Carl Spackler - a.k.a. Bill Murray
Makes Cut at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro Am

By Kevin Scott

For the second time in ten years renowned comedian and actor Bill Murray was on his way to making the amateur cut at the legendary AT&T Pebble Beach Pro Am with yours truly Kevin Scott by his side securing the perimeter around Mr. Murray.

“Sorry, no autographs please, I’m with the PGA Tour” called out Bill. Immediately followed by “but meet me at the bar after the round, and I will sign all the autographs you want.” And he meant it too! Partner Scott Simpson and Bill finished 19 under par on Saturday enabling them to move onto the final round on Sunday. It was time to celebrate, and celebrate we did!

After finishing off a brilliant round, Bill with his marshals in tow, made like a rabbit for the Lodge at Pebble Beach. Bill asked for wine, clams, cheeseburgers, french-fries and lots of munchies followed by a request that it all be set up on a large table, outside on the lawn behind the Lodge itself. Bill, then set down at the table, filled his glass and kept his promise signing autographs for anyone who showed up. Nancy and Wayne (my marshal partners) now were assigned to drink, eat and make merry. It is tough being Bill’s volunteer marshals. After a couple hours and numerous beverage refills Bill was still signing autographs and entertaining his fans. Mark Grace of the Arizona Diamond Backs stopped by and so did Mr. Ollie Nutt, the Executive vice President of the Monterey Peninsula Foundation.

Following a few more hours of pleasing the fans, Bill and his entourage headed for the volunteer tent located in the Del Monte Forest to entertain the workforce The tent allows the volunteers to socialize and rest after a long day of service to the tournament. The only admission requirement is a volunteer badge. AT&T generously provides all of the music, food and beverages.

The volunteers love to see the celebrities show up. It means a lot to them. Tommy Smothers, Glen Campbell, and Huey Lewis have been regulars in the past and this year Bill’s appearance brought down the house. He began in character as the beloved “Carl Spackler” of the movie “Caddie Shack” and then got right to the dancing and socializing. Eventually making his way up to the stage and thanking the volunteers for all their hard work and dedication. He then proceeded to drag Scott Simpson up to the stage as well. Then it was our turn as Bill brought us to the stage and introduced us as his personal volunteers. He then indicated he grew to admire all volunteers because of our dedication to him over the last nine years! It hadn’t occurred to me that it had been that long, I am particularly proud of the time we have shared together with Bill and what a great friendship our crew has developed with him over the years. He is such a wonderful guy, and he loves his audience. The evening past by ever so quickly and it was time to say goodnight. Tomorrow would bring an early tee time and a possible run at winning.

Sunday morning began clear and cold on the tenth tee and the view was just breathtaking. The morning was highlighted by the arrival of the most magnificent ocean waves that collide with the coastline onto the rocky shore, while sea otters frolicked amidst the surf, creating a wonderful sense of serenity. As we stepped onto the tee box area the dew was still on the grass as Bill prepared to tee off. Then as scripted his loyal marshals in customary fashion pelted him with a couple dozen bananas. He threw the bananas into the crowd, and had trouble controlling the club in between the laughter and excitement. He then drew back the club and smashed a beautiful drive down the middle of the fairway. At days end Scott and Bill finished third in the amateur tournament, finishing at 23 under par.

Recapping the finish for those of you who missed it Mr. Davis Love III posted a clutch birdie on the18th hole and went on to win the tournament by one stroke beating out Tom Lehman’s last round charge. Congratulations Davis on your second win in three years.

In a nutshell, this year the crowds were particularly pleasant and the weather was exquisite. If you’re a golf enthusiast or a fan of the celebrities then make your way to the lovely shores of the Pacific and take in the grandeur known simply as Pebble Beach to do some star gazing of your own. Who knows, you might be the next person to make national TV with your favorite celebrity. If you happen upon Bill Murray just say Hi Bill, Kevin sent me. No telling what kind of response you might get.