Issue link: http://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/253120
possible reason why someone might consider not playing here," he says. Positive word-of-mouth among the players is one reason Graeme McDowell is returning to Pebble for the first time since his triumph at the 2010 U.S. Open. The amiable Northern Irishman is among the most popular figures in golf. "It's really cool that he's coming back," says John. "He's been missed around here." When Mickelson announced last fall that he would be reducing his schedule, there were jitters across the Peninsula, but the four-time tournament champ will once again be around to headline the field. His heir apparent as a golfing gentle- man/crowd favorite is Jordan Spieth, the reigning rookie of the year, who is 20 going on 40. Last year, Spieth began the season with no status on tour, but the AT&T gave him a precious spon- sor's exemption, allowing him to make his sec- ond start as a pro. This young Texas gentleman was paired with one of his heroes, Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo. Spieth fin- ished a solid 22nd to kick-start his year, and he remains grateful for the opportunity that he was afforded. Expect him to be a tournament regu- lar more or less forever. Romo and fellow quar terback Aaron Rodgers have been two of the biggest names in the amateur field in recent years, but each of their football seasons was compromised by injury, so when it comes to teeing it up at Pebble, they will be game-time decisions. But Bill Murray is coming back, and really, what else do you need? While player comfort will be a hot topic at this year's tournament, the fan experience remains paramount, and there are some nice new wrinkles. Last year, the focus was on the 98 C A R M E L M A G A Z I N E • W I N T E R 2 0 1 4 Photo: Marc Howard/Monterey Peninsula Foundation Photo: Marc Howard/Monterey Peninsula Foundation Chris Condon/PGA tour (Clockwise from top) Young pro golfer Jordan Spieth, 2013 champion Brandt Snedeker, and 2010 PGA Player of the Year and PGA Tour Player of the Year Jim Furyk, "The Businessman," hitting from a bunker at Spyglass Hill Golf Course. 092-100 2014 AT&T story_152-161 Garcia story 1/26/14 2:43 PM Page 5