AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am: Kelce brings Chiefs Kingdom, but apparently no Taylor Swift
PEBBLE BEACH — With each swing, each hole — each time Travis Kelce peeked out at the gallery, there was this glimmer of hope that just maybe the Kansas City Chiefs tight end was looking for the same individual the gallery hoped to catch a glimpse of.
It became apparent, though, eight holes into Kelce’s opening round of the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am on Thursday, that his fiancée and music icon Taylor Swift would not be strolling the greens of Spyglass Hill Golf Course on this nearly cloudless morning.
As it turned out, the future Hall of Famer had his own following, as Kelce jerseys and Chiefs Kingdom apparel blended in nicely with the plush greens that glistened under the sun.
“I’m a big Chiefs fan,” said Victor Perez, who lives in Milpitas. “I didn’t come here to see Taylor Swift. I usually go to Tahoe each year to see Kelce in the summer. Instead, we came here because he was playing. It’s a lot closer and cheaper.”
Kelce was paired with former 49ers’ and Chiefs’ quarterback Alex Smith, which was equally special for Perez, who sported a Smith Kansas City jersey.
Before Patrick Mahomes, Kelce’s quarterback was Smith, as the pair hooked up for 295 completions for 3,758 yards and 22 touchdowns over 62 games between 2014-2017, where the Chiefs went 40-22.
“Those two were Raider slayers,” beamed Perez. The pair combined for 31 catches for 408 yards and a pair of touchdowns, going 6-2 against the then Oakland Raiders. “We own them.”
Chiefs’ gear was in full bloom for Kelce to see, as the three-time Super Bowl champion high-fived those along the ropes as he made his way to a number of holes — almost like a farewell tour.
The 36-year-old Kelce is No. 2 all-time among tight ends — behind only Tony Gonzalez – with 1,080 catches for 13,022 yards and 82 touchdowns. He has not made a decision yet on whether he will return next season.
When someone in the gallery asked the pair how it felt to be teammates again, Kelce smiled and laughed as he walked alongside the 14th green with Smith.
“Absolutely, I came here specifically to see Travis,” said Kasey Mellon of Tracy, who was sporting a Kelce jersey. “Of course, I was hoping to see Taylor (Swift) as well. I figured she was a little busy and couldn’t make it. I can be a good friend and support her man.”
It wasn’t just Kelce who lured Mellon and her sister — who showcased a George Kittle jersey – to Spyglass. She’s always wondered why her parents would miss her birthday each year as a kid to come to the Pro-Am.
“Back when it was on the last week of January, my parents never missed a tournament,” Mellon said. “I wanted to see what is worth missing your kid’s birthday for. I’m glad I finally made it out. Of course, I had a reason.”
Spectators wearing Chiefs attire came in all ages and genders, with one lady having a Chiefs’ jersey tucked in her backpack just in case an opportunity for a signature arose.
“I was hoping he might sign it for my son,” said the individual, who didn’t want to be identified for fear of her son finding out. “Travis high-fived me. I’ve been afraid to ask. I did not tell my son, so if it doesn’t happen, he won’t be disappointed.”
Sporting a light blue checkered pattern polo shirt with dark blue strips, Kelce’s debut in the tournament brought back memories of when the Crosby Clamback relied on celebrities to anchor the event.
His popularity was evident the minute he walked onto the course, accompanied by his own security personnel, who followed him like a shadow.
Because the tournament has become a signature event on the PGA Tour, luring the top 80 golfers on the tour, the celebrity portion of the week has trickled down to just a handful of names who play only on Thursday and Friday.
Among athletes from other sports who took part, Kelce was the only current player. He was joined by Smith and Steve Young, as well as Lakers’ Hall of Famer Pau Gasol.
Looking humbled by the attention he received, Kelce made eye contact with spectators as he walked by. Those taking selfies along the ropes got a smile from the 6-foot-5 All-Pro, even an occasional hang-loose gesture with his right hand.
While there was one Swifty sweatshirt spotted, and a few mumblings in the gallery about who his girlfriend is, not once did someone ask Kelce if Taylor was coming.
His presence seemed to be enough to whet the appetite of the celebrity stalker, as evident by a sea of Stevenson School students lined up along the ropes leading up to their campus along the 17th hole, cell phones in hand.
As for why Kelce was out there, the sheer power of his swing, along with the sound of the ball when he teed off — some drives 300-plus yards — sounded different, almost like a train coming.
No one was drawing comparisons to defending tournament champion Rory McIlroy. No one cared. His presence and popularity was similar to when Bills quarterback Josh Allen played two years ago.
“I wish I could come back tomorrow and see him at Pebble Beach,” Perez said. “But Valentine’s Day is Saturday. I have got to take care of my girl first.”
Kelce tees off Friday at 8:45 a.m. at Pebble Beach Golf Links.
If you go
The tournament runs from 8:45 a.m. until about 4 p.m. Friday through Sunday. Portions will be televised by the Golf Channel and CBS. For tickets and more information, visit www.attpbgolf.com.