The PGA TOUR and the Monterey Peninsula Foundation announced that the TOUR's Policy Board today approved the reduction of the professional field for the 2010 AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am from 180 to 156 players. The amateur field consequently will be reduced by the same number.

"Given its history and location on the scenic Monterey Peninsula, the AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am has always been one of the most popular events on the PGA TOUR," said PGA TOUR Commissioner Tim Finchem. "The change in field size will enhance the competition and the amateurs' experience, and help to ensure the continued growth and success of the event for years to come."

"This is a positive step in our continual quest to improve the event," states Ollie Nutt, president and CEO of the Monterey Peninsula Foundation. "With the return of Monterey Peninsula Country Club to the rotation and the celebration of AT&T's 25th year as title sponsor, this will further strengthen the experience for contestants and spectators alike."

The 2010 AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am begins with practice rounds on Monday, Feb. 8, with competitive rounds beginning Thursday, Feb. 11. The new format will feature 52 Pro-Am teams on each of the three golf courses — Pebble Beach GL, Spyglass Hill GC and MPCC's Shore Course, Thursday through Saturday. The 54-hole Saturday evening cut will remain at 60 professionals and 25 pro-am teams, who will play Pebble Beach on Sunday for the 72-hole championship.

Dustin Johnson, who finished among the top-30 players in the final FedExCup standings, returns to defend his AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am title against a world-class field.

Daily tickets for the AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am tournament rounds are $50 when purchased by Jan. 15 and $60 after. A practice round ticket, good for all three days, Monday through Wednesday, is $50 in advance and $60 after January 15.

A season badge for the tournament, good for the whole week, may be purchased for $125 or $150 after Jan. 15. Any-day ticket books, containing 10 coupons which may be exchanged at the gate for a daily ticket, sell for $450 in advance and $600 after Jan. 15. Other ticket packages are available on the Web site, www.attpbgolf.com . Please call the tournament office for sponsorship opportunities, 1-800-541-9091.

Net proceeds from the AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am are donated to hundreds of nonprofit organizations. As a result of the 2009 tournament, Monterey Peninsula Foundation was able to generate nearly $6 million for charity, bringing the total raised since 1947 to $79 million. This ranks the tournament near the top of all PGA TOUR events.

-The Monterey County Herald