tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30763552584457843432024-03-18T20:18:55.090-07:00Celebrity Golf InsiderCelebrityGolf.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00521820154687158555noreply@blogger.comBlogger20125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3076355258445784343.post-73330282606294058442013-07-21T15:20:00.000-07:002013-07-21T15:20:15.832-07:00Jim McMahon Enjoys a Better Outlook Despite Poor Play at American Century Championship<div class="MsoNormal">
South Shore, Lake Tahoe, Nev. – Jim McMahon has
known his share of painful injuries during his days as a Pro Bowl
quarterback in the NFL. Those injuries left the iconic quarterback
struggling with knee injuries, hip injuries and arthritis throughout his
body. </div>
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He
also suffered with lower back pain during play this weekend that caused
him to give ground in his final two rounds at the American Century
Championship. He started with two birdies and a respectable 15 points on
Friday. But he gave most of those points back with a couple of poor
rounds on the weekend. </div>
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The
event uses a modified Stableford format that awards graduated points
for pars or better. Two points are subtracted for a double bogey or
worse.</div>
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But
there was some great news since last summer for the hard-nosed
quarterback that led the Chicago Bears to the 1986 Super Bowl title.</div>
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He
had been diagnosed with the onset of dementia and endured headaches so
painful that all he could do was lie in his dark bedroom to ease the
pain.</div>
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“I
was spending a lot of time in my bedroom, laying in the dark, said
McMahon as he was receiving treatment on his lower back. “ The only time
I felt halfway decent was lying down. When you lay down the pressure
kind of came off the vertebra and it released some of the fluid.</div>
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But
last November, McMahon found a doctor in New York City, who found that
McMahon’s problem was caused by two vertebra in his neck that were
twisted 22 degrees from the norm. He did not suffer from the onset of
dementia.</div>
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“Those twisted vertebra <i>were </i>choking
off my spinal cord,” said McMahon. “I got a guy who figured out how to
adjust those at levels C1 and C2. He said he couldn’t reverse the
damage, but he could relieve the pain. </div>
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“I
went there for 10 days straight and saw him twice a day. The first time
he did it he didn’t think it would hold because it had been out of
whack for 20 years. Sure enough the muscles pulled it back and I
couldn’t even move my head the next day. But since he did it the second
time, it’s been fine as far as the headaches anyway.”</div>
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And McMahon now has a different outlook, despite his worst showing at the celebrity golf event.</div>
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“I don’t want to kill myself anymore,” said McMahon. “My head hurt so bad that I can see how these guys are killing themselves.”</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRiUTKbchmYlosp9EhV2OBBuZMwSFCacChSCQ2CxgKa-Y__9YdyV7XcUoMQ9FQq1uzIZUnb1GuYLsJ2CDFogGAvITKx5MtqGOyITNlbss2lnnZf5TuM4FelTOl9UVPBBlr_FGHoR8aw6M/s1600/Jim+McMahon.1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRiUTKbchmYlosp9EhV2OBBuZMwSFCacChSCQ2CxgKa-Y__9YdyV7XcUoMQ9FQq1uzIZUnb1GuYLsJ2CDFogGAvITKx5MtqGOyITNlbss2lnnZf5TuM4FelTOl9UVPBBlr_FGHoR8aw6M/s320/Jim+McMahon.1.jpg" width="183" /></a></div>
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But
McMahon doesn’t want anyone to feel sorry for him. He didn’t hesitate
when asked if all the pounding he took as a quarterback had been worth
it.</div>
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“Hell
yeah, he said. “I got invited here since I played. If we hadn’t won
anything, I wouldn’t have gotten invited out here. I love coming here. I
don’t come here to win this tournament. I’ve met some good people over
the years.”</div>
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The event will be televised by NBC on Sunday from 3-6 p.m. (EDT).The winner receives $125,000 from the total purse of $600,000.</div>
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<i>By Craig Smith, former director of media relations for the U.S. Golf Association.</i>CelebrityGolf.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00521820154687158555noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3076355258445784343.post-33356743743029048682013-07-21T11:51:00.001-07:002013-07-21T11:51:20.581-07:00Ray Allen Celebrates 38th Birthday at American Century Championship<div class="MsoNormal">
South Shore, Lake Tahoe, Nev. – Ray Allen is
celebrated as a two-time NBA champion and the all-time leader in 3-point
field goals, but Saturday at the American Century Championship he was
celebrated for turning 38 years old.</div>
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The
long-range sharp-shooter and 10-time All-Star struggled in his second
round, making just one birdie and compiling a two-round total of just 15
points in the modified Stableford format that awards points on a
graduated scale for pars or better. But, he smiled and greeted fans
after his round none-the-less.</div>
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“The
people out here sang Happy Birthday to me all day long and it was
something that I have never experienced before,” said Allen. “I have
been out here for my birthday before but this crowd was bigger and
larger than ever before.”</div>
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The
warm reception, however, only masked the disappointment in his game
that came from being exhausted after a demanding 7-game NBA Championship
Series against the San Antonio Spurs. Allen continued mightily with
clutch 3-pointers again and again.</div>
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A
year ago, Allen withdrew after a tiring season with the Boston Celtics,
where he won his first NBA title in 2008. But, he couldn’t stay away in
2013, making this his 10<sup>th</sup> American Century Championship.</div>
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“I’m completely exhausted,” admitted Allen. “But if I’m not with my family, I couldn’t be in a better place.</div>
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“I
love playing golf and it’s everything I do when I’m not playing
basketball. It keeps me in tune with my body. I make sure I get rest
when I have that early tee time; it gives me structure, and it’s helped
me improve my basketball game.”</div>
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But
in a light moment earlier in the week when the much younger long-range
bomber Stephen Curry pressed Allen for a few insider secrets to his
longevity and accomplishment, Allen told Curry only what he already
knew.</div>
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“I
told him just to take care of his body,” said Curry, as he headed off
to yet another scheduled appointment that comes when you win an NBA
title.</div>
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The 24<sup>th</sup>
American Century Championship continues through the weekend with
television coverage by NBC on Saturday and Sunday from 3-6 p.m. (EDT).</div>
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<i>By Craig Smith, former director of media relations for the U.S. Golf Association.</i>CelebrityGolf.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00521820154687158555noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3076355258445784343.post-1553797697787657692013-07-20T16:13:00.003-07:002013-07-20T16:13:57.825-07:00Stephen Curry Takes 36-Hole Lead at the American Century Championship<div class="MsoNormal">
South Shore, Lake Tahoe, Nev. – Stephen Curry, the
four-year NBA sharp-shooter with the Golden State Warriors, made four
birdies over the last eight holes Saturday to take the 36-hole lead by a
point at the American Century Championship.</div>
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Curry
has 47 total points in the modified Stableford format that awards
graduated points for pars or better, while former NHL standout Jerome
Roenick and former NFL quarterback Chris Chandler have 46 points.</div>
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“Considering
the circumstances, this is the best I have ever played,” said Curry,
who doesn’t play at all during the NBA season. “That’s pretty crazy. I
didn’t expert that coming in.”</div>
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Curry
made four birdies in a six-hole stretch from holes 11 through 16, but
lost his momentum with bogies on holes 17 and 18. Overall, he had five
birdies and three bogey for a real score of 2-under-par 70.</div>
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Chandler, a past champion, had 22 points in his second round, but felt he wasn’t as consistent as he needed to be.</div>
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“I
fell asleep again from holes six through eight, just like yesterday,”
said Chandler, who bogeyed all three of the holes. “But all in all, I
hit the ball well today and hopefully, I can run a few putts in on
Sunday.”</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
First-round
leader Mark Rypien has 45 points and past champion Billy Joe Tolliver
has 42 points heading into Sunday. Rypien led after the first day with
27 points, while Curry, who also played in this event in 2010, had 22
points after the first round.</div>
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</div>
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The event will be televised by NBC on Sunday from 3-6 p.m. (EDT).The winner receives $125,000 from the total purse of $600,000.</div>
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<i>By Craig Smith, former director of media relations for the U.S. Golf Association.</i>CelebrityGolf.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00521820154687158555noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3076355258445784343.post-86871559438438115362013-07-19T18:45:00.001-07:002013-07-19T18:45:54.169-07:00Mark Rypien Holds First-Round Lead by Two Points at the American Century Championship<div class="MsoNormal">
South Shore, Lake Tahoe, Nev. – Former NFL
quarterback Mark Rypien used an eagle and three birdies in his round
Friday to hold the 18-hole lead by two points at the 2013 American
Century Championship at Edgewood Tahoe Golf Course. </div>
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Rypien
finished with 27 points while actor Lucas Black scored 25 points and
former NFL quarterback Chris Chandler totaled 24. The 54-hole event, now
in its 24<sup>th</sup> year, uses a modified Stableford scoring system that awards graduated points for pars or better.</div>
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Rypien won the inaugural event in 1990 and finished second a year ago and he has eight top-10 finishes in 21 starts.</div>
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“I
got it going on my first nine holes and scored 19 points on that side
(holes 10-18), by far my best in all the years I have played here,” said
Rypien. “The fountain of youth is not in my favor, but I think I am
playing better golf now than when I first came out here.”</div>
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Rypien’s round was buoyed by an eagle 3 on the par-5 16<sup>th</sup> hole where he hit a hybrid club to 8 feet and made the putt.</div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
Black
had his best round in three years at the event, shooting a 1-under-par
71. Chandler led for a time on the second nine before making a double
bogey on his second to last hole (the 8<sup>th</sup>)</div>
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<br /></div>
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Defending
champion Dan Quinn, a five-time winner and former NHL star, struggled
with only 13 points and last year’s runner-up Jack Wagner finished with
only 10 points.</div>
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The event will be televised by NBC on Saturday and Sunday from 3-6 p.m. (EDT).</div>
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<i>By Craig Smith, former director of media relations for the U.S. Golf Association.</i>CelebrityGolf.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00521820154687158555noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3076355258445784343.post-30836847460496116742013-07-18T22:52:00.000-07:002013-07-18T22:52:12.499-07:00Olympic Swimmer Michael Phelps Prepares for his First American Century Championship<div class="MsoNormal">
South Shore, Lake Tahoe, Nev. – Michael Phelps
stood on the tee at the par-3 164-yard seventh hole during Thursday’s
practice round at the Edgewood Tahoe Golf Course and came up well short
with his tee ball.</div>
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It
didn’t matter. The large crowd cheered and chanted USA in recognition
of the 18-time Olympic gold medal winner who is playing in his first
American Century Championship, beginning Thursday.</div>
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“This
is brutal,” said Phelps, who carries about an 18 handicap but has
carded a few good rounds in the mid-80s this year. “I don’t understand
how it can be that hard to hit this little tiny white ball and hit it
straight every time. But, it just doesn’t happen for me. </div>
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“It’s
been an eye-opening experience for me because I’ve usually been able to
pick everything up fairly quickly. I have a goal of being a low
handicap golfer. But for me to do that it’s going to take some time and
it’s going to take a lot of frustration. But I’m going to stay with it”</div>
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And
he is getting the help of famed teacher Hank Haney, who has instructed
some of the world’s best, including 14-time major golf championship
winner Tiger Woods.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In
between shots, Phelps took time to tape a commercial for the U.S. Golf
Association campaign against slow play and reiterated that he has no
plans to swim competitively again.</div>
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“There are no plans to head back to swim at Rio (in 2016),” said
Phelps. “I did everything that I really wanted to do and that’s how I
wanted to hang my suit up when I retired. I now enjoy just kind of being
on my own schedule and being able to play golf whenever I and being
able to travel whenever I want.”</div>
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The
event will be televised by NBC Sports Network from 4-7 p.m. (EDT) on
Friday and by NBC on Saturday and Sunday from 3-6 p.m. (EDT).</div>
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<i>By Craig Smith, former director of media relations for the U.S. Golf Association.</i>CelebrityGolf.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00521820154687158555noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3076355258445784343.post-19665230774473734512013-07-18T09:20:00.000-07:002013-07-18T09:20:59.261-07:00Dan Quinn Hopes to Defend his Title at 2013 American Century Championship With Improved Game<div class="MsoNormal">
South Shore, Lake Tahoe, Nev. – Defending champion
Dan Quinn won his fifth title at the American Century Championship at
Edgewater Tahoe Golf Course last year, but he shared the spotlight
during the week with professional golfer and friend Ernie Els, for whom
he caddies part-time on the PGA Tour. </div>
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Els
won the 2012 British Open several hours before Quinn, a former NHL
star, held off former quarterback Mark Rypien, 66-60, in a Stableford
scoring system that awards graduated points for pars or better.</div>
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“My
game’s a little bit better than last year,” said Quinn, who arrived in
Tahoe early in the week in order to get adjusted to the time difference.
“I didn’t play real well last year, but I just ended up winning because
I putted well on Sunday.”</div>
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Another favorite in the field is actor/singer Jack Wagner, who won the 2011 title</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Wagner
is one of four golfers who have played in all previous 23 events. The
others are former NFL quarterbacks John Elway and Jim McMahon, and
former hockey player, Mike Eruzione. </div>
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There
are 14 celebrity newcomers to the event, including 18-time Olympic gold
medal swimmer Michael Phelps. But, the all-time favorite celebrity
playing on the 6,875-yard layout is Charles Barkley, who has played all
but one year since 1993.</div>
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The
event will be televised by NBC Sports Network from 4-7 p.m. (EDT) on
Friday and by NBC on Saturday and Sunday from 3-6 p.m. (EDT). </div>
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<br /></div>
<i>By Craig Smith, former director of media relations for the U.S. Golf Association.</i>CelebrityGolf.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00521820154687158555noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3076355258445784343.post-73543349098172171082012-07-22T19:23:00.000-07:002012-07-22T19:23:09.662-07:00Dan Quinn Storms Back In Final Round To Win His Fifth American Century Championship<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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Stateline, Nev. – Dan Quinn birdied three of his first seven
holes Sunday to pull ahead and then stretched his lead on the back nine to earn
a six-point victory over former NFL quarterback Mark Rypien in the American
Century Championship at Edgewood Tahoe Golf Course.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSu6dxVsEJi3HVggma-kevjzRuW5bJU_K7loVzYrcaIOUBquZnBcdH9688TZLKwIciye9Br-yBO1uiSFD-w7ZDgJkkC_VcSSuCy8mJIwhlaho3shmnKLod2uas_7BESFgXo4UMqKq6Sb0/s1600/IMG_3244.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSu6dxVsEJi3HVggma-kevjzRuW5bJU_K7loVzYrcaIOUBquZnBcdH9688TZLKwIciye9Br-yBO1uiSFD-w7ZDgJkkC_VcSSuCy8mJIwhlaho3shmnKLod2uas_7BESFgXo4UMqKq6Sb0/s320/IMG_3244.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Quinn finished with 66 points. Rypien was second with 60
points and Hall of Fame quarterback John Elway finished third with 59 points.
It was the fourth win at the event for Quinn, a former NHL star who will caddie
for Ernie Els at next week’s Canadian Open. Els won the British Open earlier in
the day. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Quinn, who collected $125,000 from a total purse of
$600,000, started the day three points behind second-round leader Rypien, who
had 43 points after 54 holes. The event uses a Stableford scoring system that
awards graduated points for pars or better.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Billy Joe Tolliver finished fourth with 58 points; Romo was
fifth with 56 points, and Joe Theismann was sixth with 53 points. Former MLB
pitcher Mark Mulder, who shared the first-round lead with defending champion
Jack Wagner, finished in seventh place with 52 points. Wagner slipped to eighth
place with 51 points.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
At the half-way point, Quinn held a 52-50 lead over Rypien. The
former hockey player birdied the par-4 11<sup>th</sup> to move in front by four
points over Rypien and five points over Romo with three good scoring holes
remaining; especially the par-5 16<sup>th</sup> and 18<sup>th.</sup></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Quinn then made a 25-footer for birdie on 16 to close the
door on his challengers.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“My thought was just to get that putt to the hole,” said
Quinn. “When I made it I thought, ‘Unless I did something crazy I looked pretty
solid.’”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Romo failed to birdie the 16<sup>th</sup> and then took a
double bogey on the final hole to lose two points.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I just need to compete more,” said Romo, who heads to
training camp next week. “I don’t play enough to compete in a three or four-day
event. Golf is a tough game.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m lucky to
be in the position I am in,” said Quinn after Saturday’s second round. “I think
it will be decided on the last three holes and that’s exactly what NBC wants.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
He was wrong. Quinn salted the win away long before that.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">By Craig Smith, former
director of media relations for the U.S. Golf Association.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<!--EndFragment-->CelebrityGolf.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00521820154687158555noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3076355258445784343.post-77448732197231307642012-07-22T19:19:00.002-07:002012-07-22T19:19:56.437-07:00Can Quinn Follow Els By Winning On Sunday At The American Century Championship? Quinn Will Caddie For Els Next Week<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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Stateline, Nev. – As Dan Quinn was just about to begin his
final round at the American Century Championship at the Edgewood Tahoe Golf
Course Sunday, he learned that his friend Erine Els had won the British Open,
holding off Adam Scott with a finishing score of 7 under par.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNjsPSsx-Iix0udfxCsnXOYnSGOOgSOO_44U3dexqTvMOJWO_iAyIFLwlSsrJWy8B6AeGag7tpFU0DSxrrrZ53XFntFmLgLIeJATd-jUzdJHvkwXQVo44P4mCciiSgYcUUC53FPLcTZLw/s1600/Quinn+enjoys+his+birdie+at+hole+16.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNjsPSsx-Iix0udfxCsnXOYnSGOOgSOO_44U3dexqTvMOJWO_iAyIFLwlSsrJWy8B6AeGag7tpFU0DSxrrrZ53XFntFmLgLIeJATd-jUzdJHvkwXQVo44P4mCciiSgYcUUC53FPLcTZLw/s320/Quinn+enjoys+his+birdie+at+hole+16.JPG" width="208" /></a>Els had come from six strokes behind two claim his second
British Open and fourth major championship. He birdied four holes on his last
nine and watched as Scott collapsed four bogeys on his last four holes.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Last year, there was no way, but this year I started
believing a little more,” Els told reporter Tom Rinaldi on camera. “I feel very
fortunate.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Quinn, a former NHL star who will caddie for Els next week
at the Canadian Open, was hoping for the same come-from behind victory at the
American Century Championship. He started the final round three points behind
leader Mark Rypien, a former NFL quarterback.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The event uses a Stableford scoring system that awards
graduated points for pars or better.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Perhaps buoyed by the good news about his professional
golfer friend, Quinn made three birdies on the first nine and held the lead by
two over Mark Rypien with 53 points at his half-way point.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
He parred the tenth and then visited with NBC announcer
Dottie Pepper. He said he saw Els finish but had to head for the first tee
before seeing Scott make bogey on the last hole.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Absolutely, I believed he would win again,” said Quinn. “We
(Ricki Roberts, Els’ other part-time caddie) believe in him. We know how great
he is. He just had to start believing in himself again.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Now Quinn has to believe in himself down the stretch and
pocket the $125,000 for first place. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">By Craig Smith, former
director of media relations for the U.S. Golf Association.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<!--EndFragment-->CelebrityGolf.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00521820154687158555noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3076355258445784343.post-39467467704102084732012-07-21T18:28:00.001-07:002012-07-21T18:28:05.566-07:00Quarterback Aaron Rodgers Interviewed In Tahoe For A 60 Minutes Feature This Fall<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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Stateline, Nev. – Aaron Rodgers was greeted by a CBS film
crew and interviewer Scott Pelley following his round at the American Century
Championship Saturday. The network is planning an in-depth interview with the
star quarterback for the popular 60 Minutes news program this fall.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyGQEcPRG2J98W7DjnXyCd3fy81Cna_8eKf6cCjc65-t0c8-JstigwtAfAPRrYZKOEIvzOKdJWWpwfV-YpqAY_hmAvjsIT7gyjYSPXCtbCTgKP4bhfx9yI40ZotoJZLMSXFv0SGpeTMts/s1600/Rodgers+and+Pelley.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="247" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyGQEcPRG2J98W7DjnXyCd3fy81Cna_8eKf6cCjc65-t0c8-JstigwtAfAPRrYZKOEIvzOKdJWWpwfV-YpqAY_hmAvjsIT7gyjYSPXCtbCTgKP4bhfx9yI40ZotoJZLMSXFv0SGpeTMts/s320/Rodgers+and+Pelley.JPG" width="320" /></a>They will add a lengthy interview at a local high school
before leaving the Tahoe area and they will visit Green Bay within the next few
weeks.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“We usually do two or three big sports celebrities a year,”
said Pelley, CBS Evening News managing editor, who is equally comfortable
talking sports or world news. “Aaron’s story is just fascinating to us, because
this is the guy that nobody wanted. He couldn’t get into a Division I football
program. Then he goes late in the NFL draft at 24<sup>th</sup>. Then he has to
play under Favre for three years.</div>
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<br /></div>
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“Now he’s become one of the greatest players of all time,
and by many measures, he’s the best passer of all time. That’s got to be a
story for 60 Minutes.”</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The show will air in the middle of the football season,
probably in October or November when the network has a great football
doubleheader Sunday as a lead-in.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“For a guy who has done so much so quickly, he’s a fairly
humble guy,” said Pelley. “He talks about the team and how it’s really not
about him. He’s a terrific leader. But part about being a great leader is to
not make it all about you.”</div>
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<br /></div>
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<!--StartFragment--><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">By Craig Smith, former director of media relations for the U.S. Golf
Association.</span></i><!--EndFragment-->
</div>
<!--EndFragment-->CelebrityGolf.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00521820154687158555noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3076355258445784343.post-82716800815311099782012-07-21T18:26:00.001-07:002012-07-21T18:26:23.567-07:00Mark Rypien Finishes Strong to Hold Second-Round Lead With 43 Points At American Century Championship<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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Stateline, Nev. – Former NFL quarterback Mark Rypien had two
birdies and an eagle on the last four holes Saturday to score 27 points in his
second round and take the 36-hole lead at the American Century Championship by
three points over Dan Quinn and by five over first-round leader Mark Mulder. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rypien, who shot the equivalent of a
1-under-par 71 for his round, hasn’t finished higher than third since winning the
inaugural Tahoe event in 1990.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSsWqtnfE4T1KFWIY8PWCsnUzKxnpjxiRQo3pfEekR4PJN3LHh01SW1uSvfi4eRUf6kkd0pNEFmWv6IJmZzr2DQuvsxNmhNgyYD46Z8lFONTh3aqD97YsDPFzWuuiH1uhgTdE-85cOQVA/s1600/Rypien2012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSsWqtnfE4T1KFWIY8PWCsnUzKxnpjxiRQo3pfEekR4PJN3LHh01SW1uSvfi4eRUf6kkd0pNEFmWv6IJmZzr2DQuvsxNmhNgyYD46Z8lFONTh3aqD97YsDPFzWuuiH1uhgTdE-85cOQVA/s320/Rypien2012.JPG" width="245" /></a>“I’ve been chasing it for 22 years,” said Rypien, “I don’t
know what the heck the lead looks like. I’m not a spring chicken anymore. I hit
the big 5-0 this October, so it’s nice to be competitive and back with a chance
to win.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Rypien has played 21 of the 23 tournaments at the Edgewood
Tahoe Golf Course. He was third in 2004 and 10<sup>th</sup> a year ago.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The event uses a Stableford scoring system that awards
graduated points for pars or better. The event continues with the final round Sunday,
with television coverage by NBC from 3-6 p.m. (EDT).</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Rypien started his late scoring-run of 12 points in the last
four holes with a 30-footer for birdie on the 15<sup>th</sup>. He hit a
2-hybrid from 265 yards to 4-foot and made the putt for eagle and 6 points <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>at the 546-yard par-5 16<sup>th</sup>
and followed that with a 2-putt birdie on the finishing par 5 of 501 yards.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I turned two points into 16 points yesterday and that’s
partly why I’m in the good position I’m in today. I hit it all over the place
yesterday,” said Rypien. “It was kind of a Houdini act that got me where I am
right now.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Quinn had a second consecutive round of 20 points while
first-round leader Mulder slipped to just 16 points Saturday. Defending
champion Jack Wagner has 36 points after the two rounds, six points behind the
leader. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I’m lucky to be in the position I am in said Quinn, a
former NHL player who will leave Sunday night to caddie for Ernie Els in next
week’s Canadian Open. “I think it will be decided on the last three holes and
that’s exactly what NBC wants.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">By Craig Smith, former
director of media relations for the U.S. Golf Association.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<!--EndFragment-->CelebrityGolf.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00521820154687158555noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3076355258445784343.post-142901179510849132012-07-21T18:23:00.001-07:002012-07-21T18:23:37.774-07:00Joe Sakic To Become Pro Hockey Hall-of-Famer in November<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Stateline, Nev. – After being a 13-time all-star and one of
the best scoring forwards in the history of the National Hockey League, Joe
Sakic will receive a final recognition of his brilliant career this November,
when he is inducted into the pro hockey Hall of Fame.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Sakic reflected on the upcoming honor Saturday as he was
early in his second round at the American Century Championship at Edgewood
Tahoe Golf Course.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“You don’t really know what being in the Hall of Fame is
going to mean to you, but when you get the call it hits home,” said the lefty
golfer who sports a 2 handicap. “You are just so appreciative of all the people
who helped you in your youth. It gives you a chance to reflect on your accomplishments.
When I was a kid, I just wanted to play in the NHL.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Twenty-five years later to be in the Hall of Fame and be
among the best of the best; it’s a tremendous honor.”</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOYcnbiu6e2HsLw98l4KR7j_vtNnvRUT5RtS0F7Juorlm-DL_LjOmfdlMi9W3z74K0FBBfqHGaNgIWaLH1i14QurCS1auAsd66_B9HbVAj7jgJsdxgnKSELbmq2iYf3iR0aXfa73eTxXM/s1600/Sakic2012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOYcnbiu6e2HsLw98l4KR7j_vtNnvRUT5RtS0F7Juorlm-DL_LjOmfdlMi9W3z74K0FBBfqHGaNgIWaLH1i14QurCS1auAsd66_B9HbVAj7jgJsdxgnKSELbmq2iYf3iR0aXfa73eTxXM/s320/Sakic2012.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“He was one of the best,” added Brett Hull, a Hall-of-Famer
himself. “He could do it all.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Sakic won two Stanley Cups with the Colorado Avalanche.
Today, he is an executive for the team that he captained for 17 consecutive
seasons.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Sakic had 14 points after the first round, but made an early
run to move up the leaderboard with birdies in two of his first three holes. The
54-hole tournament uses a Stableford scoring system that awards graduated
points for pars or better. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
He curled in a downhill 35-footer for birdie on the par-4
second hole and then hit an approach shot snuggly to eight feet on the par-5
third hole and made the putt. All of a sudden he had six quick points and was
one point out of the lead.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I never even started playing golf until after I got drafted
(1988)” said Sakic, “The veterans all said, ‘if you’re going to play hockey,
you have to play golf.’ So, I had to get a set of clubs.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Fourteen years later at the 2011 American Century Challenge,
Sakic won $1 million by making a hole-in-one at the par-3 17<sup>th</sup> hole.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The 43-year-old is a caring individual who runs a food bank
in the Denver area. And he is touched by this week’s shootings and deaths in
the Denver suburb of Aurora.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“You hate to see something like that,” said Sakic with
emotion in his voice. “You don’t even know what to think. Why do things like
that happen? You feel so bad. Your thoughts and prayers go out to all the
families affected by this.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">By Craig Smith, former
director of media relations for the U.S. Golf Association.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<!--EndFragment-->CelebrityGolf.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00521820154687158555noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3076355258445784343.post-52766121365481010082012-07-20T19:16:00.001-07:002012-07-20T19:16:07.119-07:00Quarterback Alex Smith Reunites With His College Coach at the American Century Championship<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<br />
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South Shore, Lake Tahoe, Nev. – They hadn’t seen each other
for almost three years and they hadn’t played a round of golf together since 2004.
But quarterback Alex Smith and his former coach at Utah, Urban Meyer, were
already looking for a competitive edge on the practice range before Friday’s
first round at the American Century Championship, where they were paired
together. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I played with Alex one time at Utah, and I beat him,” said
Meyer, who shortly will begin his first year as head coach at Ohio State.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWua9wtW9rdZQTvJuIUlS6Q0-AiTIjlg9qhkxPR_RsS4b5Jx3O-dWE4bqZMRxgkWHh1W9b82Xst4Qk4gyt-7_xNYxkVPpc9gT8HJgl-d-K4g4oZPqg3StaMG06H4NOGVr98VZn_-XVGk0/s1600/Smith-Meyer_credit+Jeff+Bayer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWua9wtW9rdZQTvJuIUlS6Q0-AiTIjlg9qhkxPR_RsS4b5Jx3O-dWE4bqZMRxgkWHh1W9b82Xst4Qk4gyt-7_xNYxkVPpc9gT8HJgl-d-K4g4oZPqg3StaMG06H4NOGVr98VZn_-XVGk0/s320/Smith-Meyer_credit+Jeff+Bayer.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Yeah, he remembers beating me but I don’t remember that,”
said Smith.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Then Meyer began to backtrack shortly after Smith bombed his
first drive nearly 375 yards, which was 120 yards past Meyers’ effort. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Alex has gotten stronger since then,” quipped Meyer as he
walked from the tee box. “The last time I played him he was 190 pounds.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The two were joined by Green Bay linebacker A.J. Hawk, who shared
a connection in that he is an Ohio State graduate.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Smith scored the first points in the group when he parred
the second hole to earn a point in the 54-hole tournament that uses a
Stableford scoring system that awards graduated points for pars or better. He
also scored a point for his par on the third hole.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Then, Meyer found his stride and hit a bunch of fairways. He
also displayed a nice tough from 100 yards and in.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“How often have you been playing,” Smith asked playfully,
when Meyer pitched to 20 feet on the sixth hole. The two each made pars on the par-3
seventh hole, in what was a typical style for each of them. Smith pitched from
the trees and made a 10-footer while Meyer two-putted from 35 feet.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In between shots, they made up for lost time with questions
about each other’s family and memories of their college days together.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“He was a skinny 170-pound kid who stood about 6’4”, but he
was as competitive as anyone I’ve ever seen. He didn’t want to lose at
anything,” remembered Meyer. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I was so pleased that he finally got some stability in his pro
career,” Meyer continued. “When I started to hear that Alex Smith can’t play in
the NFL, I thought to myself, ‘then I’ll never coach a quarterback who will
play in the NFL, because he was the best as far as mechanics and making
decisions.’”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Smith, who plays golf about 12 times a year, still showed
the competitive fire that he first learned from Meyer when he first took over
as head coach at Utah.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“When he first got there, it was tough,” said Smith, who
played for Meyer in the 2003-04 college football seasons, where they led the
Utes to a 22-2 record and back-to-back Mountain West Conference championships.
“You had to prove yourself to him. It was demanding. It was eye-opening for
me.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
After the 2004 season, Meyer left to become head coach at
Florida and Smith was drafted No. 1 by the San Francisco 49ers.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“He taught me that the most committed team in the end is
going to win,” said Smith. “The ball is going to bounce funny ways, but over
the course of time, the most invested team comes out on top. With coach Meyer,
we were the most invested team, and it makes it tough to lose when you fight
for everything</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I think everyone who goes to Utah has a chip on his
shoulder because he didn’t get recruited by a BCS school. We all went out with
something to prove and played like it.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Smith and Meyer were still trying to prove something to each
other on Friday. But this time it was on the golf course, before they turned
their attention to getting back to business next week. Meyer was holding
meetings for his staff on Monday. Smith was reporting to the 49ers on Thursday.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But, for this golf round Meyer enjoyed the upper hand. And
Meyer claimed that it was the second time he beat Smith on the golf course,
something Smith still contested.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>But they agreed that it wouldn’t be another eight years before they again
spent time together on a golf course.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The event continues over the weekend and it will be televised
by NBC on Saturday and Sunday from 3-6 p.m. (ET).</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">By Craig Smith, former
director of media relations for the U.S. Golf Association.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<!--EndFragment-->CelebrityGolf.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00521820154687158555noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3076355258445784343.post-9208545696207058592012-07-20T19:13:00.000-07:002012-07-20T19:13:10.327-07:00Defending Champion Wagner And Mulder Share First Round Lead At American Century Championship<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<br />
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South Shore, Lake Tahoe, Nev. – Actor Jack Wagner, the
defending champion, and former major league pitcher Mark Mulder each scored 22
points Friday to share the lead after the first round of the American Century
Championship at Edgewood Tahoe Golf Course. The duo led by one point over NFL
placekicker Ryan Longwell and by two over hockey Hall-of-Famer Brett Hull and Dallas
Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsAlAZZ2VacJBy6vVyFUTszcwH7eSwTjZVuIdwOiUYPCg0op_k2lckYMv1WbN62oklCpmCo3aX4K4Y7DS4wphyphenhyphenS7MAyCRmmgEPqu95QjzU1W-OsvgWudHsfSbL5jg7Xb4i8Ep6ehi8sq8/s1600/Wagner+18th+hole+Friday_credit+Jeff+Bayer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsAlAZZ2VacJBy6vVyFUTszcwH7eSwTjZVuIdwOiUYPCg0op_k2lckYMv1WbN62oklCpmCo3aX4K4Y7DS4wphyphenhyphenS7MAyCRmmgEPqu95QjzU1W-OsvgWudHsfSbL5jg7Xb4i8Ep6ehi8sq8/s320/Wagner+18th+hole+Friday_credit+Jeff+Bayer.jpg" width="207" /></a><o:p> </o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Romo, the betting favorite, birdied the final hole to climb
within striking distance. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“There are certain putts that you need to make to keep
yourself in position,” said Romo of his last putt. “Even when you’re not putting
well, I had to have that one. It was important. I hit the ball fine, it was
just some chips and some putts. If I clean that up, I’ll have about 10 extra
points.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The tournament uses a Stableford scoring system that awards
graduated points for pars or better. The event continues on Saturday and
Sunday, with television coverage be televised by NBC from 3-6 p.m. (EDT).</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I think I had 40 putts. Normally, that’s the strength of my
game,” said Wagner, who is one of four players who have played in all 22 past
Tahoe events. “I hit it really well. I didn’t make any putts”. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
However, Wagner made enough putts to have three birdies on
the day to offset his two bogeys. Mulder, meanwhile, used his length to help
him make four birdies to go with four bogeys. Mulder has played in two previous
tournaments with a best of 14<sup>th</sup> in 2010.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I was killing my drives and had mid-irons into the par 5s,
but this is not what I do for a living so I’m not that confident in my game,”
said Mulder, who pitched nine seasons in the big leagues with a career record
of 130-60. “I’m trying to enjoy myself and not put so much pressure on myself
this year. I came into this week hitting the ball well.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">By Craig Smith, former
director of media relations for the U.S. Golf Association.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<!--EndFragment-->CelebrityGolf.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00521820154687158555noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3076355258445784343.post-21309998296795869202012-07-20T19:10:00.001-07:002012-07-20T19:10:51.428-07:00Jordan And Hamlin Strike Up A Friendship Over Car Racing That Leads To Golf At The American Century Championship<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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South Shore, Lake Tahoe, Nev. – Michael Jordan and Denny
Hamlin come from sports worlds that are far apart, but Friday they were united
by their unlikely friendship and their nervousness on the first tee of the
American Century Championship.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Hamlin, who was paired with Jordan and earned plenty of
television time as a result, was so nervous that it took him a few holes to get
his palms to stop sweating.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I was really nervous to be honest with you. It took me a
while to get those jitters out of me,” said Hamlin, who is currently ranked
fourth on the NASCAR circuit with two wins and a second place finish in 14
events in 2012. “Michael has told me this is the most nervous he gets all year.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEWHJOkcfNWeebCWck1Dw9HOeBjYKfuk2hSA9R-2oKtN5NRkG22RMTryK15FHNhv1HvMC9ObQeAE9Ezaxnfhz_VdQ8FwtmWHLcls6oAQjdqxd-om1W5jqG9Iz2hVMHZFBspHaR5ex2mYo/s1600/DF-9086.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEWHJOkcfNWeebCWck1Dw9HOeBjYKfuk2hSA9R-2oKtN5NRkG22RMTryK15FHNhv1HvMC9ObQeAE9Ezaxnfhz_VdQ8FwtmWHLcls6oAQjdqxd-om1W5jqG9Iz2hVMHZFBspHaR5ex2mYo/s320/DF-9086.JPG" width="320" /></a>“We talked last week and he said you are going to be so
nervous,” said Hamlin. “I don’t think I understood until I got to the first
tee. But I played pretty well. At least I ended up in positive numbers and
that’s a good thing.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Hamlin finished with four points in the tournament’s Stableford
scoring system that awards graduated points for pars or better, well behind the
first-day leaders actor jack Wagner and baseball pitcher Mark Mulder, who have
22 points apiece.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The event continues on Saturday and Sunday, with television
coverage be televised by NBC from 3-6 p.m. (EDT).</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Jordan also finished in the positive, but he expected far
more than the eight points he collected.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Hamlin clearly was out of his element. The slight
150-pounder is more used to driving at 200 miles and hour and running inches
from another car. But somehow Hamlin and Jordan took a liking to each other,
having met at a Charlotte Bobcats home game.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“It started with me being a season ticket holder at the
Bobcats,” said Hamlin. “He sits at courtside and I sit at courtside. I struck
up a conversation with him and found out that he’s a big race fan, and he
starting asking me about my races from the previous weeks. It even turned into
a business partnership that we have.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The friendship also led to Hamline being in the Tahoe area
for his week off.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“If I wasn’t here, I’d probably be in Charleston (SC) or
Myrtle Beach (SC) golfing this week anyway,” said Hamlin. “This is something
special, and I’m glad to have been invited. Michael probably had something to
do with that.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">By Craig Smith, former
director of media relations for the U.S. Golf Association.</span></i><!--EndFragment-->CelebrityGolf.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00521820154687158555noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3076355258445784343.post-79752810990070729082012-07-19T19:27:00.000-07:002012-07-19T19:27:01.574-07:00Top Quarterback Duo Headlines American Century Championship Pairing for Friday’s First Round<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<br />
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South Shore, Lake Tahoe, Nev. – Betting favorite Tony Romo
and much-improved Aaron Rodgers are paired with Hall of Fame wide receiver
Jerry Rice in the featured group at 10:55 a.m. (PT) Friday at the 54-hole
American Century Championship at Edgewood Tahoe Golf Course.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Romo is the favorite at 5/2 odds. However, not everyone is
convinced he will win.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4pRRAYuSHj46G8SkN9pgaoi8yq-Aw6zp9cEfQQg7UfX7-1494qBJ_NTVnnN_GYvUcsFA4nbpQ1B8x-aM0Igi8otOBxOQJKX8XSejXj3XkRjJ97sv48V64pE2upcIQ_0avPNykZjdij64/s1600/Romo2_Wednesday.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="245" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4pRRAYuSHj46G8SkN9pgaoi8yq-Aw6zp9cEfQQg7UfX7-1494qBJ_NTVnnN_GYvUcsFA4nbpQ1B8x-aM0Igi8otOBxOQJKX8XSejXj3XkRjJ97sv48V64pE2upcIQ_0avPNykZjdij64/s320/Romo2_Wednesday.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New";">“I don't
know, Tony's a good player,” said eight-time champion Rick Rhoden, who is
paired with inaugural champ Mark Rypien and four-time champ Dan Quinn in the
first round. “I expect him (Romo) to win this tournament a few times.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He just needs to get in more
tournaments.”. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Last year’s winner Jack Wagner, who also won in 2006, is
grouped with three-time winner Billy Joe Tolliver and long-hitting Brett Hull
at 10:15 a.m. And crowd favorites Charles Barkley and Ray Romano, two
golf-lovers who failed the Hank Haney project, will be joined by actor Brian
Baumgartner at 11:25 a.m.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtMKJRcuuW2K4D62NCO3u-3Ku0d5MiEyI4xpHsgvV_GLERDsALvivLRaICDi8djNOyCybG5tujBRlGaRHUA7IrGJcUIgJSoFRNPe6cnNcckW4dlOddFYR6kuC_Z_9tNbUFSavcHtebd-U/s1600/Barkley_credit+Jeff+Bayer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtMKJRcuuW2K4D62NCO3u-3Ku0d5MiEyI4xpHsgvV_GLERDsALvivLRaICDi8djNOyCybG5tujBRlGaRHUA7IrGJcUIgJSoFRNPe6cnNcckW4dlOddFYR6kuC_Z_9tNbUFSavcHtebd-U/s320/Barkley_credit+Jeff+Bayer.jpg" width="268" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Barkley, who has played in each Tahoe event since 1993, is
the long shot in the field, at 1000-1 odds.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I wouldn’t bet on me unless you’ve got some money to
waste,” said Barkley. “No, I wouldn’t put any money on me. You’ve got a better
chance if you put it in a slot machine.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The tournament uses a Stableford scoring system that awards
graduated points for pars or better. Wagner is one of four players who have
played in all 22 past Tahoe events. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The event will be televised by NBC Sports Network from 4-7
p.m. (ET) on Friday and by NBC on Saturday and Sunday from 3-6 p.m. (ET).</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">By Craig Smith, former
director of media relations for the U.S. Golf Association.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<!--EndFragment-->CelebrityGolf.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00521820154687158555noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3076355258445784343.post-10824212993458112572012-07-19T19:22:00.002-07:002012-07-19T19:48:32.422-07:00Newly Crowned Champion Battier And Dream-Teamer Barkley Say 1992 Olympic Team Is The Best<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">South Shore, Lake Tahoe, Nev.
– Shane Battier knows greatness when he sees it on the basketball court. He
shared a lockerroom with LeBron James, one of the NBA’s premier players, on the
way to earning the league title with the Miami Heat last month.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1apJFdWra9iBV11mt72oFmmXmE4VfH1ZeqRcohpvxeBgNpEj81sfjyA9jX6ohyphenhyphen5OcgStJ8Tc-eWg6sQelK5o1xk7b1lxgEKQ_v3ZBoM0Nq_N05SB1gUZk1FBFxkYs_m8ZXMYWNKzca-0/s1600/IMG_0874.615.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="184" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1apJFdWra9iBV11mt72oFmmXmE4VfH1ZeqRcohpvxeBgNpEj81sfjyA9jX6ohyphenhyphen5OcgStJ8Tc-eWg6sQelK5o1xk7b1lxgEKQ_v3ZBoM0Nq_N05SB1gUZk1FBFxkYs_m8ZXMYWNKzca-0/s320/IMG_0874.615.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-size: 11pt;">But, when it comes to
comparing James’ 2012 USA Olympic team with the Dream Team of 1992, Battier,
turned his favor to the team from 20 years ago.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">“Every
last one of those guys is in the Hall of Fame; first bout Hall-of-Famers” said
Battier before he headed to a practice round at the American Century
Championship at Edgewood Tahoe Golf Course. “I don't think you'll ever see a
collection of talent that's as deep and as good as 1992.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">“If
they played against each other it would be a heck of a game, but I’m partial to
the ’92 team. For my money, it’s the greatest team ever assembled.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">Battier
was only 14 in 1992, but he fell in love with watching Michael Jordan, Larry
Bird, Charles Barkley and David Robinson. Jordan, in particular, carried a
love-hate relationship in Battier’s basketball upbringing.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">“I
always respected what Michael could do, but I couldn’t love him,” said Battier.
“I was all Detroit; “Bad Boys” all the way.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">Dream
Team member Charles Barkley was even more certain about the outcome.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ3GXJRF_DG7OXiC-_n6iJkZpXcFsKewTS-ujDADLtrKkrqXlp06s6FU8A8m4VGHSkHJ7kJAv68auj6b-Cq8DS3H0B4welOYx6qRsqxfm24TthQcm-vmFuvsmv_053Wz_SyTkAk2m7koU/s1600/barkley4_credit+Jeff+Bayer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ3GXJRF_DG7OXiC-_n6iJkZpXcFsKewTS-ujDADLtrKkrqXlp06s6FU8A8m4VGHSkHJ7kJAv68auj6b-Cq8DS3H0B4welOYx6qRsqxfm24TthQcm-vmFuvsmv_053Wz_SyTkAk2m7koU/s320/barkley4_credit+Jeff+Bayer.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">“I think we win by 15 or 20
points. We’re too big for them,” said Barkley during a practice round in
Tahoe. “They’ve got a very small
team and I think we could wear Kobe and LeBron down by putting a bunch of bodies
on them. But, I think the main thing is that Patrick Ewing and David Robinson
would just punish them inside.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Question">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">Former NBA standout and current
announcer Steve Kerr agreed that old guard would win.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">“You throw it in a simulator
and see what comes out, but I’m partial to the ’92 team,” said Kerr, a
five-time NBA champion who retired in 2010. He played with Jordan on three of
those championship teams in Chicago. “I think it’s the greatest team ever
assembled; the fire power on that team with Jordan, Pippen and Barkley. Pretty
tough to beat.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">“Only Kobe and LeBron; those
are the only two guys who would make our team,” concluded Barkley. “They are
two of the 10 greatest players ever in the game.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">By Craig Smith, former
director of media relations for the U.S. Golf Association.<o:p></o:p></i></div>CelebrityGolf.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00521820154687158555noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3076355258445784343.post-86552888977697788492012-07-18T18:18:00.002-07:002012-07-18T18:18:39.289-07:00Can Wagner Hold Off Romo At This Week’s American Century Championship<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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South Shore, Lake Tahoe, Nev. – The top two finishers from a
year ago return to the American Century Championship at the Edgewood Tahoe Golf
Course this weekend, with actor Jack Wagner wondering if he can again hold off
quarterback Tony Romo and win consecutive titles.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqIa0y6GKChNkGSk2x4GNe2oIEbkAn4zgAfyyfIhxSCPddL6LTszEAPzdnuwd4aHB8wLUqnvt-CEEyZ6AuC95dUhyphenhyphenVsKnn3lJYS4iAElEpdffYn9aBtRy_4Jbi7kc2thDGzEO90vEu0WA/s1600/Romo2_Wednesday.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="245" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqIa0y6GKChNkGSk2x4GNe2oIEbkAn4zgAfyyfIhxSCPddL6LTszEAPzdnuwd4aHB8wLUqnvt-CEEyZ6AuC95dUhyphenhyphenVsKnn3lJYS4iAElEpdffYn9aBtRy_4Jbi7kc2thDGzEO90vEu0WA/s320/Romo2_Wednesday.JPG" width="320" /></a>“I just won a golf tournament,” said Wagner last year after
holding off Romo 80-77 in a 54-hole tournament that uses a Stableford scoring
system that awards graduated points for pars or better. Wagner, who also won in
2006, is one of four players to have played in all 22 past Tahoe celebrity
events.</div>
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Romo, an amateur player who is good enough to have tried to
qualify for the last seven U.S. Opens, remembers the 8-iron miss on the final
hole that left him short of the title.</div>
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“I just missed a key shot coming down the stretch,” said
Romo, who will report to Dallas Cowboys training camp next week. “But anytime I
play in something, I think I can win. I’ve played pretty well this summer and
if my putter is working, my game is pretty sharp.</div>
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Romo teamed with quarterback Aaron Rodgers Wednesday in a
practice round against NBC producer Tom Randolph and announcer Mark Rolfing.
And Rodgers showed promise to improve on his tie for 39<sup>th</sup> place last
year. He drove the par 4 315-yard second hole, and fell just short of reaching
the par-5 third hole in two shots.</div>
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“I’ve been working on my game, but I have to be realistic”
said Rodgers, who also will report to training camp next week in Green Bay.
“I’d like to think I can be in the top 25 this week. If I can get off the tee,
I’ll do okay.”</div>
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The all-time favorite celebrity playing on the 6,875-yard
layout is Charles Barkley, who has played each year since 1993. Last year
Barkley tried a new trick to improve; swinging at his tee shots with his eyes
closed. It didn’t work.</div>
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The event will be televised by NBC Sports Network from 4-7
p.m. (ET) on Friday and by NBC on Saturday and Sunday from 3-6 p.m. (ET).</div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">By Craig Smith, former
director of media relations for the U.S. Golf Association.</span></i><!--EndFragment-->CelebrityGolf.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00521820154687158555noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3076355258445784343.post-47665690969252677982012-07-18T18:16:00.002-07:002012-07-18T20:13:42.430-07:00Tahoe Celebrities Favor Woods To Win British Open<br />
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South Shore, Lake Tahoe, Nev. – Nearly half of the
celebrities polled at this weekend’s American Century Championship at the
Edgewood Tahoe Golf Course picked Tiger Woods to win this week’s British Open,
including former instructor Hank Haney.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm2kGC1OCEO0T4e47M80BHPcdcpbbes_e9WqHRVr3Wia7UfxSlhUAbskjU67rtNNF5gSXZB-yeo1qmQYKbBzqdkBojZdsKbbUr45AngiWYQHoNEe9QNGfckz_QY5nxYUfy-5JHiKo4duk/s1600/Tiger.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm2kGC1OCEO0T4e47M80BHPcdcpbbes_e9WqHRVr3Wia7UfxSlhUAbskjU67rtNNF5gSXZB-yeo1qmQYKbBzqdkBojZdsKbbUr45AngiWYQHoNEe9QNGfckz_QY5nxYUfy-5JHiKo4duk/s320/Tiger.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Haney was one of 10 celebrities who picked Woods, saying “I
always pick the best player.” Lee Westwood and Rory McIlroy each collected four
votes. There were also single votes for Ernie Els, Bubba Watson and Ross Fish<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=3076355258445784343" name="_GoBack"></a>er.</div>
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<tbody>
<tr>
<td><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Celebrity </b></td>
<td><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">British Open pick</b></td>
<td><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> Reason</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Hank Haney </td>
<td>Tiger Woods</td>
<td>“I always pick the best player.”</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Mark Rolfing </td>
<td>Lee Westwood</td>
<td>“It’s playing long and you’ll need to drive it well.”</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Jerome Bettis </td>
<td>Lee Westwood </td>
<td>“It’s just a matter of time til he closes the deal.”</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Tony Romo</td>
<td>Tiger Woods</td>
<td>“I’ve seen him hit a golf ball.”</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Jack Wagner </td>
<td>Tiger Woods</td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Oscar De La Hoya</td>
<td>Tiger Woods</td>
<td>“He’s mentally tough.”</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Sterling Sharpe </td>
<td>Tiger Woods</td>
<td>“He’s also a Nike guy.”</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Jerome Roenick </td>
<td>Lee Westwood</td>
<td>“He’s so close to a major and it would be fitting to there.”</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Alfonzo Ribeiro</td>
<td>Tiger Woods</td>
<td>“He’s one of only two to win three times this year.”</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Alex Smith</td>
<td>Rory McIlroy </td>
<td>“I’m just a big fan.”</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Grant Fuhr</td>
<td>Tiger Woods</td>
<td>“He doesn’t have to hit driver everywhere.”</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Jim Dent </td>
<td>Tiger Woods</td>
<td>“If he can play that iron game, he can knock ‘em down.”</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Goose Gossage</td>
<td>Rory McIlroy</td>
<td>“He’s due.”</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>David Wells </td>
<td>Rory McIlroy</td>
<td>“He’s at home.”</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Jamie Moyer</td>
<td>Bubba Watson</td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>John Elway</td>
<td>Tiger Woods</td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Dan Quinn</td>
<td>Ernie Els</td>
<td>“I’m caddying for him next week.”</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Brett Saberhagen</td>
<td>Lee Westwood</td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Digger Phelps</td>
<td>Rory McIlroy</td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Shan Battier</td>
<td>Ross Fisher</td>
<td>“He’s may dark horse. Mark it down.”</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Steve Kerr </td>
<td>Tiger Woods</td>
<td>“I enjoy greatness. I’m a big fan.”</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">By Craig Smith, former
director of media relations for the U.S. Golf Association.</i></div>CelebrityGolf.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00521820154687158555noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3076355258445784343.post-54204447171429161472012-07-18T11:55:00.002-07:002012-07-18T17:06:10.073-07:00John Elway Plays in Tahoe Before Getting Down to Football Business<br />
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South Shore, Lake Tahoe, Nev. – John Elway carried mixed
emotions Wednesday as he enjoyed a practice round with some friends in
preparation for this weekend’s American Century Championship at the Edgewood
Tahoe Golf Course.</div>
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Elway is one of four celebrities who have played in each of
the 23 events since its inception in 1990, when NBC conceived the event to fill
the void the network had after losing the major league baseball contract.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_e-PmlPpp05WIethljrQTw5_9Hken1Y2ubyXx31toxGSB_4svo41qg71VabKuugCuXfQlnw-WYClUmRkVoYr8aILDouXqoCuK_TnG1TdJi3PgixHSy3BxfPUahR4WNFCdX5oOZ05SHxY/s1600/JAB_8842.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_e-PmlPpp05WIethljrQTw5_9Hken1Y2ubyXx31toxGSB_4svo41qg71VabKuugCuXfQlnw-WYClUmRkVoYr8aILDouXqoCuK_TnG1TdJi3PgixHSy3BxfPUahR4WNFCdX5oOZ05SHxY/s320/JAB_8842.jpg" width="212" /></a>“It was 1989. We had just lost major league baseball and
(president) Dick Ebersol called me in his office,” recalled Jon Miller,
president of programming for NBC Sports and the NBC Sports Network.</div>
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Ebersol told Miller, “You’re the programming guy. We just
lost baseball and you now have 26 weeks to fill. But you have no money to
spend.”</div>
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The network was open to many new ventures in sports to fill
the void. One of the ideas was a celebrity golf tournament.</div>
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“Let’s give it a shot,” Miller thought. “This event was the
first and most successful of those ventures. But we knew we needed the biggest
star of that time to make it go, and that was Michael Jordan.”</div>
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He said yes, and a good friendship was born. Jordan is
playing in his 17<sup>th</sup> Tahoe event.</div>
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Elway also said yes, and he’s been here ever since, with a
runner-up finish in 2010 being his best. He finished tied for 15<sup>th</sup>
in 2011.</div>
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“This is the last hurrah for me before we jump into the
season,” said Elway, a Hall of Fame quarterback who is now executive vice
president of football operations for the Denver Broncos. “I like playing here
and I think I’m still competitive, but my chances of winning here are
dwindling.”</div>
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Next week, the spotlight will begin to shine for the
anticipation of Denver Broncos training camp, where Payton Manning will wear a
new uniform after many great years with the Indianapolis Colts.</div>
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“The hype is still there with our team,” said Elway. “I
think we’ve gotten better on both sides of the ball and having Payton Manning
immediately makes us competitive. Payton works really hard. There’s a reason
he’s so good. I’m looking forward to the season.”</div>
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<br /></div>
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But for this week, Elway is looking forward to having a
chance at beating other quarterbacks and former quarterbacks for a chance to
hold the winner’s trophy on Sunday. The favorite is Tony Romo, even though
actor Jack Wagner is the defending champion</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The 54-hole celebrity event uses a Stableford scoring system
that awards graduated points for pars or better. The three other celebrities
who have played in all 23 championships are Wagner, Mike Eruzione and Jim
McMahon.</div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Special to SB Nation
from Craig Smith, former director of media relations for the U.S. Golf
Association.<o:p></o:p></i></div>CelebrityGolf.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00521820154687158555noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3076355258445784343.post-33332725703602146552012-07-12T08:19:00.001-07:002012-07-12T18:49:12.976-07:00Get on the Inside...<br />
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Welcome to the Celebrity Golf Insider.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg04sfTd6j__FLesy9GWC0wV3tXzOQM37ZKWh3dSD9YHFvTIEeBbgSTIab2sMFLKDVo7eAEIb-pHJxtkIFER8phgii3QRZ96hMAyT1s5Pea9DfxhoTd6YqbbtLJfuGIuUXFD5wpxGO3QZQ/s1600/barkley-group1L.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="155" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg04sfTd6j__FLesy9GWC0wV3tXzOQM37ZKWh3dSD9YHFvTIEeBbgSTIab2sMFLKDVo7eAEIb-pHJxtkIFER8phgii3QRZ96hMAyT1s5Pea9DfxhoTd6YqbbtLJfuGIuUXFD5wpxGO3QZQ/s200/barkley-group1L.jpg" width="200" /></a>We're excited to bring you a unique perspective in to the
world of celebrity golf tournaments and competition. Combined our core team has
nearly five decades of experience covering celebrity golf tournaments, earning
access and building friendships along the way. Now we would like to bring you along
for the ride, inside the ropes and behind the scenes of celebrity golf.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
Here you'll find reporting from some of the biggest
celebrity golf tournaments and updates and commentary on celebrity golf news
and celebrity players. Plus we'll share what it takes to bring you the story,
our late nights and early mornings, the interview requests, technical
difficulties and maybe even what's for lunch in the media room or which resort
has the nicest bathrooms.</div>
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If nothing else we promise to be an interesting read. We
hope you'll take a moment to subscribe to this blog and please feel free to
offer any feedback, we welcome your suggestions.</div>
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