory alongside Josh Allen.
With Rodgers’ significantly lower handicap this year, all eyes will be on their performance and whether Mitchell repeats his bold claim.
Beyond the Game:
Adding another layer of intrigue is the presence of Dr. Neal Elattrache, the surgeon who repaired Rodgers’ ruptured Achilles last year.
Their pairing promises a unique dynamic, blending sportsmanship with a touch of personal history.
The Pro-Am kicks off on Thursday at 3pm local time, promising a captivating blend of athletic prowess, strategic competition, and perhaps a touch of friendly rivalry.
Be sure to tune in to witness this star-studded event and see if the surprising handicaps lead to any unexpected upsets.