Despite sometimes inclement weather, fans flocked to this year’s AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am. (Molly Gibbs – Monterey Herald).
PEBBLE BEACH – Exhausted, yet elated.
As has become a tradition, Monterey Peninsula Foundation CEO and tournament director Steve John will grab a glass of wine, his favorite cigar and sit by a fire pit with his wife sometime after this year’s AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am is put to bed.
While the weather altered the schedule of the annual tournament, John said big crowds once again came out to Pebble Beach this year which should result in a nice financial contribution to tournament charities.
“I might have to delay it some,” John said. “But it will be a rather large glass of wine. People still came out. A record number of tickets were sold. The atmosphere was incredible. The charities won’t suffer a dime.”
Wind halted the tournament on Saturday just after lunch, pushing the finish of the pro competition to Monday. The amateur portion of the competition ended at 54 holes (rather than 72) with the team of Ben Silverman and Aaron Rodgers being crowned champion Sunday.
“We will recognize the 25 amateurs that made the cut,” John said. “But we needed to complete the tournament. The amateurs have been great about the message.”
That message all week and for the last 77 years has been about the fans and the charities that benefit from the Peninsula’s biggest sporting event.
While John didn’t have a figure, he anticipated a record would be set for charitable contributions, the driving force behind the Crosby Clambake.
“It’s always our goal to increase our number,” John said. “Part of that is putting a quality field of celebrities together. That’s the driver. That’s what sells tickets, brings in sponsors. That’s what helps TV ratings.”
Nine new ‘A’ list celebrities made their debut this year, including two-time NBA champion Pau Gasol and former Real Madrid and current Los Angeles FC soccer star Gareth Bale.
The return of former Giants three-time World Series champion Buster Posey brought a slew of orange and black to the famed links, while actors Will Arnett and Jason Bateman, along with icon Bill Murray had spectators star gazing.
“Our celebrities are starstruck by our celebrities,” John said. “There is so much mutual respect. We brought in a soccer star this year in Gareth. Last year we had (boxer) Canelo (Alvarez). It’s a diverse field we want to bring in.”
Two moments stood out this year for John over the week-long festivities. Among them was hearing the horn sound to halt play on Saturday, as well as introducing Clint Eastwood at a Friday gala for over 1,000 volunteers.
“When I introduced Clint, I had chills from the reaction of all the volunteers,” John said. “I felt the energy when I introduced Gareth earlier and he was kicking soccer balls into the crowd. Clint was at such a different level. The love for Clint has sustained.”
Just once since John has been the tournament director for over 12 years has weather created havoc in what used to seem like an annual tradition for one of PGA’s early season events.
“We had hail in 2019,” John said. “I always worry about the weather. Every tournament can be affected by weather. Many are. I was on the golf course when the horn blew. It was crowded. But we kept the suites open until 4 p.m. Everything went as planned other than we weren’t playing golf. Maybe the fans didn’t notice.”
COVID-19 concerns had kept spectators from being allowed in 2021. This year all of the regular events normally held during the tournament were back.
“The player village was back to normal,” John said. “The players brought their families. Our events were well attended. Even more so, the celebrities we had brought out had a different vibe. There was a level of excitement I haven’t seen in recent years.”
The most charitable tournament on the PGA Tour, John was already talking about next year and what can be done to enhance the charitable contributions and improve the tournament going forward.
Notes were taken all week by his staff, with subtle changes already in the works. Bringing in a more diverse field of celebrities has created more interest from a fan base.
“If we get better, the charities get better,” John said. “The better we are, the more money we can raise. We come to work to drive more dollars for charity. There are no other options. Either improve or get out of the way. When I’m at the top of the mountain, I’m done.”
Talk of next year does get the juices flowing for John. At the same time, he hasn’t come down from his adrenaline rush for this year’s bash.
“You do need to recharge,” John said. “My wife and I will celebrate our 35th wedding anniversary on Feb. 20. We will get away. But this is the best job in the world.”
Originally published at John Devine