The AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am 2026 presents one of the most unique tests in professional golf, and this year’s weather forecast adds dramatic complexity to the equation. With Tuesday practice rounds facing 42 mph wind gusts before calming to benign Friday conditions, players who manage the early chaos while positioning for weekend aggression will separate themselves from a loaded field featuring the world’s top talent.
The iconic coastal venue demands precision from 150-175 yards, mastery on Poa Annua greens, and the mental fortitude to handle Mother Nature’s mood swings. This year’s field brings elite iron players, recent winners riding momentum, and local knowledge specialists who know every bounce on these legendary fairways.
Tournament Overview
The AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am has been a PGA Tour staple since 1947, blending competitive golf with celebrity partnerships in one of the sport’s most picturesque settings. The 2026 edition offers a $20 million purse with $3.6 million to the winner, plus 500 FedExCup points that provide crucial early-season positioning. Defending champion Rory McIlroy returns to the Monterey Peninsula looking to capture his second consecutive title after mastering these coastal conditions in 2025.
The pro-am format creates a unique dynamic where professionals navigate three different courses while playing alongside celebrities, business executives, and athletes. This format tests adaptability as players adjust to varying course setups and playing partners before the field is trimmed to the top 60 and ties for the weekend’s climactic finish at Pebble Beach Golf Links.
The Golf on CBS team breaks down the three-course rotation strategy and explains why specific skill sets dominate at this event. Their analysis highlights the iron play demands and putting challenges that separate contenders from pretenders on the Monterey Peninsula.
Course Breakdown
The AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am rotates players through three distinct courses for the first three rounds before the cut. Pebble Beach Golf Links (par 72, 7,200 yards) serves as the tournament’s centerpiece and Sunday battleground, while Spyglass Hill Golf Course (par 72, 7,041 yards) and Monterey Peninsula Country Club (par 71, 6,953 yards) provide contrasting challenges. This rotation demands versatility as players adjust to different green complexes, wind patterns, and strategic requirements across 54 holes.
Pebble Beach Golf Links ranks among golf’s most iconic venues, with oceanside holes that can play dramatically different based on wind direction and intensity. The course favors accurate driving to avoid coastal rough and cliffs, precise approach play from 150-175 yards (the most common iron distance), and exceptional putting touch on Poa Annua greens that can be tricky to read. Holes 8 through 10 along Carmel Bay create the tournament’s most dramatic stretch, where wind can turn makeable pars into bogeys in seconds.
Spyglass Hill typically proves the toughest test of the three courses, opening with five holes through cypress forest before emerging to oceanside challenges. The difficulty rating of 8.0 for this overall setup reflects the combination of wind exposure, tight fairways, and undulating greens that punish even minor mistakes. Players who post low scores at Spyglass Hill historically position themselves well for weekend success at Pebble Beach.
The DataGolf model emphasizes driving distance, approach play from specific yardages (150-175 yards), and putting on Poa Annua as the key skill correlations. Long hitters gain advantages on par 5s across all three courses, while players with elite iron play from mid-range distances consistently rank among the leaders. Wind-experienced players from coastal or links backgrounds hold measurable advantages when conditions turn nasty.
Players to Watch - Top Contenders and DraftKings Value
Scottie Scheffler enters as the FanDuel and DraftKings favorite at +290 odds after recent finishes of T3 at the WM Phoenix Open, 5th at the Farmers Insurance Open, and a victory at The American Express. His elite overall skill rating of +3.064 SG:Total ranks first in this field, supported by exceptional approach play of +1.25 SG:Approach that perfectly matches the 150-175 yard demands. Scheffler’s +0.571 SG:Putting gives him a crucial edge on tricky Poa greens where many competitors struggle.
Rory McIlroy appears at +1300 on most sportsbooks as he defends his 2025 title, bringing massive driving distance of +19.007 yards above average (longest in the field) and solid overall skill of +1.722 SG:Total. His natural wind experience from growing up playing coastal European golf could prove invaluable during Tuesday’s extreme practice conditions and Wednesday-Thursday’s challenging tournament rounds. McIlroy’s local knowledge from last year’s victory adds another layer to his appeal.
Ludvig Aberg sits at +2500 on BetMGM and bet365 after scorching recent form including T2 at the Farmers Insurance Open, T3 at The American Express, and 5th at the Sony Open. His elite approach play of +0.964 SG:Approach ranks second in this field behind only Scheffler, while exceptional driving accuracy of +0.11 keeps him in position even when winds gust. Three consecutive top-5 finishes suggest Aberg has found his rhythm.
The CBS experts discuss the betting landscape and reveal which statistical categories correlate most strongly with success at Pebble Beach. Their breakdown of approach play and wind management provides context for understanding the odds movement heading into tournament week.
Xander Schauffele checks in at +2600 on Caesars after finishes of 6th at both the WM Phoenix Open and Farmers Insurance Open, bringing elite approach play of +0.73 SG:Approach (third in field) and solid overall skill of +1.539 SG:Total. His local coastal course knowledge from growing up in San Diego provides measurable advantages in reading wind patterns and understanding Poa Annua greens. Schauffele’s familiarity with similar conditions at nearby Torrey Pines translates directly to success on the Monterey Peninsula.
Cameron Young appears at +2700 with excellent driving distance of +11.639 yards above average and elite putting of +0.46 SG:Putting that ranks among field leaders. His recent 8th place finish at the Farmers Insurance Open on coastal Torrey Pines demonstrates his comfort in these conditions. Young’s combination of power and putting prowess makes him dangerous when Friday’s calm allows aggressive scoring.
Si Woo Kim sits at +3100 on DraftKings after a 10th place showing at the Sony Open in Hawaii, armed with elite approach play of +0.601 SG:Approach (fourth in field) and exceptional putting of +0.434 SG:Putting. His strong short game of +0.294 SG:Around the green provides crucial insurance on missed greens. Kim’s statistical profile matches this course setup perfectly.
Maverick McNealy deserves serious attention at +2900 with his massive local advantage as a Bay Area native who grew up playing these exact courses. His solid approach play of +0.44 SG:Approach and strong putting of +0.371 SG:Putting combine with course familiarity that’s worth multiple strokes. McNealy understands every subtle break on these greens and every wind pattern through the cypress trees.
Tommy Fleetwood brings +2800 odds from bet365 with elite approach play of +0.605 SG:Approach (fifth in field), exceptional wind experience from English coastal golf, and strong overall skill of +1.56 SG:Total. His background navigating brutal European weather conditions makes him ideally suited for this week’s forecast. Fleetwood’s game travels well to wind-exposed coastal venues.
Chris Gotterup enters with back-to-back victories at the WM Phoenix Open and Sony Open in Hawaii, creating dangerous momentum at +3000 on FanDuel. His strong driving distance of +16.855 yards above average and solid overall skill of +1.459 SG:Total suggest the wins weren’t flukes. Gotterup’s confidence from consecutive victories could carry him through this week’s challenges.
Wyndham Clark rounds out the elite contenders at +3200 on BetMGM after a T2 finish at the WM Phoenix Open and 7th at the Sony Open. His elite approach play of +0.758 SG:Approach (sixth in field) and exceptional short game of +0.467 SG:Around the green (leads field) provide versatility across all three courses. Clark’s recent form indicates he’s striking the ball at an elite level.
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Try Golf Agent ProWeather Outlook and Daily Impact
Tuesday’s practice rounds face extreme conditions with 31 mph sustained winds and gusts reaching 42 mph, creating a survival test that will separate prepared players from those struggling to adapt. This brutal weather prevents quality practice and forces competitors to focus on course management rather than fine-tuning their games. Players with extensive wind experience (McIlroy, Fleetwood) gain meaningful advantages during this chaotic preparation phase.
Wednesday’s first round brings challenging but playable conditions with 16 mph winds gusting to 22 mph and temperatures around 59°F. These conditions still favor conservative course management and accurate iron play over aggressive scoring attempts. The forecast suggests defensive golf will be rewarded early in the tournament.
Thursday’s second round offers moderate conditions with 14 mph winds gusting to 20 mph as temperatures climb to 63°F. The slightly calmer forecast allows players to attack more pins and post competitive scores, though wind management remains crucial. This represents the transition day between survival mode and scoring mode.
Friday’s third round delivers benign conditions with just 10 mph winds (11 mph gusts) and temperatures reaching 66°F, setting up the week’s prime scoring opportunity. Players who survived the early-week chaos can attack aggressively, potentially posting rounds in the mid-to-low 60s. This calm day will likely determine who makes the weekend cut and positions themselves for Sunday’s final round at Pebble Beach.
The expected winning score of 13-16 under par reflects this weather pattern: brutal Tuesday practice prevents proper preparation, challenging Wednesday-Thursday conditions limit early scoring, but Friday’s calm allows one low round to separate the field before Sunday’s final test. The DataGolf model accounts for these daily variations when calculating optimal strategies.
Betting Landscape - Odds Analysis and Value Angles
The AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am 2026 odds reflect respect for Scottie Scheffler’s dominant statistical profile, with DraftKings posting him at +290 and FanDuel matching that number. His recent form (T3, 5th, Win in last three starts) combined with field-leading strokes gained metrics justify the short price. However, the three-course rotation and extreme early-week weather create potential for variance that savvy bettors can exploit.
The middle tier from +1300 (McIlroy) through +3200 (Clark) offers compelling value when you consider the statistical profiles and recent form. BetMGM and bet365 show slight variations in these numbers, creating arbitrage opportunities for sharp bettors who shop lines. The DataGolf model emphasizes approach play and wind experience as the key differentiators in this range.
Long-shot territory beyond +5000 features players with specific skill advantages (Poa Annua putting specialists, extreme wind players, local knowledge experts) that could pay off if conditions break their way. Caesars and DraftKings typically offer the deepest markets for these long-shot plays. The three-course rotation creates more variance than typical PGA Tour events, making longer odds more attractive than usual.
Live betting opportunities emerge throughout the week as weather conditions shift. The dramatic difference between Tuesday’s 42 mph gusts and Friday’s 10 mph breezes means early-round leaders might face different challenges than late starters. FanDuel and DraftKings both offer robust in-tournament betting markets where odds adjust rapidly based on real-time performance.
Matchup betting presents another angle, particularly pairing wind-experienced players against pure ball-strikers during the challenging early rounds. The tournament’s unique format and weather forecast create exploitable inefficiencies in head-to-head markets across all major sportsbooks.
What to Watch For - Key Storylines and Tournament Drama
The defending champion narrative features Rory McIlroy attempting to capture consecutive AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am titles in his 2026 PGA Tour debut. His combination of massive driving distance, wind experience, and 2025 course knowledge makes him a compelling figure throughout the week. McIlroy’s comfort level on this coastal layout could spark an early-season surge.
GOLF TALK CANADA TV breaks down McIlroy’s return to Pebble Beach and what his season debut means for the 2026 race. The analysis covers his offseason preparation and how he plans to defend his title against the loaded field.
Chris Gotterup’s quest for three consecutive PGA Tour victories provides another major storyline, as back-to-back wins at Phoenix and Hawaii have established him as one of golf’s hottest players. His confidence and momentum could carry through even the toughest conditions. Only a handful of players in PGA Tour history have captured three straight victories.
The celebrity pro-am format creates unique viewing angles as Hollywood stars, sports legends, and business titans navigate these legendary courses alongside Tour professionals. The tournament’s Wednesday-Thursday pro-am rounds before the Friday cut add entertainment value beyond pure competitive golf. This format distinguishes Pebble Beach from standard Tour events.
Weather drama dominates the early-week narrative as players battle 42 mph Tuesday gusts during practice rounds, then adjust to progressively calmer conditions through Friday’s scoring bonanza. The contrast between survival mode and attack mode creates compelling television and betting intrigue. How players manage this transition could determine the champion.
Local favorites Maverick McNealy and Xander Schauffele bring regional storylines as Bay Area and Southern California natives with deep connections to these courses. Their local knowledge advantages become most valuable during challenging conditions when course management trumps pure talent. The home crowd support adds another layer to their potential runs.
The three-course rotation strategy provides tactical intrigue as players must balance conservative play at difficult Spyglass Hill with aggressive approaches at more scoreable Monterey Peninsula. Different personalities and skill sets lead to varied approaches. The cut line drama intensifies when players face different courses on Thursday and Friday.
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