AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am: Love III, Tiger "Best of Three" Possible Scenario at Tourney

By David R. Holland, Contributor

PEBBLE BEACH, CA -- Davis Love III is the defending champ, Tiger Woods won the year before.

That makes for another memorable AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am and it just might be a “best of three” scenario if the duo hooks up in a battle to the wire.

Opening round is Thursday, Jan. 31 and the final round on Sunday, February 3. This year’s purse is $4 million.

As usual, the field on the Monterey Peninsula is world-class. Woods and Love will be joined PGA Tour stars including Phil Mickelson, John Cook, Jeff Sluman, Kirk Triplett and Jose Maria Olazabal at the annual charitable event on Spyglass Hill, Poppy Hills and Pebble Beach Golf Links.

Love III won last year with a 16-under score, followed by Vijay Singh, Mickelson, Olin Browne and Ronnie Black.

Like Woods in 2000, Love came from behind in the fourth round to win in 2001. Tiger erased a seven-stroke deficit in seven holes in his win, but Love won his with a fast start on Sunday. After a birdie on his first hole, Love eagled No. 2 and then recorded five consecutive birdies on hole Nos. 3-7.

That totaled 8-under par over the first seven holes and tied the old best birdie-eagle streak of 7-under held by Al Geiberger (1997 Danny Thomas Memphis Classic) and Webb Heintzelman (1989 Las Vegas Invitational).

Love's 63 was the lowest finish by a winner in the 60-year history of the event, erasing the 64 Woods had in 2000.

It’s Called Crosby Weather:

In 1998 El Niño “frog-strangled” the Tournament and it’s not uncommon to get goofy weather this time of the year on the Monterey Peninsula.

That 1998 tourney featured perhaps the longest PGA event ever played -- the final round was delayed to six months after the tournament began because El Niño-powered rain washed out Sunday's play and when the tournament resumed on a day in August, Mickelson recorded the victory.

It’s called “Crosby Weather”. In 1960, it rained so hard that Johnny Weissmuller declared, "I've never been so wet in my life"; Weissmuller, known for his movie role as Tarzan, had previously won Olympic Gold as a champion swimmer.

Golf pro Jimmy Demeret awoke to snow in 1962 and said, "I know I got loaded last night, but how did I end up in Squaw Valley?" (Squaw Valley is a ski resort in the Sierra Nevadas of California.)

The Celebs: Popular MTV host Carson Daly will be competing in the AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am for the first time in 2002. Daly, whose current index is 4.0, will be in the company of such veteran celebrities as Clint Eastwood, Michael Douglas, Kevin Costner, Ray Romano, Glen Campbell, Alice Cooper, Samuel L. Jackson and Kenny G.

AT&T Tickets: Tickets are now on sale through the tournament office, 831-644-0333 or 800-541-9091, or Ticketmaster.com. Daily tickets are $40 each in advance and $50 at the gate. Practice round tickets, good for all three days, Monday-Wednesday, are also $40 each in advance and $50 at the gate. Championship badges, good for the whole week, are $120 in advance and $150 at the gate. Teens may attend the tournament all week for $10.

Tickets are still available for the new Champions Club pavilion, with food and beverage served Thursday through Sunday in a club-like atmosphere adjacent to the 15th green at famed Pebble Beach Golf Links. Tickets are $1,500 per person and must be purchased in advance.

Getting from one course to another:

Beginning Thursday there are courtesy shuttle buses between the courses. Your ticket entitles you to access all three courses.

Dressing for comfort

Weather on the peninsula is unpredictable, with many daily temperature variations. It is best to wear several layers of clothing and comfortable walking shoes. Find out more about the local weather and look at an up-to-the-minute video snapshot of Monterey Bay.

How will I know where to find my favorite player?

Players make their own tee times during practice rounds, Monday through Wednesday. Check with the pro shop for your favorite. Tournament pairings are not confirmed until late Wednesday. Free daily pairing sheets are available beginning Thursday.

What time does play begin?

Tee times start around 8 a.m. and play generally concludes by 4 p.m. Take a look at the daily schedule for up-to-date information.

Cameras and Cell Phones?

No to both. The AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am does not allow cameras during the event. (Thursday through Sunday) Cameras may be used Monday through Wednesday. Please be courteous, however; no camera clicks on the backswing! Cell phones and cameras will be confiscated.

Will there be food available?

Food and beverage concessions are located at all three courses. You may also bring your own.

What about autographs?

While our tournament is more relaxed than most, remember the pros are competing for high stakes, so please wait until after play has concluded to seek autographs.

Where does the money go?

Net proceeds from the AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am goes to support a wide variety of worthwhile charitable organizations. For more information about the charities involved, please see our charitable organizations page.

Parking:

You will see "AT&T Golf" signs on the highway directing you to general spectator parking on the site of the former Fort Ord army base Thursday, Friday and Saturday; free shuttles will take you to the tournament. All other days, follow signs to Pebble Beach and traffic control personnel will direct you to available parking.


Directions:

From the San Francisco Bay Area: Take 101 South. In Prunedale, take the "Monterey Peninsula" exit, Highway 156 West. Follow Highway 156 into Highway 1 South. Follow the blue "AT&T Golf" signs (in the old Fort Ord) to Shuttle areas or the Tournament.

From Southern California: Take Interstate 5 North. Take Highway 46 West to Highway 101 North. Follow 101 North for 100 miles to Salinas. In Salinas, exit at the "Monterey Peninsula" off-ramp, Highway 68 West. Follow Highway 68 West into Highway 1. Take Hwy 1 North to convenient off-site parking & shuttle. Exit at CSU, Monterey Bay (The shuttle is offered Thursday, Friday, and Saturday only.) Take 101 South to go directly to the tournament. Follow the blue "AT&T Golf" signs.

January 1, 2003