Issue link: http://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/253120
Photo: Kelli Uldall important differences: Pebble Beach Golf Links' recently opened driving range and an adjacent 17,000 square foot player hospitality structure. "It's a massive upgrade for us," says John, in his third year as the CEO of the Monterey Peninsula Foundation, the nonprofit that organizes the Pro- Am and also the Nature Valley First Tee Open. "Everything is going to be easier and more comfortable for the players." The range—at the site of the old equestrian center—addresses a longtime tournament weakness in that there were not good facilities for pros to work on their games. Some 360 yards long and dotted with bunkers and target greens, the new range looks as nice as any actu- al (inland) golf hole on the Peninsula. Two short- game areas and a huge putting green round out the new practice facilities. Steps away will be the temporary clubhouse, where players and their families can congregate to dine and unwind. In years past, the makeshift hospitality area was a small, relatively Spartan space, but John has found the Taj Mahal of pop-up clubhouses, with a 21-foot glass wall and endless amenities. Impor tantly, players can also park on-site instead of having to be shut- tled through the Del Monte Forest. They can also now park at Monterey Peninsula Countr y Club, which makes life simpler. John notes that in the past couple of years, the tournament has reduced the field size and favored amateurs with lower handicaps, both changes combining to significantly increase pace of play. "What we've tried to do is remove any (Left) 2012 winner Phil Mickelson, (top right) actor/comedian Bill Murray, (bottom right) and sportscaster Chris Berman are some of the regulars at the tournament. On Wednesday, February 5, the popular 3M Celebrity Challenge takes place at Pebble Beach Golf Links. Photo: Chris Condon/PGA TOUR 96 C A R M E L M A G A Z I N E • W I N T E R 2 0 1 4 To keep the top players coming back, Tournament Director Steve John has focused much of his efforts on improving the pros' experience. Photo: Kelli Uldall Photo: Marc Howard/Monterey Peninsula Foundation 092-100 2014 AT&T story_152-161 Garcia story 1/26/14 2:42 PM Page 4