The iconic 17th hole at Pebble Beach Golf Links

Now, granted, it's going to be tough to top the USGA's "West Coast Swing" that saw three events (The U.S. Women's Am, The U.S. Amateur, and the Walker Cup) all played in the Golden State over a span of 45 days in August and September of 2017.

But the U.S. Amateur heading to Pebble Beach? That's going to be truly Epic. With qualifiers all over the country, there is a very good chance that if you are reading this you are planning on throwing your hat into the ring and giving it a shot. But for the rest of us, Pebble Beach is offering an event that we think is one of the most creative ways to celebrate a major -- throwing another tournament at the same resort.

That event is called The U.S. Amateur Challenge.

The format is two person best-ball, with a package that includes lodging, great prizes, and the chance to play Pebble Beach behind the semi-final matches of the U.S. Amateur. That's right, you'll be on the course while a major is being played (and televised on Fox.)

A full field of 120 teams is expected. They will be competing for an equal number of gross and net prizes. Half of the teams making the cut and playing Pebble Beach on Saturday will be gross, which shows how serious Pebble Beach is about putting on a tournament that appeals to everyone.

To be clear, everyone gets to play a full 54-hole event. But play well, and you’ll be among the top 50% of the field who gets to play Pebble Beach on Saturday while the rest of the field is “slumming it” at Spyglass Hill.

Either way, expect courses in major championship condition. Jack Nicklaus often argued that his U.S. Amateur wins should count as majors, and we agree with him (but you would have to give Tiger all three of his too). Pebble Beach and Spyglass are being used for the qualifying rounds of the U.S. Amateur, and will be in top tournament shape, with juicy rough and firm putting surfaces.

Is your game up for “The Challenge?” If not, don’t worry. Just find a capable partner and work on the ham and egg system. Finish in the top half of the field, and play Pebble Beach on the Saturday of the U.S. Amateur, camera towers in place and matches going on in front of you.

Please call our office at 760-929-9297 to learn more about the U.S. Amateur Challenge, and our AmateurGolf.com member bonus apparel package. Because we want you sporting our logo and colors when you are playing Pebble Beach on Saturday, August 18.