Pebble Beach Set for Star-Studded Showdown: Scheffler Favored, McIlroy Returns at 2026 AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am

The PGA Tour spotlight turns to one of golf’s most iconic venues this week as the 2026 AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Amtees off at legendary Pebble Beach Golf Links in California. With a loaded field, a returning champion, and the season’s first Signature Event, the tournament is shaping up to be one of the most compelling stops of the early golf calendar.

World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler enters as the betting favorite, while Rory McIlroy makes his long-awaited season debut after skipping the first four events of 2026. 

Scheffler Leads a Loaded Field

Scheffler comes in as the clear frontrunner, listed around +300 odds, reflecting his dominant run on the PGA Tour and consistent elite form. Behind him, a strong group of contenders is ready to challenge, including:

• Rory McIlroy (+1400) – Defending champion returning for his first start of the season
• Si Woo Kim (+2000) – One of the hottest players on Tour
• Xander Schauffele and Tommy Fleetwood (+2500)
• Viktor Hovland, Cameron Young, Russell Henley and Justin Rose (+2700 range) 

With many of the world’s top players in the field, Pebble Beach once again promises championship-level drama.

McIlroy Returns to Defend His Crown

Rory McIlroy captured the 2025 AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am title and now returns looking to repeat. His season debut adds intrigue, especially as he faces a deep field led by Scheffler and several players already in strong early-season form. 

If McIlroy finds rhythm quickly, he could once again contend on a course that rewards precision, creativity, and elite iron play.

Rising Momentum: Si Woo Kim a Serious Threat

One of the biggest storylines heading into the event is the form of Si Woo Kim, who has been red-hot to start 2026. He has finished no worse than T11 in his first four events and recorded back-to-back top finishes recently, including:

• T3 at the WM Phoenix Open
• Runner-up finish at the Farmers Insurance Open

Kim has also posted top-15 finishes at Pebble Beach in consecutive seasons, making him a legitimate contender this week. 

Surprise Prediction: Matsuyama Could Struggle

Despite solid odds entering the week, projections suggest Hideki Matsuyama may not contend for the title. His recent form and past results at Pebble Beach including finishes outside the top 40 in previous appearances raise questions about his chances in this year’s stacked field. 

What Makes Pebble Beach Special

Pebble Beach Golf Links remains one of the most iconic and challenging courses in the world. Known for its breathtaking ocean views, tight fairways, and demanding greens, the course rewards strategic play and punishes mistakes, especially when coastal winds pick up.

With the first tee times beginning Thursday, fans can expect dramatic leaderboard swings, world-class shot-making, and a potential classic finish.

Source: CBS Sports

Image Credit Wikimedia Commons