It was a solemn but celebratory weekend at Pebble Beach as one of the games all-time greats played his final rounds as a professional. Mark O'Meara, who tallied over 15 PGA Tour wins including two majors over a 44-year career, closed the book in remarkably fitting fashion where it all began - Pebble Beach.
The scenic California coast has held a special place in O'Meara's career, yielding six total victories including numerous memories as an amateur. Returning to the site of so much success, the emotion of the moment got the better of the 67-year old as he strode up the 18th fairway for the last time. With tears in his eyes, it was clear how much this storied course meant to the retiring legend.
Mark O’Meara is getting emotional.
— PGA TOUR Champions (@ChampionsTour) September 22, 2024
He heads to No. 18 at Pebble Beach as he finishes his career ❤️@PUREFirstTee pic.twitter.com/KpyLdzHwlc
The tears had begun to flow for Mark O'Meara as he tapped in his final putt as a professional golfer. Waving gracefully to the standing ovation around the 18th green, it was clear this moment meant the world to the two-time major champion.
In his post-round interview, O'Meara opened up on the myriad of memories and accomplishments that made Pebble Beach Golf Links so special. "It means everything. I mean, everything that’s transpired in my life here is, Pebble Beach has been the dream" he reflected. Recalling his earliest trips to the course in the 1970s as well as victories in the State Amateur and Crosby Clambake, it was pun intended 'a dream' for O'Meara to have called Pebble Beach home.
“It meant the world to me.”
— PGA TOUR Champions (@ChampionsTour) September 22, 2024
Mark O’Meara was emotional reflecting on the support he's received from loved ones for his final event.@PUREFirstTee pic.twitter.com/ErX3dagJk8
But it was the personal moments that seemed to strike the biggest chord - playing alongside his father in the AT&T Pro-Am, a tournament they would go on to win together. "I owe everything to Pebble Beach, it’s just a blessing to be able to finish my career here." said an emotional O'Meara.
As he embarked on the final few holes, reality clearly started to set in for Mark O'Meara. Seeing family like daughter Michelle and his wife on hand, as well as longtime caddies from his illustrious career, proved too much for even the ever-composed O'Meara to handle emotionally.
"The last couple holes, when I see my friends and family out here, they’re supporting me," recounted a still-shaken O'Meara after. "My daughter, Michelle, guys that have worked for me, my caddies of past years and my wife, other friends that have flown in to celebrate this occasion with me, I mean, how can you not be emotional? I’m emotional still right now."
By the time he reached the 18th tee box, the waterworks could no longer be contained. Surrounded by friends both past and present in the golf world who came to send him off, O'Meara was overcome reflecting on it all. Even spotting familiar faces who've known him for decades from inside the ropes got to the legendary player.
“Look, I’m still teary eyed, I’m still kind of somewhat crying. And do I think I’m an emotional guy? I am a little bit, but it’s a little overwhelming coming down the last hole, even on the 17th hole seeing a friend of mine who’s caddying for another player out here who caddied for me for a number of years, another — you know, Mitch Windsor who 3 caddies for Steve Flesch, and then Shane Joel who caddies for Doug Ghim on the regular tour who caddied for me for 10 years, to see that he would take the time to come up here and watch me go around.”
While competitive golf is behind him, Mark O'Meara is at peace with the unknowns ahead in this new phase of his life. As he enters his late 60s, the two-time major winner is looking forward to enjoying more recreational pastimes like fishing and snowmobiling.
“I mean, I’ll still stay active in the game,” O’Meara said. “I won’t compete at this high level, but I feel a calling that I want to stay involved in the game.
“And I have a lot of hobbies that I like outside the game — whether it’s in a river fly fishing somewhere or riding snowmobiles up in the backcountry — those are things that I love to do. Spend more time with my family and not feel like I’ve got to get on a plane and travel so much and sit in hotel rooms by myself.”
At the same time, O'Meara stated his intention to remain active in the game that shaped his career. Though no longer playing the Tour grind, he feels compelled to continue giving back to golf in some capacity going forward.
These next steps will also afford O'Meara more quality time with his family as the hectic travel schedule subsides. His gratitude and appreciation for all Pebble Beach has represented was oozing as he signed off from his legendary playing days at golf's most iconic venues.
“I’m thankful for every moment that I have walking around this place,” he added. “It’s not like I’ll never come back to Pebble Beach again, but the fact to be able to end a competitive 44-year career at Pebble Beach, yeah, I couldn’t have picked a more special day and a more special place.”
While this iconic champion will surely be missed in the competitive realm, golf is better with Mark O'Meara still involved. And who could deny this eternal ambassador his wish to occasionally return to walking where it all began - championship glory at Pebble Beach.
What a moment for Mark O’Meara!
— PGA TOUR Champions (@ChampionsTour) September 22, 2024
He makes birdie on his last time playing No. 17 competitively at Pebble Beach.@PUREFirstTee pic.twitter.com/LCtN1AH1Do
Mark O’Meara’s final walk off No. 18 ❤️
— PGA TOUR Champions (@ChampionsTour) September 22, 2024
An emotional embrace for friends and family at Pebble Beach.@PUREFirstTee pic.twitter.com/8xs06NX0tI
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