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The first People vs. the Pros tournament was staged at Lake Las Vegas Resort 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 2004 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 2006 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 2007 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 in 2008? Will it be YOU?