Kelly wins at Pebble Beach

Wentworth-based professional Jason Kelly (below left) recorded an impressive nine stroke victory in The American Golf Holiday’s prestigious Pro-Am Tour at Pebble Beach.

The event., which boasts play on three of golf’s finest courses, Spyglass Hill, The Links at Spanish Bay, and the world famous Pebble Beach Golf Links, attracted pros from Germany, South Africa and the UK who competed against the scenic backdrop of California’s stunning Monterey Peninsula.

Among the competitors was Moor Hall Head PGA pro and Great Britain & Ireland PGA Cup hero Cameron Clark who took the first round lead with a 69 at Spyglass Hill.

Clark would later struggle in breezy conditions at The Links at Spanish Bay in the second round, as would most of the field!

However, Kelly relished the challenge, and his superb 68 was the best score of the day by five shots, giving him a commanding lead going into the final round at Pebble Beach.

Wellingborough's Simon Lilly showed a return to form with a closing 70 over the famous US Open venue, a score that was matched by defending champion Andy Raitt from St George’s Hill, as well as Kelly.

The team event was a lot closer with the lead changing hands throughout the three rounds, and with several teams in with a chance of winning entering the final round at Pebble Beach.

But it would be Clark's team of Bill Loughrey, Andy Hazeldine and Gary Mordue who would pick up three shots over the last two holes, including two birdies at the iconic 18th hole at Pebble Beach. 

** L-R Bill Loughrey, Andy Hazeldine, Gary Mordue and Cameron Clark

This gave them a two shot victory over Raitt's team in second, and Craig Trower's Wisley team seven shots back in third.

In addition to the 54-hole Pro-Am a separate Challenge Day was held at Pebble Beach where Raitt fired the best round of the week of 67 (41 points).  South Africa's Graeme Whale was four shots back in second.

At the atmospheric prize-giving reception and dinner overlooking the Pacific Ocean, Kelly paid tribute to Pro-Am Tour organisers John and Alison Hooper.

“It’s a magnificently run event for professionals and amateurs alike, with the opportunity to compete at world class venues that most can only normally dream about playing,” said Kelly.

Another highlight was dinner in the famous and popular Mission Ranch Restaurant in Carmel which is owned by legendary movie star Clint Eastwood.

The popular Pro-Am Tour at Pebble Beach is now staged annually, and future dates have been announced as follows:

May 25-30, 2017

May 24–29, 2018

May 23–28, 2019

The 2019 Pro-Am Tour at Pebble Beach will be held just two weeks in advance of when Pebble Beach next hosts the US Open in its centenary year! The tournament organisers are already reporting strong interest in this event and early booking is highly recommended.

 The Pro-Am Tour at Pebble Beach is just one event on The Pro-Am Tour, organised by The American Golf Holiday, which offers tournament holidays including: The Arizona Classic Pro-Am, The California Classic Pro-Am, The Scottsdale Classic Pro-Am, The Las Vegas Classic Pro-Am, and The Sawgrass Classic Pro-Am, plus golf packages including admission to The US Masters at Augusta, The Players Championship, and The Ryder Cup. 

Further information can be obtained from The American Golf Holiday, Tel. 023 8046 5885, or see their website at www.pro-amtour.com