Canyon Lakers marshal Pebble Beach Pro-Am

Once again, Fred Finger and Bob Scott take on the task of marshaling the 2018 Pebble Beach Pro-Am. This year marks Fred’s 10th year serving as a marshal at the Pro-Am. It’s Bob’s 2nd year. Joining them this year was Steve McCain, who said he had a blast. “The scenery at Pebble Beach is spectacular. Steve had never been to Pebble Beach. He got there early one day just to walk as much of the course he could before reporting to his station,” said Fred. He added, “The weather could not have cooperated any better with sunshine all week and the temperature reaching 80 degrees on Thursday.”

The Pebble Beach Pro-Am is contested annually in front of thousands of spectators and millions of television viewers on three of the Monterey Peninsula’s premier golf courses: Pebble Beach Golf Links, Spyglass Hill Golf Course and Monterey Peninsula Country Club Shore Course.

The tournament, primarily a charity tournament, has become one of the most internationally recognized stops on the PGA Tour and has generated over 100 million dollars for hundreds of nonprofit organizations. This year’s event raised 12.8 million dollars for charities.

There were 15 of the world top players participating this year, including Phil Mickelson, Jordan Spieth, Jason Day, Dustin Johnson and Bubba Watson, to name a few.

From out of nowhere, unknown Ted Potter, ranked 246th in the world, held off the big guns to win by three strokes. Phil Mickelson, Jason Day and Dustin Johnson tied for second.

Notable amateurs who participated this year include Bret Baier of Fox News, Bill Murray, Ray Romano, Larry the Cable Guy, Carson Daly, Chris Harrison of The Bachelor and country music artist Toby Keith.

“Marshaling is a lot of fun and a lot of work,” said Fred. “We wear the most unique uniform on the pro circuit; white knickers with blue argyle socks and blue shirts.” The knickers are not a tribute to Payne Stewart but rather to Bing Crosby who started the event more than 50 years ago when he invited some friends to play golf, enjoy a clambake and raise a little monty for charity. The tradition of knickers has carried on to this day.

What exactly do marshals do? The duties of a marshal generally focus on helping manage the flow around the golf course. Marshals are responsible for crowd control, locating errant played golf balls, telling the crowd to be quiet when a player is about to hit and interacting with spectators, whether its to answer questions or just chat. “As a marshal, you are also a goodwill ambassador for not only AT&T but the PGA as well, said Fred. “We are AT&T Marshals, not U.S. Marshals.”

Fred said there is a rumor circulating within the Canyon Lake Men’s Golf Club that a couple more men would like to join in on the adventure next year. Fred said those interested may contact him at 909-374-288 to learn more about what to expect.