Rory McIlroy Defends Title at 2026 AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am
News Summary
The 2026 AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am is set to begin, featuring defending champion Rory McIlroy making his season debut. Golf enthusiasts can look forward to an intense competition among top contenders like Scottie Scheffler and Si Woo Kim, as they vie for the $3.6 million prize. The tournament promises a thrilling showcase of talent across the stunning Pebble Beach and Spyglass Hill courses, with action kicking off on Thursday with the first tee times starting at 11:45 a.m. ET.
Rory McIlroy Returns as Defending Champion for the 2026 AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am
Golf fans, the moment we’ve all been waiting for is finally here! The 2026 AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am is set to tee off this week at the breathtaking Pebble Beach Golf Links. This marks the first PGA Signature Event of the season, and there’s an exciting lineup of talent ready to compete for glory.
Rory McIlroy’s Comeback
Returning as the defending champion, Rory McIlroy is making his much-anticipated season debut after taking a breather during the first four tournaments. Fans and analysts across the board are eager to see how the Irish superstar performs at this iconic course. With a betting line placing him at +1300 odds, he’s among the top contenders, trailing only behind fan-favorite Scottie Scheffler, who is sitting pretty with +300 odds.
The Competitive Field
But it’s not just a duel between McIlroy and Scheffler! The Pebble Beach Pro-Am boasts a robust field that promises to keep us on the edge of our seats. Talented golfers such as Si Woo Kim with +2200 odds, and both Tommy Fleetwood and Xander Schauffele, each with +2500 odds, are expected to make quite an impact. Adding to the excitement are Chris Gotterup and Hideki Matsuyama, both coming in at +3000 odds. With such a diverse and skilled collection of participants, the tournament will surely be a treat for golf enthusiasts!
Opening Rounds and Course Layout
Mark your calendars! The first-round tee times kick off at 11:45 a.m. ET on Thursday, and this year’s format will see players battling it out over two stunning courses for the first two days—Pebble Beach and Spyglass Hill—before heading back to Pebble Beach for the final rounds. Known for its short but challenging layout complete with compact greens and brisk coastal air, Pebble Beach offers a unique test unlike any other!
Prize Money and Predictions
The tournament features a generous purse of $3.6 million, creating high stakes for all involved. With many looking to ride the wave of prior successes, players like Russell Henley, who nabbed a fifth-place finish last year, might just be a solid pick for those looking to place some bets. And speaking of betting, with various promotions being rolled out by betting platforms, there has never been a better time for fans to get in on the action.
According to simulations run by state-of-the-art models, the field is competitive enough to make predictions tricky this week. Having accurately predicted winners in 16 majors—including the prestigious Masters and PGA Championships—the model indicates that both Scheffler and McIlroy are set to perform well given their current forms.
Strong Contenders and Betting Options
As for potential dark horses? Keep your eyes on Si Woo Kim, whose recent high finishes, including a T3 at the WM Phoenix Open, have him poised for a strong showing. Meanwhile, while Chris Gotterup has been enjoying victory recently, he’s surprisingly predicted to miss the top 10 this time around. Betting enthusiasts should consider options like top-10 and top-20 finishes for various players given their past performances and how well they might tackle the course.
So, as we gear up for this exciting chapter in the PGA calendar, don’t forget to enjoy the camaraderie and competitiveness at the 2026 AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am. Here’s to thrilling golf and possibly monumental upsets during this much-anticipated event!
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