The Pebble Beach National Pro-Am is one of the most scenic, unique and competitive regular-season events on the PGA Tour. It also usually is one of the highest-rated non-major broadcasts on the golf schedule.
CBS lead golf broadcaster Jim Nantz has covered the Pebble Beach National Pro-Am for years and is well-versed in the history of the event. With Tiger Woods appearing to be on the verge of breaking out of his slump, this year’s tournament may draw even more attention.
Why is this such a special event?
Nantz » “In 1937, Bing Crosby wanted to create a special golf tournament that allowed celebrities and professional golfers to play together on teams. They competed on the Pebble Beach Golf Links along the beautiful Pacific Ocean in northern California not far from his home. They called it the ‘clambake,’ and [it] became one of most popular golf events for the players and the fans. So the event has kept true to what Mr. Crosby created, and we still have a great field of golfers and celebrities that will make for a great tournament.”
You have seen Tiger Woods overseas this year. Is he back?
Nantz » “I know that Tiger wanted to win last week in Abu Dhabi, and you figure with him in the lead on the final day he was going to close it out. But the putting that for most of his career has been the thing that has sealed the deal again was not consistent, and he loses to Robert Rock. He clearly is far more competitive and has some of that Tiger confidence back, so it’s not a matter of if he will win again on the PGA Tour but when. So here at Pebble Beach at a course that he loves and has had some of his greatest successes as both an amateur and as a pro, this could be the week he gets that first tour win in two years.”
What makes the pro-am part of the tournament interesting?
Nantz » “Well, that is really still one of the best parts of the tournament for the fans and the golfers. I still have a laugh when I say, ‘Please welcome the defending champion, Bill Murray.’ He has really worked hard on his game and is great. Also, Tiger Woods will be playing with Tony Romo, and that is something that came together in Washington at his tournament at Congressional. They became friends and now golfing partners this weekend. By the way, on Saturday we will be broadcasting from the 17th tee and having some fun analyzing the amateurs’ swings.”
Examiner columnist Jim Williams is a seven-time Emmy Award-winning TV producer, director and writer. Check out his blog, Watch this!, on washingtonexaminer.com.
