Celebrity list grows at Pebble Beach
Actor Duhamel, musician Keith join list for February event
PEBBLE BEACH >> A celebrity list that normally tops out at 30 has already reached 21 after singer Toby Keith and actor Josh Duhamel announced that they would take part in the 75th AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am.
More celebrities are expected to come aboard in the next few weeks as the annual tournament inches closer to its Feb. 11 tee off at Pebble Beach Golf Links, Spyglass Hill Golf Course and the Shore Course at Monterey Peninsula Country Club.
“The athletes (from other sports) tend to sign up later as we get closer,” said Lesley Varney, the director of marketing for the Monterey Peninsula Foundation.
That list could include last year’s pro-am winner — 11 time Pro Bowl receiver Larry Fitzgerald, who just finished his 17th season with the Arizona Cardinals. Fitzgerald teamed up with PGA-pro Kevin Streelman to win the event in 2020.
Green Bay quarterback Aaron Rodgers has been a regular participant in the event lately. The probable NFL MVP is currently in the playoffs. Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan has also taken part in the tournament the last two years, including the Chevron Shootout.
Among the celebrities who have already committed are Bill Murray, singers Pat Monahan of Train, Macklemore and Darius Rucker, Hall of Fame quarterback Steve Young and Larry the Cable Guy.
Varney hopes to learn more in the next few weeks about the tournament’s plans for fan interaction digitally for the 15th hole, more known for the vibrant atmosphere created by the fans at “Club 15.”
Because of the pandemic precautions, fans will not be allowed to attend this year’s tournament.
The hope is that fans can still be a part of the Club 15 ambiance, with perhaps a Jumbotron- type setting, similar to what the Golden State Warriors are doing for their home games.
“We’re looking to engage our fans in a digital way,” Varney said. “It’s a joint decision between the event, the host course, the PGA and CBS. We still have a couple of weeks before a decision is needed.”
Despite there being no spectators this year, volunteers are still needed for the four- day event, which runs from Feb. 1114. There is still a need for local marshalls, shuttle drivers, walking scores and laser operations.
“If you live in the community and would like to volunteer and support the funds, this would be the year,” Varney said.
With pandemic protocols in place by state and county health departments, volunteers coming from out of state or even out of the region are finding it potentially challenging to get here.
“We had 26 states represented last year from volunteers,” Varney said. “A lot of them plan their vacations around the tournament, work for a few days and take in some golf. That won’t be the case this year for many.”
A ll volunteers w ill be screened upon arrival, with both a questionnaire and temperature check. Masks will be required at all times unless eating or drinking.
Hand sanitizing stations will be available throughout the course. Social distancing of at least 6 feet is important at all times, and no autographs or photos with players will be allowed.
“Having conducted 26 events to date, the PGA Tour continues to implement changes to protocols that we will follow to further ensure the safety of all volunteers and other essential personnel,” Varney added.