WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS, WV – Athletes and celebrities took to the greens Wednesday for the annual pro-am.
Larry Fitzgerald of the Arizona Cardinals was part of today's festivities on the green. He took on the game of golf after a teammate invited him to come out years ago and now, he says he gets in about 300 rounds per year. But the key today was to have fun. He even had a wager going with owner and Gov. Jim Justice.
"He told me, you know, if he beats me I have to caddy for him next year. And if I beat him or when I beat him today, he's going have to walk the course next year, so there's a lot on the line here," said Fitzgerald.
Former NFL punter Pat McAfee was also on tap and admitted that he's not to familiar with the game.
"We're going to have a good time out here. And I think that's just what it's all about. There's no chance in hell I hit any good golf shots. I mean, I putted 14 times here and I've made zero. There's a guy over at warmup, look at this warmup. I don't even know what the hell this guy's doing, but but I'm competing against him, I think," McAfee said.
One player who does know what he's doing is Phil Mickelson. In his three appearances at the Greenbrier, he's failed to make the cut. But with new greens and his brother as caddy, he's hoping 2017 will be different.
"I feel like my game is at the level, that I've been playing well enough to win, but I haven't had those results. I haven't put myself in contention the way I'd like to. It would mean a lot to me if I were able to get it done," said five-time major champion Phil Mickelson.
Today was all fun and games but tomorrow is all business, as the first round gets underway bright and early.