Sun Feb 15 18:00:00 UTC 2026: ### Pebble Beach Pro-Am Faces Weather Challenges as Akshay Bhatia Leads Final Round

The Story:
The final round of the 2026 AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am is set to begin at Pebble Beach, California, under threatening weather conditions. Storms are predicted, with rain and winds of 20 mph expected. Akshay Bhatia holds a two-shot lead over Collin Morikawa, Sepp Straka, and Jake Knapp. Tournament organizers have adjusted tee times, utilizing split tees and threesomes to expedite play before the weather worsens.

Key Points:

  • The final round of the 2026 AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am will be played on Sunday.
  • Akshay Bhatia leads the tournament by two strokes.
  • Tee times have been moved up due to expected inclement weather.
  • Coverage will be available on Golf Channel from 1-3 p.m. ET, CBS from 3-6:30 p.m. ET, and PGA Tour Live on ESPN+ starting at 10:15 a.m. ET.
  • Groups will tee off in threesomes from split tees.

Critical Analysis:
The context indicates heightened interest in the tournament due to Rickie Fowler’s surge and Akshay Bhatia’s controversial rules violation accusations, adding to the pressure for Bhatia to perform well in the final round despite the challenging weather.

Key Takeaways:

  • Weather conditions are significantly impacting the final round of the 2026 AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am.
  • Akshay Bhatia’s performance under pressure, amplified by recent controversy, will be closely watched.
  • The early start and split tees are a direct response to mitigating weather disruptions and ensuring the tournament concludes.
  • Media coverage is extensive, spanning multiple platforms to cater to a wide audience.
  • Player mindset, as highlighted by Tommy Fleetwood and Geoff Ogilvy, is crucial in adapting to the adverse conditions.

Impact Analysis:
The weather-related changes to the tournament schedule could impact viewership numbers, potentially driving more online streaming as opposed to traditional TV viewing due to the adjusted timing. Bhatia’s performance in light of the rules violation accusations could significantly impact his public image and future endorsements. Furthermore, how the PGA handles the weather conditions may set a precedent for future tournaments facing similar challenges, potentially leading to more flexible scheduling policies.

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