Featured Golf News
Sorenstam to Return to Action at Hootie & the Blowfish Pro-Am
The recently retired Annika Sorenstam will be one of the big names playing in this year's annual Hootie & the Blowfish Monday after the Masters Celebrity Pro-Am Golf Tournament. Also set to play are pro wrestling's Ric Flair and former Pittsburgh Steeler running back Jerome Bettis. The event will be held April 13 at the Dye Club at Barefoot Resort & Golf in North Myrtle Beach, S.C.
Sorenstam retired from the LPGA Tour in 2008 after a 14-year career. The Swede, who notched 70 wins, 10 major titles and more than $20 million in earnings, was inducted into the LPGA Hall of Fame and the World Golf Hall of Fame in 2003.
Known to wrestling fans as "The Nature Boy," Flair has been one of wrestling's most recognizable stars since the 1970s. Flair captured 16 world championships with World Wrestling Entertainment, World Championship Wrestling and the National Wrestling Alliance. Flair retired in 2008 after a 36-year career.
Jerome "The Bus" Bettis finished his 13-year career as the league's fifth all-time leading rusher in the NFL with more than 13,600 yards and 94 touchdowns. Bettis retired after leading Pittsburgh to a 2006 Super Bowl victory, and now is an analyst for NBC's "Football Night in America."
"Having Annika, Ric and Jerome Bettis at the Monday After the Masters adds to a long list of athletes who have joined us and are considered the greatest at what they do," said Darius Rucker, lead singer of Hootie & the Blowfish. "The names of athletes and celebrities who have participated over the last 15 years goes on and on, but 'The Nature Boy' is universally considered the greatest professional wrestler of all time.
"Flair is also one of the coolest people I have ever met in my life. His coolness is in that category reserved for Mr. Sinatra, Quincy Jones, Tommy Armor III and a few others. 'Natch' has been a good friend for years and I am overwhelmed that he is coming. The hours and hours of enjoyment he gave me until the day he retired are a big part of who I am. And the wonderful white robe that the band bought for me years ago is the centerpiece of my sports collection."
Tickets go on sale Saturday, February 28 at 10:00 a.m. at the House of Blues, the Barefoot Resort & Golf pro shop, and all Ticketmaster outlets. Tickets are $15 with children 12 years of age and younger admitted free. All proceeds benefit the Hootie & the Blowfish Foundation, which supports the educational needs of children in South Carolina and the South Carolina Junior Golf Foundation. Last year, the event recorded its third consecutive sell-out and raised an all-time high of $460,000 for the charities. Over the past 14 years, it has generated more than $4 million for the foundation.
Myrtle Beach Golf Holiday has been involved in six of the Monday After the Masters Tournaments on the Grand Strand. "We are excited to host our seventh Monday After the Masters Celebrity Pro-Am Golf Tournament here in Myrtle Beach," said company president Bill Golden. "The Monday After the Masters Tournament has meant so much to the state of South Carolina, and we are proud to help present an event that helps fund the state's junior golf and education programs and attract more national media attention to the Myrtle Beach area."
Some of the biggest names in music, television and movies, sports and professional golf have played in the event. Celebrity participants have included actor Samuel L. Jackson, Kevin Sorbo of "Meet the Spartans" and actor Anthony Anderson from "Law & Order." From the sports world, the annual tournament has been played by former NFL stars Dan Marino, Brett Favre, Jim McMahon and Sterling Sharpe; University of South Carolina head football coach Steve Spurrier; and ESPN analyst and ex-coach Lou Holtz.
Among the pros are Tiger Woods, Arnold Palmer, Tom Watson, Tom Kite, Andy North, Woody Austin, J.B. Holmes, Kenny Perry, Ricky Barnes, Rich Beem, Lee Elder and Robert Gamez.
Monday's post-golf concert from the House of Blues has featured performances from Hootie & the Blowfish and musical guests, including Meat Loaf, Branford Marsalis, Jason Mraz, Josh Kelley, Sister Hazel and Edwin McCain. The concert has drawn many celebrities onto the stage, including John Daly, Samuel L. Jackson, Stuart Scott and Dan Patrick. This year's concert will be limited to the sponsors of the pro-am.
Volunteers are needed to assist with the transportation and marshaling committees. If interested, contact Alexa Devine at 843/881-2532 or smudevine@aol.com, or visit www.HootieGolf.com/volunteers.asp.
