AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am: Gareth Bale acknowledged that he was anxious about making an appearance at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am on Thursday, calling it “out of his comfort zone.”
Bale, one of the 156 amateurs competing with 156 pros, put on a strong performance. A standout moment was his outstanding par save from the greenside cart path on the second hole, where he nudged a chip to three feet.
The former Real Madrid star admitted that he was nervous before playing in the PGA Tour competition for the first time.
“Even though we are accustomed to performing live on television in front of an audience of 80,000 or more, I believe every amateur will admit they feel uncomfortable. It is an entirely distinct sport.
“I was fortunate to hit one of my finest shots down the first fairway, which was fantastic. It’s just new and a cool experience.”
For the first three rounds of the tournament in California, Bale has been paired with Joseph Bramlett, a former winner of the Korn Ferry Tour Championship, and he is enjoying acquiring a better understanding of the mindset of a professional golfer.
“We merely started talking over the past year after we met around a year ago,” he stated.
“Let’s get ready for this week, I told him last week. What a player, he had a fantastic week the previous week.
“He is a professional athlete. You can pick up tips and understand how these players do their business by simply watching them play.
“It’s just enjoyable to observe people and note their attitudes and levels of concentration.
“While it differs from our previous experiences, my profession is similar to it. It was great having a similar personality to him today.”
Indeed, that professional background came in helpful on the second hole when Bramlett forced Bale to attempt the “biggest up-and-down” putt instead of picking up the ball, and it succeeded.
Bale replied, “I guess a lot of amateurs find themselves in that position. I am more concerned about how I discovered myself [on the route] in the first place.”
“I tried to play into the bank and hope for the best because it was a wonderful shot, as most amateurs do.”
“Other than to say that it was a great shot and I ended off nicely, I really can’t say much more.”
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