News Summary
Five Iron Golf is bringing back the beloved Bing Crosby Clambake in a modernized format as the Crosby Clambake x Five Iron Golf, a nationwide indoor golf tournament. Open to all golf enthusiasts, participants can qualify for finals held at Pebble Beach Golf Links. Starting from January 12, 2026, the event promotes inclusivity and engagement, culminating in a chance to win a VIP golf experience at Pebble Beach in 2027. This revival pays homage to the original social spirit of the historic event founded by Bing Crosby in 1937.
New York, NY
Five Iron Golf, a prominent indoor golf and entertainment company, has announced the revival of the legendary Bing Crosby Clambake, reimagined as a nationwide indoor tournament called the Crosby Clambake x Five Iron Golf. This event transforms the historic pro-am into a competitive individual stroke-play tournament, allowing everyday golfers across the country to participate. Sign-ups are currently open for this unique competition which commenced on January 12, 2026, and will continue through February at all 37 Five Iron Golf locations across the United States.
Nationwide Competition Offers Grand Prize Getaway
The tournament is designed to engage a broad audience, open to both Five Iron Golf members and non-members, with participation simplified to booking simulator time. Participants will complete a 9-hole qualifying round on Trackman simulators at any Five Iron Golf facility between January 12 and January 31, 2026. The top five men and top five women nationwide will then advance to a Pro-Am style finals round. This final stage, held from February 9 through February 20, 2026, will see qualifiers playing an 18-hole stroke-play competition on a simulated Pebble Beach Golf Links course, paired with a Five Iron Golf professional.
A significant aspect of this revival is the grand prize: a VIP Pebble Beach golf experience scheduled for January 2027. This once-in-a-lifetime opportunity includes three rounds of golf, with play at both the iconic Pebble Beach Golf Links and Spyglass Hill, a three-night stay at The Inn at Spanish Bay or The Lodge at Pebble Beach, access to exclusive Player’s Cup events, daily breakfast credits, and a curated Player’s Cup shopping experience. For those who do not reach the top spots, the remaining top 80 percent of competitors will still have a chance to play in a consolation tournament, ensuring meaningful competition for a wide array of skill levels.
Reimagining a Storied Golf Tradition
The original Bing Crosby Clambake, founded by the influential entertainer Bing Crosby in 1937, began as an informal one-day pro-am event at Rancho Santa Fe Golf Club near San Diego. Crosby’s vision was to bring together leading PGA players and his Hollywood friends for competitive yet social play, followed by a seaside clambake. This blend of golf, celebrity, and camaraderie quickly became popular. Notably, Sam Snead won the professional competition at the inaugural event, receiving $500.
After a hiatus during World War II, the tournament relocated to the Monterey Peninsula in 1947, where it became known as the Bing Crosby National Pro-Am. It evolved into a 72-hole event, typically played over three courses, pairing 150 professionals with 150 amateurs in a better-ball stroke play format, while also featuring an individual stroke play competition for the professionals. The event was legendary for blending Hollywood glamour, professional golf, and amateur participation on California’s sun-drenched coastline, becoming one of golf’s great social institutions. Bing Crosby himself hosted the tournament until his passing in 1977. The event continued under its original name until 1985 before becoming the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am, which remains a highly recognizable event on the PGA Tour calendar.
Five Iron Golf’s modern revival aims to tap into this cultural energy by shifting the focus from spectating to active participation. By leveraging advanced Trackman technology, the tournament offers standardized course conditions, live leaderboards, and scoring integrity across all its locations, removing geographic and weather barriers. This initiative is presented by Eventia Sports & Entertainment Group and produced in collaboration with the Bing Crosby Estate and Primary Wave Music, ensuring both historical authenticity and credibility.
Five Iron Golf’s Impact on Urban Golf
Five Iron Golf has established itself as a leader in urban indoor golf experiences, combining golf, technology, and entertainment to create an inclusive community for all skill levels. With locations in over 25 major U.S. cities, the company provides access to industry-leading golf simulators, private and group instruction, club fitting services, and a lively social atmosphere featuring full-service bars and chef-inspired menus. Their approach has reshaped urban golf culture by delivering a high-tech, welcoming environment that allows virtual access to the world’s greatest courses, including Pebble Beach.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- What is the Crosby Clambake x Five Iron Golf?
- The Crosby Clambake x Five Iron Golf is a nationwide indoor golf tournament presented by Five Iron Golf, reviving the historic Bing Crosby Clambake as a competitive individual stroke-play event open to everyday golfers.
- When does the Crosby Clambake x Five Iron Golf take place?
- The tournament began on January 12, 2026, and will run through February. Qualifying rounds are from January 12-31, 2026, and the finals are scheduled from February 9-20, 2026.
- Where can I participate in the tournament?
- Participants can compete at any of the 37 Five Iron Golf locations nationwide using Trackman simulators.
- What is the grand prize for the tournament winners?
- The grand prize is a VIP Pebble Beach golf experience in January 2027, which includes three rounds of golf (at Pebble Beach Golf Links and Spyglass Hill), a three-night stay at The Inn at Spanish Bay or The Lodge at Pebble Beach, access to Player’s Cup events, daily breakfast credits, and a Player’s Cup shopping experience.
- Who founded the original Bing Crosby Clambake?
- The original Bing Crosby Clambake was founded by influential entertainer Bing Crosby in 1937.
- How did the original tournament evolve?
- The original tournament, initially held at Rancho Santa Fe Golf Club, moved to the Monterey Peninsula in 1947 and later evolved into the Bing Crosby National Pro-Am, eventually becoming the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am, a PGA Tour event.
Key Features of the Crosby Clambake x Five Iron Golf
| Feature | Description | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Tournament Name | Crosby Clambake x Five Iron Golf | Nationwide |
| Host | Five Iron Golf | Nationwide |
| Competition Type | Individual Stroke-Play Tournament | Nationwide |
| Participation | Open to members and non-members | Nationwide |
| Technology Used | Trackman Simulators | Nationwide |
| Qualifying Round Dates | January 12-31, 2026 | Nationwide |
| Finals Round Dates | February 9-20, 2026 | Nationwide |
| Finals Course | Simulated Pebble Beach Golf Links | Nationwide |
| Grand Prize | VIP Pebble Beach golf experience in January 2027 (including 3 rounds of golf, 3-night stay, access to Player’s Cup events, daily breakfast, shopping experience) | Nationwide |
| Number of Locations | 37 Five Iron Golf locations | Nationwide |
| Original Founder | Bing Crosby (1937) | Nationwide |
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Five Iron Golf Launches Nationwide Indoor Crosby Clambake Tournament
