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The first People vs. the Pros tournament was staged at Lake Las Vegas Resort in
2003 and televised live on The Golf Channel. John Daly defeated his amateur opponent,
but golf legend Lee Trevino was beaten 5&4 by his amateur opponent, thus validating
the concept.
The 2nd Annual event was held at historic Pinehurst Resort. John Daly
defended his title and colorful Gary McCord was the Champions Tour player. The Grand
Final matches were played on legendary Pinehurst #2, site of the 2005 U.S. Open,
and telecast twice in prime time on ESPN. Both Daly and McCord lost their matches.
The 2005 event was held at Barton Creek Resort and Spa in Austin, Texas. Justin
Leonard and Ben Crenshaw were the PGA Tour pros. The Grand Prize Matches were held
on the Fazio Foothill course and were telecast twice in prime time on ESPN. Justin
Leonard won 4 & 3 and Ben Crenshaw won a thrilling match on the 18th hole to
win 1 up.
Through the first six final matches, three have been won by amateurs and three by
the professionals – proof that the concept, an amateur with a fair handicap can
compete with a pro, is totally justified.
The 4th Annual event took place again at historic Pinehurst Resort, site
of the 2004 event, with a Prime Time broadcast on ESPN 2, October 17th from 7:30
to 9:30 pm. The participating pros were 2-time US Open Champion and world #3 Retief
Goosen and the ever colorful and popular Champions Tour player & CBS announcer Gary
McCord. Retief beat his amateur opponent 3 and 2 and Gary McCord, who said he couldn’t
lose again was able to just get by his opponent on the 18th and final hole to win
1 up.
The 5th Annual event was held at Cabo Real Golf Club, in Los Cabos, Mexico
and broadcast on ESPN2 December 23rd with subsequent broadcasts in various countries
worldwide on ESPN international in January 2008. The participating pros were Chris
DiMarco and 8 time major winner Tom Watson. Both Mr. DiMarco and Mr. Watson won
their matches.
What will happen the at 6th Annual People vs. the Pros event at Pinehurst Resort
in 2009?
Will it be YOU?