The most atypical PGA Tour event takes place this week at the Pebble Beach National Pro-Am. The roots of this event are the former Bing Crosby Clambake, which was an excuse for golfing celebrities to party on Monterey Peninsula for a few days and play alongside the pros. Those celebrities, although that term is used loosely, continue to come to this event and play for at least three days,often with professional golfers who are far less known. Bill Murray is the most consistent staple at the event.
2013 AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am features several sports ‘Celebrities’
Two NFL quarterbacks, two 2012 World Series pitchers, and a few football coaches populate the group of amateurs this year at the 2013 AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am.
Harry How
Many other stars in the sports world are also in the field, mostly from football and baseball. Bill Belichick, who continued to wear his hoodie on the course last year, is back playing again with Ricky Barnes. Belichick’s colleague Jim Harbaugh, a local, is also playing just days after falling short in Super Bowl XLVII.
Tony Romo, who’s love of golf and low handicap are much publicized, is also in the field and he’s joined by Aaron Rodgers. In addition to the two NFL quarterbacks, there are two pitchers from this year’s World Series, Matt Cain and Justin Verlander. Cain is known for bombing the ball off the tee and played here last year, while Verlander plays on almost every off day he has.
One of the more interesting pairings features Wayne Gretzky and Dustin Johnson, who’s dating the Great One’s daughter, Paulina. Here’s a list of some of the sports “celebrities” playing this week:
Bill Belichick (14 handicap) -- Ricky Barnes
Matt Cain -- Matt Bettencourt
Wayne Gretzky (11 handicap) -- Dustin Johnson
Jim Harbaugh (12 handicap) -- Jason Day
Brian Kelly (13 handicap) -- James Driscoll
Andy Roddick (6 handicap) -- John Mallinger
Aaron Rodgers (6 handicap) -- Jerry Kelly
Tony Romo (scratch) -- Jordan Spieth
Kelly Slater (4 handicap) -- Patrick Cantlay
Justin Verlander (4 handicap) -- Robert Garrigus
In addition to the sports world amateurs, there’s the typical run of media and acting “celebrities,” such as noted Tim Tebow defender Josh Duhamel. Then there are also the wealthy businessmen who get in through their connections, such as Skip McGee, an executive at Barclays who will be playing with Phil Mickelson. Here’s the full list of the amateurs and their first round tee times.
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