The AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am has implemented some new and interesting changes. The event has been turned into a signature event, which has not only made its prize pool significantly bigger but also attracted some of the most talented professional amateurs to the Pebble Beach Golf Links.

It has also been claimed that, following the many changes that have been implemented, the price of the pro-am spot this year has also increased significantly. So how can we know who the brightest amateurs are on the field? Well, the handicap scores might help!

Does Tom Brady top the chart of amateurs at the Pebble Beach?

As the PGA Tour’s new signature event renewed format with a smaller amateur field, the golf world is keen to know the power-packed amateurs who will be partaking throughout the weekend. According to Golfweek, the price for a pro-am spot this year has risen from $38,000 to $70,000 because of a smaller amateur field.

Had it been fame that made up the top list, undoubtedly the likes of Tom Brady would have made it to the top, but interestingly, it’s the players’ golf handicap that matters, and the ex-NFL star has a higher handicap of 8. Here are five other amateurs who have strikingly low handicaps and are certainly worth keeping an eye on as they navigate the Californian greens next week.

5. David Abeles

With a handicap score of 3, David Abeles will surely pose a strong challenge to the rest of the field. Having a handicap of 3 means that Abeles can shoot at least 3 strokes under par on a golf course with a slope rating of 113. Apart from being a strong competitor, this skilled amateur golfer is also the CEO of TaylorMade.

4. Richard Petit

Possessing a handicap score as low as 2, Rich Petit is another strong force to be reckoned with. Professionally speaking, Petit is a senior executive at Morgan Stanley. He is the managing director of the private wealth management leg of the famous company.

3. Geoff Couch

The California-based businessman also has a handicap score of 2, like Petit. He is the president of the Couch Distributing Company. The talented amateur golfer was also in the news recently following an unfortunate incident involving his caddie that occurred on the course, and his caddie had to be given CPR on the greens.

2. Pascal Grizot

Boasting an astoundingly low handicap of 1, meaning he has remarkable golfing ability, Grizot finds second place in the list of talented amateurs on the field based on the handicap scores.

Aside from being extremely good at golf, he is also the French Golf Federation’s president and has a strong hold on the European side of the golf camp.

1. Michael McCarthy

Being a scratch golfer is truly an honor in and of itself. Interestingly, the $20 million event has an amateur with a 0 handicap in the form of Michael McCarthy.

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McCarthy is, professionally, a senior executive of a financial firm. The insanely talented member of the field of the first-time signature event also serves on the Executive Committee of the United States Golf Association, more commonly known as the USGA.

With a field so diverse and talented, the event is surely going to be a sight!

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