Tucson Open Tuesday and Wednesday: Celebrity Fun

By Scott Behmer,
Senior Writer

Tucson, Az - Fans who attended the pre-tournament celebrity events were treated to some great shots, loads of laughs, and a chance to see some of their favorite stars in person. Here's a look.

The Celebrity Shoot-out: The normal Tuesday shoot-out was replaced by seven athlete/pro team pairings. Athletes such as Vince Coleman and Roy Green paired with traditional Tucson favorites like 1993 winner Larry Mize and hometown hero Don Pooley. With the alternate-shot format, the Steve Jones-Larry Centers pairing jumped right out with the shot of the day.

From 130 yards Larry knocked the approach six inches from the cup for an easy birdie and a first hole lead. At the end of the six-hole contest, (shortened so Matt Williams and Travis Lee could return to Diamondbacks camp for their physicals) the Jay Delsing-Danny Ainge pairing walked away with the victory.

Bizarre Lie of the Day: From 250 yards out on #2, Travis Lee took a rip with his new Taylor Made 3-wood in an attempt to reach the par 5 in two. Instead, the ball sliced 50 yards right and into the trunk of a tree. Fortunately for the team they were given a free drop and still made par.

Quote of the Day: With celebrity shots zooming right, left, into the ground, and even into the occasional tree, Larry Centers was asked, "Have you ever had an experience like this?" Larry responded, "Only when my wife plays!"

The Celebrity Pro-Am: Kevin Costner made a repeat appearance at this year's Wednesday Pro-Am. Headlining the field, former Phoenix Suns coach Danny Ainge also joined his group along with professional Brian Hull, who Kevin Costner sponsors. From the start Costner showed improvement. Of course after last year's topped tee shot it would be difficult not to. His opening 250-yard drive split the fairway. Then after an opening bogey and an ensuing double, Kevin found his groove and hit the next three fairways and greens. Overall, the team managed a top-10 finish.

The Fans: Awaiting Kevin's arrival to the #1 tee, the first three rows of the bleachers were lined with young ladies of all ages. With one group until his tee time, he walked over to the ladies for autographs and pictures. Ear-to-ear smiles from meeting one of their favorite actors lasted the entire round.

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Amateur Thrill Moment: On #15, after an amateur in Brad Faxon's group missed a 10-footer for par, Brad called him over for a putting lesson. Brad explained to the player that he waited too long after choosing his line to begin his stroke. After a couple of minutes of work the group proceeded to #16 tee and the man walked over to his wife and said, "I just received a million dollar putting lesson." That price may be a little high, but any tip from arguably the best putter on Tour is sure to be a huge help.

Scott's Quick Loop: While waiting for Kevin Costner's group to tee off, I watched Chris DeMarco's group of Ping representatives hit. The last member of the group was Tucson agent Bert Kinerk. Bert, who represents players such as Sean Elliott and PGA Tour member Rory Sabatini, teed off and carried his own bag down the fairway. So I called out to Bert and asked if he wanted a caddy. Indeed he did, and all of the sudden I'm walking down #1 with his bag on my shoulder.

Bert was on the fringe in three, and with the help of Chris DeMarco's and my read, he sunk the putt for a par, net birdie. Bert had explained to me that he was just filling in for a player until he arrived. Sure enough at the green the other amateur showed up and took Bert's place, but not until Bert had gotten the team off on the right foot. As for me, I stayed at the green and watched Costner play up #1.

Parting Shot: I seriously doubt there's any caddy on Tour who can match my stats for the year, so if you hear of any openings send them my way.

Kirk Triplett