PEBBLE BEACH — Traditionally golf fans have watched tournament play by either planting themselves in the bleachers or walking along the fairways with their favorite players. But this year’s AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am offered more options to enjoy the golf experience than ever before.
“Obviously for the elevated views especially today,” said Gilroy resident Julian Toro, 33, about why he had made The AT&T Loft his home base on Saturday. The Loft is located between holes six, eight and 14 at what’s dubbed “Triangle Plaza.”
While Toro was on the second floor open-air deck facing the panoramic views of the course and ocean, just a few feet away from him were two youngsters playing the video game Golf Clash set up at various stations. Around the corner from Toro was the “Bleacher Report” lounge where guests were getting comfy on the sofa seating while charging their electronics. And close to that is a golf green using “shape-shifting” technology that re-creates for users the contours of championship shots in the 2011, 2012 and 2017 AT&T tournaments.
It’s this area called “Triangle Plaza” where Club Patron, open to those 21 and older, is also located.
“If I was a little younger, I’d be hanging out here all day,” said Robert Boni, who is in his 50s from Morgan Hill.
“It does what tequila is supposed to do – it draws you in,” chimed in Boni’s brood of friends.
Across from Club Patron is the new Meiomi Flavor Forward lounge – or more simply “the Meiomi Wine Bar,” featuring the vineyard’s pinot noir.
“Meiomi wine … represents the Central Coast and that’s especially meaningful to me having grown up here,” said Christina-Lauren Pollack, who was sitting, sipping and watching golf.
And then for those willing to pay the $300-plus ticket, Clint’s Saloon expanded this year to include a full bar, whiskey tasting, background music from Eastwood films and a photo opportunity with Tumbleweed the horse. The ticket price includes whatever one wants to eat and drink.
Peninsula resident Barbara Nelson opted for the first time to spend the extra money and hang out in the Western-themed saloon. The attraction was a big hit last year, actually winning “best hospitality venue” by the PGA.
“Clint has such a connection and certainly an identity with the Peninsula … he’s the face of this and that’s really attractive to people – they want to have it,” said Nelson, noting the corporate connection that’s now become a big part of events like the AT&T. “It’s welcome and great to have sponsors support the community but Clint’s Saloon adds that welcome touch.”
Of course, what’s become a Pro-Am staple, the gang at Club 15 was also out in full force on Saturday. Their venue consists of setting up some chairs and a couch between Pebble Beach’s 14th hole and 15th tee.
This year, Justin Verlander and Bill Murray were among the stars that interacted with the gang there while singer/songwriter Kelley James asked for chords from the crowd before composing an off-the-cuff riff.
For Cindy Marks and husband Bob from Modesto, the patch of green behind the ropes is their favorite place on the course.
“Just the atmosphere … everybody is so happy – it’s about having fun and cheering on the amateurs so they feel special and valued,” said Marks, noting the rowdy crowd that resides there. “But it’s like family here. Everybody gets drinks for each other and they set up the chairs.”
“This year, we’ve been getting lots of ‘club love,’” said Scott Larson, who along with his brother Ted founded Club 15. Since Ted Larson later passed away from cancer in 2014, the venue has raised money for the disease.
Despite being substantially more subdued, those at Patriot’s Outpost – the outside covered area located along the 15th fairway and close to Club 15 – seemed content too. There, military personnel receive a 50 percent discount at the concession stand.
“It has an inside so it’s warm and covered in case it rains and you’re right on the green,” said Gene Cronin, 79, from Lafayette who served in the Army from 1960-62. “This and the bleachers on 16 are probably the best spot.”
Speaking of bleachers, even the seats during Pebble Beach’s AT&T Pro Am are more confortable now.
This year, Pebble Beach debuted comfortable grandstand seating featuring theater-style, tip-up seats with backrests at all eight public grandstand locations. The seats are for spectators to not only take in the golf action but some of the most beautiful scenery in the world.
And it was that scenery that motivated Toro to stay put at The Loft’s outdoor second story deck.
“I mean there are other things for the families but for the views it’s fantastic,” said Toro. “To have a different perspective and to be able to see it (the tournament) from an elevated perch is amazing.”
"Many" - Google News
February 09, 2020 at 06:59AM
https://ift.tt/2OE2lkd
AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am: So much golf, so many fan options - Monterey Herald
"Many" - Google News
https://ift.tt/2QsfYVa
Shoes Man Tutorial
Pos News Update
Meme Update
Korean Entertainment News
Japan News Update
Bagikan Berita Ini
0 Response to "AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am: So much golf, so many fan options - Monterey Herald"
Post a Comment