To be completely honest, I didn't even know Justin Timberlake played golf until late last year when a buddy called to tell me he was the group behind him on a Las Vegas golf course. After that, the flood gates opened when Timberlake appeared with Matt Lauer and Tony Romo at the U.S. Open contest earlier this year and is now set to host a PGA Tour event starting tomorrow in, you guessed it, Las Vegas.The proclaimed six-handicapping is the host of the, deep breath, Justin Timberlake Shriners Hospital for Children Open which starts tomorrow at TPC Summerlin with such notables as Woody Austin, Paul Azinger, Davis Love III and John Daly. Surprised by the last one? Well, it turns out Daly and Timberlake are good buddies, even playing in the pro-am on Monday together.
Both hail from Tennessee and became friends about 10 years ago, when Timberlake first picked up the sport. Even when he was still a high handicapper, Timberlake told Daly he was going to become a good golfer.
"And he has. Now his handicap is around a six, I think, and he knows the rules, he knows the game," Daly added. "He's a great guy. We like to hang out, and it's just great to have his name on this tournament."
Basically Timberlake has figured out the formula to make a post-Tour Championship tournament relevant. Contract the tournament to one golf course, place a big name (in this case, his) in the front of the title and stick it in an area that rich people enjoy visiting. You do all those things and voila, people might tune in and fans might show up.
Golf Digests Top Musicians
Justin Timberlake says he is "about a 6" handicap. The singer, producer and actor will be the host of the PGA Tour's Las Vegas stop starting next year.
Robert Benson, WireImage/Getty Images
With a handicap of 0.0, Kenny G was Golf Digest's No. 1 in 2006. The jazz saxophonist says his proudest athletic moment was hitting a great drive in front of Jack Nicklaus.
Harry How, Getty Images
Country singer Vince Gill, who was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2007, has raised millions for junior golf with his "Vinny" pro-celebrity event. Gill has a handicap of 0.8.
Frazer Harrison, ,Getty Images
Adrian Young is the drummer for No Doubt and belongs to two clubs in the San Diego area. The 1.4 handicapper has played in VH1's Fairway to Heaven charity event.
Jeff Gross, Getty Images
Michael Bolton has sold over 53 million albums. The Grammy Award winner, who is a 9 handicap, hosts an annual charity concert and golf tournament.
Justin Sullivan, Getty Images
Legendary rock singer and actor Meat Loaf, who plays to a 21 handicap, played in the 2008 Bob Hope Chrysler Classic. He is best knows for his Bat out of Hell album trilogy.
Warren Little, Getty Images
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
10-15-2008 @ 5:29PM
Rose said...
If you are a fan of John Daly - sign his facebook page to show your support!!!!!!!!
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