The annual Pro-Am-a-palooza at Pebble Beach kicked off Thursday with sunny skies, a light breeze and even a real Brees (quarterback Drew Brees). From the locker room to the movie studio, to the stage, celebs rubbed elbows with Tour pros and fans alike, including a strong representation of pros from the Sacramento region.
Kevin Sutherland, one of the most consistent players over the last decade and a half, now entering his 15th year on the Tour is paired with San Francisco Giants pitcher Matt Cain. Sutherland, a sports fan, should be comfortable with the pairing as Cain carries a single digit handicap in his own right. Sutherland opened with a 1-under par 69 at Monterey Penninsula. Sutherland is slated to make a local appearance at iFit Golf in Folsom next Friday, Feb. 18, as part of a promotion with EFX Sports Performance holograms.
Third year Tour pro Spencer Levin who closed his 2010 season by making a statement with two top 10 finishes to maintain his tour card opened with a 1-under par 71 at Pebble which was playing unusually firm and fast for this time of year. Levin summed up his round saying, “It was playing really hard I thought. The greens were really firm and it was tough to get it close.”
Meanwhile newly wed, Dixon native, Nick Watney who has finished inside the top 6 in his last four starts on Tour continued his hot play with an opening round 4-under par 68 at Pebble Beach putting him among the leaders.
UC Davis alum, Tour rookie, Scott Gordon shot a 3-over par 75 at Spyglass, but got to play with his father, Kerry, who represented the NCGA.
Matt Bettencourt and Scott McCarron both have some Northern California heritage and fans. McCarron formerly lived in Rancho Murieta and Bettencourt attended and played college golf at Modesto JC. McCarron toured Pebble in 1-under par. Bettencourt shot a 68 atMonterey Penninsula to finish at 2-under par.
With names like Bill Murray, Kevin Costner, Andy Garcia, Craig T. Nelson, Anthony Anderson, Darius Rucker, John O’Hurley, Brandi Chastain and more, there is a star for everyone and sun is shining on this edition AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am.
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