Insider’s Guide to the AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am

Planning to go to the AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am? Get the most out of your trip with some insider tips! Read on to learn regulars’ advice for the best AT&T tournament experience, as well as the basic but often-overlooked details that will ensure you have an enjoyable time.

The Breakfast Scene

The fun of the AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am begins at breakfast. There’s plenty of great places to eat in Pebble Beach and the surrounding towns. The Tap Room at the Lodge at Pebble Beach, in particular, is a popular spot for the traditional before- and after-play Bloody Mary, says local golf pro Brad Cursio.

If you’re looking for another place to spot stars during the AT&T tournament, Cursio says, two other go-to breakfast locations are Katy’s Place and The Cottage Restaurant in Carmel-by-the-Sea. While many celebs prefer to order room service and avoid the crowds, several rub elbows with the public at these spots.

The Post-Play Party

Just because the play at the AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am is over for the day doesn’t mean it’s time to go home. While some players may rest up for the morning, many take advantage of the local social scene. As mentioned before, the first go-to spot for extracurricular AT&T tournament imbibing is the Tap Room, but that’s not where the party ends!

Some of the most popular spots for after-round drinks, says Cursio, are Carmel-by-the-Sea’s Il Fornaio (right after the round), Piatti (after Il Fornaio), and Jack London’s (for the dedicated late-night partiers). The younger crowd tend to skip the warm-up events and head either straight for Jack London’s, or the nearby Hog’s Breath Inn. In Monterey, Cannery Row’s Sardine Factory has a history of being a celebrity magnet.

Tickets

Tickets for the AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am, available online, are $50 per day ($60 when bought after January 15, 2010) for each tournament round (Thursday-Sunday). Ticket prices include an AT&T tournament practice round ticket that will get you in Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday — the only days that cameras and autographs are allowed. Children 12 and under get in free alongside an adult ticket holder. Many packages are also available.

Military Day

Wednesday is Military Day at the AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am. All law enforcement, firefighters and military personnel plus one accompanied guest will be admitted free of charge. Eligible personnel must present their active official department ID or badge at any ticket booth.

Autographs and Photos

If you want celebrity autographs, or celebrity snapshots, you must get tickets for the AT&T tournament’s practice round. The AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am does not allow autographs during the tournament rounds. Cameras are also banned from the AT&T’s tournament rounds, so the practice rounds are the only days you can take photos at the AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am. It’s easiest to get autographs on Monday. After that, players are likely to be more focused on their game than their public.

Best Viewing Spots

The grandstands at the 18th hole are always popular spots from which to watch the AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am, and with good reason. But it’s not the only place to catch the action.

If you stand on the rough that borders holes 6 and 8, Cursio says, you can watch the players come up the 6th hole, round the 7th and hit their second shot on the 8th. Jack Nicklaus famously called the second shot on the 8th “the finest second shot in golf,” so if you get this spot you’re bound to see some beautiful play.

What to Bring — and What Not To Bring

You won’t be able to implement the insider tips if you inadvertently bring contraband to the AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am, and you won’t have fun if your clothes can’t stand up to the weather. Know before you go, and you’ll be well on your way to a great AT&T tournament.