Mark Grace shares stories of playing Pebble Beach with Bill Murray

For many, the Pebble Beach Pro Am is the pinnacle of golf experiences, but sharing a flight with Bill Murray takes that experience to an entirely different dimension. In a recent appearance on GOLF’s Subpar podcast with hosts Colt Knost and Drew Stoltz, Chicago Cubs legend Mark Grace opened up about the surreal and often hilarious reality of playing alongside the Hollywood icon. Bill Murray has been a staple of the Pebble Beach Pro Am since the early 1990s, transforming the event into a stage for his unique brand of comedy. From walk-off rules violations to his pro-am victory in 2011, Murray’s presence is always a highlight for the gallery. Grace noted that playing with Murray felt like a constant red-carpet event. “From the after-parties to the massive galleries, it was something else,” Grace said. He suggested that in those days, while the event was historically known as the Bing Crosby, it could easily have been renamed the Bill Murray at Pebble Beach. The actor’s popularity was immense, built on classics like Stripes and Caddyshack, which meant he could draw a reaction from the crowd with nothing more than a look. Grace recalled how Murray could turn a tense putting moment into a scene of pure comedy just by making eye contact with the audience, leaving spectators laughing even when the comedian hadn't said a single word. However, the dynamics were not always strictly comedic. Grace shared a vivid memory from a round at Poppy Hills Golf Course when the group included former Vice President Dan Quayle. As the story goes, Quayle was taking an exceptionally long time to line up a short two-footer. Murray, known for his fast pace and impatience with slow play, finally snapped and yelled, “Hurry up!” at the Vice President. Grace remarked that the comment landed with the subtlety of “a fart in a church,” highlighting the sheer absurdity of the moment. These stories serve as a testament to the chaotic, fun, and unpredictable nature of the Pebble Beach Pro Am. For participants like Grace, who transitioned from the diamonds of the MLB to the fairways of the Monterey Peninsula, playing with Murray wasn't just about golf; it was about navigating a mobile performance piece that defied the norms of professional tournament play. The insight provided by Grace offers fans a rare glimpse into the behind-the-scenes atmosphere of one of golf's most beloved traditions. It reinforces the idea that Pebble Beach isn't just about the scenery or the quality of play, but about the eclectic mix of personalities that make the event a cultural touchstone. As the golf world looks back on these moments, they serve as a reminder of how Bill Murray helped bridge the gap between Hollywood and the sporting world, creating memories that continue to delight fans long after the final putt has dropped.