AT&T Pebble Beach Preview 2016

California hosts the PGA Tour this week, as Brandt Snedeker looks to defend his title at the AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am. By Jonathan Spencer

Lowdown: The AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am is one of the most popular tournaments on the PGA circuit, which attracts large crowds. Over 150,000 spectators and millions of television viewers gather to watch this event.

Last year Snedeker won by three strokes, after firing a 5-under-par 67 on the Sunday. This was the second time the American has won the event. Other winners of this event include Tiger Woods, Jack Nicklaus and Tom Watson.

The tournament is contested over three courses – the Shore Course at Monterey Peninsula Country Club, Spyglass Hill and the famous links at Pebble Beach.

All 156 players will compete on each of the three courses once before a 54-hole cut. On the final day, the top 60 and ties will play the last round on Pebble Beach.

The event is also well known for its star studded list of celebrities and this year is no different. Celebrities include actor and comedian Bill Murray, artist and actor Justin Timberlake and actor Mark Wahlberg.

Venue: Pebble Beach Golf Links, Pebble Beach, California

Date: Feb 11-14

Course stats: Pebble Beach - Par 72, 6,816 yards; the Shore Course – Par 71, 6,867 yards; Spyglass Hill – Par 72, 6,953

Purse: $7,000,000 – Winner: $1,224,000

Defending Champion: Brandt Snedeker (-22)

TV Coverage:

Thursday 11^th – Sky Sports 4 from 8:00pm

Friday 12^th – Sky Sports 4 from 8:00pm

Saturday 13^th – Sky Sports 4 from 6:00pm

Sunday 14^th – Sky Sports 4 from 6:00pm

Player Watch:

Brandt Snedeker – The defending champion aims to conquer Pebble Beach for the third time in the last four years. Snedeker has been in impressive form at the start of this year with a trio of top three finishes, including a victory in the Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines.

Dustin Johnson – The American loves playing at Pebble Beach. He has played there nine times, including the 2010 US Open and has finished tied eighth or better on seven occasions. He won in 2008 and 2009 and Johnson comes into the tournament after a strong tied 18^th finish at Torrey Pines.

Jason Day - The Australian has finished tied sixth or better three times at Pebble Beach, with two of these coming in the last three years. Day will be eager to send out a statement to Rory McIlroy and Jordan Spieth, who have both started the year in strong form.

Key Hole: 7^th. The key to this hole is managing the wind correctly. On some days this hole can require a 7-iron and on others, a sand wedge may be needed. Players will switch from club to club before eventually hitting.