The spike in COVID-19 cases in California has led organisers to cancel the pro-am portion of a tournament with a long history of entertainers and celebrities mixing with the pros on one of the most picturesque courses in the US.

That means no antics from actor Bill Murray, Justin Timberlake breaking out into song while waiting on a tee box or the latest fashion statement from rapper Macklemore.

The tournament also is losing one of its golf courses. The 156-man field on February 11-14 will play only at Pebble Beach and Spyglass Hill. It typically includes the Shore course at Monterey Peninsula Country Club.

"This was a very difficult decision, but the right one given the recent surge in COVID-19 cases." – Bill Perocchi, CEO of the Pebble Beach Company

Pebble Beach is the second PGA Tour event in the US to lose the pro-am format. The American Express next week in La Quinta, California, previously announced it would have only professionals on two courses in the desert. No fans will be allowed.

Coronavirus cases in California have risen sharply since December, although the numbers have levelled off in recent days.

"This was a very difficult decision, but the right one given the recent surge in COVID-19 cases," said Bill Perocchi, CEO of the Pebble Beach Company.

- Doug Ferguson, Associated Press