The 2026 AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am is not merely a golf tournament; it is a summit of influence, celebrity, and competitive pedigree set against one of the most dramatic coastlines in sport. While the world’s top-10 professional golfers command the spotlight, the amateur field tells a parallel story of power, prestige, and cross-industry star power that few events in global sport can replicate.
Super Bowl Rings and Spotlight Pro-Am Moments
Few names carry the gravitational pull of Travis Kelce. The three-time Super Bowl champion arrives at Pebble Beach not only as one of the NFL’s most accomplished tight ends but as a global celebrity whose presence alone amplifies the event’s reach. Playing off a 10 handicap and paired with Keith Mitchell, Kelce headlines a strong contingent of football royalty.
Alex Smith returns with a sharp 7 handicap, bringing experience from multiple Pebble appearances as he partners once again with Mackenzie Hughes. Steve Young, a three-time Super Bowl champion and two-time NFL MVP, adds further championship pedigree while teeing it up alongside Garrick Higgo. Harris Barton, another decorated 49er, rounds out the NFL presence, reinforcing the tournament’s tradition of attracting elite athletes long after their playing days.
Basketball legend Pau Gasol also returns for a fourth consecutive appearance. The two-time NBA champion and six-time All-Star plays off a 10 handicap, demonstrating that his competitive edge extends well beyond the hardwood.
Power Brokers on the Fairway
Pebble Beach has long been a magnet for business leaders, and 2026 is no exception. David Solomon, CEO of Goldman Sachs, joins the field with an 11 handicap. Jerry Yang, co-founder of Yahoo!, brings a 6 handicap and deep USGA ties to his pairing with Michael Thorbjornsen. Adobe CEO Shantanu Narayen (8 handicap), Palo Alto Networks CEO Nikesh Arora (9 handicap), and SoFi CEO Anthony Noto (11 handicap) collectively represent hundreds of billions in market value.
David Kohler, fourth-generation leader of the Kohler Company, returns with a 17 handicap, while Greg Penner, chairman of Walmart and owner of the Denver Broncos, adds further corporate weight. TaylorMade CEO David Abeles stands out competitively with a 2 handicap as he once again partners with World No.1 Scottie Scheffler.
Even financial titan Chuck Schwab joins the action, playing off 16, reinforcing the event’s reputation as a boardroom-meets-birdies showcase.
Political Figures and Augusta Influence
The political world is equally represented. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis plays alongside Billy Horschel with a 10 handicap, adding governmental prominence to the field. Former U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, an Augusta National member and long-time advocate of the game, partners with Rickie Fowler while playing to a 13 handicap.
Augusta connections run deep throughout the amateur lineup. Heidi Ueberroth and Jimmy Dunne, whose club affiliations span some of the world’s most exclusive courses, underscore the event’s institutional gravitas. Former USGA President Fred Perpall, playing off 7, adds further prestige to the governing body.
Country music star Jake Owen brings elite amateur credentials with a near-scratch handicap of 1, while media personalities such as Joe Kernen and Chris “Soly” Solomon reflect golf’s evolving cultural reach.
At Pebble Beach, the amateur field is never an afterthought. It is a curated intersection of sport, business, politics, and entertainment, where championship hardware, corporate empires, and Augusta green jackets converge along the cliffs of California.
