Winter 2023

was Crosby that suggested using three courses rather than just one.The PGA initially objected, “It’s never been done.” Crosby countered that nowhere else were three world-class courses— Cypress Point, Monterey Peninsula Dunes and Pebble Beach—in such close proximity. When the PGA announced that for 1947, the mini- mum purse would be $10,000, any concern was calmed when Crosby agreed to put up the larg- er purse. They agreed that 76 pro-am teams would play one course each day.The PGA would qual- ify the pros and Crosby would invite the top amateurs and celebrities, like Bob Hope and Johnny Weissmuller, and even four women. Crosby hoped to again include Babe Zaharias, who not only got her amateur status back, but won the 1946 U.S. Women’s Amateur. Runner- up Clara Callendar Sherman was also on the ini- tial list. She had grown up at MPCC, where her father was the first pro, and she, at age 12, won both the 1932 MPCCWomen’s championships. Proceeds from the tournament would again go to charity. For 1946 the funds would be split between the Sister Kenny Foundation for Infantile Paralysis and the Monterey Peninsula Community Chest. Durein proudly announced the results of the meeting in the October 29, 1946 Monterey Peninsula Herald as “the most sensational, colos- sal, stupendous, breathtaking spectacle in the history of golf.” Following immediately after the (Left) Pebble Beach Caddie Dede Gonsalves (in cap) watches Jack Nicklaus on the old 5th hole in 1968. (Below) Pro Ray Floyd and partner Clint Eastwood showed off their fashionable bell-bottoms at the 1970 Crosby. 102 C A R M E L M A G A Z I N E • W I N T E R 2 0 2 3 Photo: William C. Brooks photo/Pebble Beach Co. Lagorio Archive Photo: William C. Brooks photo/Pebble Beach Co. Lagorio Archive