John Smoltz, Jerome Bettis among captains in new pro sports golf league
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It’s no secret that athletes from the other major sports love to play golf. For example, Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen has been a regular at PGA Tour events over the years, playing in various pro-ams, and the MVP candidate took part in the 2022 Match with teammate Patrick Mahomes.
But now a group of retired athletes are taking their affection for the sport to a new level, as part of a five-tournament golf series slated to begin later this year.
The Pro Rivals Open will feature former greats from each of the four major sports, competing on teams in their respective sports. The first event is scheduled for Dec. 9-14 at Innisbrook Resort near Tampa, Florida.
The captains for the respective teams are as follows:
- Baseball: John Smoltz
- Football: Jerome Bettis
- Hockey: Mike Modano
- Basketball: Jon Barry
The three-day match play events will include doubles and singles matches and full rosters are expected to be announced soon. The circuit is owned by BW Sports and Pure Sports Holdings and was co-created with ETZEL, its management partner.
Copperhead Course. (Photo: Innisbrook Resort)
“Throughout my playing career, I always found an outlet on the golf course and when I get the chance to compete, I take advantage of it,” said Smoltz, a baseball Hall of Famer who has dabbled on the golf circuits for years. “I wanted to be a part of something that pushes me as an athlete, and The Pro does that in a new way. It will bring together some of the greatest professional athletes from across the world of sport, testing us in a completely new environment and format. This is such a unique and exciting concept, and it meets the ongoing passion and desire that we all have to compete at a high level.”
"Professional athletes of this caliber are never done competing," said Nick Clark, the GM of the circuit. "The Pro taps into the relentless competitive drive of professional athletes and gives them an opportunity to compete at a high level in a new arena. We're bringing some of the top athletes in the world to America's biggest sports cities to deliver a compelling golf experience for players and fans, while making a positive impact in local communities by showcasing the transformative impacts of sports."
Like other pro tournaments, the events will include two early week practice rounds, a tournament pro-am and three days of competition. Tickets, hospitality packages and more info are available at http://www.theprorivalsopen.com.
