Tom Hoge Wins AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am
February 3 marked the beginning of the 85th annual AT&T ProAm Golf Tournament in Pebble Beach, California. It took place on three courses, the nationally renowned Pebble Beach Golf Links, Spyglass Hills Golf Course, and the Monterey Peninsula Country Club Course. After playing the courses, Tom Hoge won the tournament this year.
What makes this tournament so unique and fun are the 156 pros and 156 amateurs. Each of them is divided into groups of four, and within each group are two pairs: one pro, and one ameture. The pro is a professional golfer, whereas the amateurs are celebrities or donors that give to the AT&T Foundation. Some of the most iconic pairs at the ProAm were Jordan Speith and Jake Owen, D.A. Points and Bill Murray, and Lanto Griffin and Macklemore.
Spectators had a chance to see not only their favorite golfers but also their favorite celebrities. Some even found an opportunity to get an autograph or selfie from the celebrity. A few players, especially Bill Murray, enjoy conversing with the spectators. Murray always likes to put on a show for the spectators, making them laugh and enjoy their time. A trophy is also given to the pro and amateur pair with the lowest score.
“I really enjoyed watching the tournament because it was cool to see my friend’s dad,” said Sophomore Annie Lester, whose close friend’s dad is Robson Grieve, an ameture who partnered with the renowned Australian golfer; Jason Day. “By adding amateurs to the tournament it brought different experience levels and communities together”. Lester was rooting for Jordan Speith and was surprised when Tom Hoge pulled ahead at the end.
The tournament took four days, beginning on February 3, and finishing on Sunday, February 6. His scores throughout the four rounds were 63, 69, 68, and 68. Hoge was able to birdie the second to last two holes, allowing him to take the lead from Speith. His final score was 19-under, Speith only two strokes behind. It was Tom Hoge’s first PGA win, making it a very monumental moment in his career.
“Always an amazing event in a special place, so happy for Tom Hoge on his first win,” said Speith on his public Instagram account. “Big thanks to my [partner] Jake Owen for another great year!”
The tournament ended with all the players who surpassed the cut-off score of -5 for the pros, playing on Pebble Beach for their fourth and final round. It is considered by many to be the most picturesque golf course to play on for its views of the Pacific Ocean and Carmel Beach. One may leave the tournament not remembering who won, but they will definitely remember their encounter with celebrities on this remarkable golf course.
