GOLF: A legend still coming to Kentuckiana

June 24, 2008 12:29 am

— A collective groan from disappointed golf fans from across Kentuckiana could be heard last week when Tiger Woods announced he would be out for the rest of the season, including the Ryder Cup at Valhalla Golf Club, with reconstructive knee surgery.
However, local golf fans will still be able to see the best player in the history of golf up close and personal, thanks to Fuzzy Zoeller.
Jack Nicklaus, still considered perhaps the greatest player in the history of golf, will be making a rare competitive appearance this coming August at The Magnolia Health Systems Wolf Challenge, hosted by Fuzzy Zoeller and to be held at Covered Bridge Golf Club in Sellersburg.
Filling out the foursome will be television star and comedian George Lopez along with PGA Tour professional Jason Gore and Zoeller, the tournament host.
“I am really excited about this group we have put together,” said Zoeller, the host of the event. “Every year it gets tougher to outdo the previous year. We’ve had some great players over time. This will be one of the most entertaining foursomes yet.”
Getting Nicklaus to attend the event has been a 12-year project.
“Each year we invite Jack to play, but he always had a hunting trip lined up the same week,” said Dave Lobeck, president and chief operating officer of Fuzzy Zoeller Productions. “When Fuzzy competed in The Senior Skins Game against Nicklaus this past February, Jack mentioned to Fuzzy that he might be available this year. I was able to confirm his participation the next week.”
With 18 majors and 73 official PGA Tour victories, Nicklaus has set the lofty mark that players of today measure themselves against. One of the most intriguing stories in golf is Woods’ quest to eclipse Nicklaus’ mark of 18 majors. With Woods’ U.S. Open victory, he is at 14.
Lopez has become a fixture on the small screen, starring in “The George Lopez Show,” which is currently entering its fifth season on ABC. This will be his first appearance at the Wolf.
Along with Zoeller, rounding out the field will be the long-hitting Gore.
Gore became one of the biggest sensations in golf in 2005 when he took The Nationwide Tour by storm, winning three tournaments in a row. After moving to the PGA Tour that year, he quickly notched his first victory, winning the 84 Lumber Classic in August 2005. He currently ranks 10th in driving distance in the PGA, averaging more than 298 yards per drive.
All four players will be wearing microphones while competing. The competition will be an 18-hole match utilizing the “wolf” format. Lopez will be able to use his USGA handicap during the competition.
Tickets are now on sale by calling 812-246-8200 or by going to www.FuzWolf.com.
One-day general admission tickets are $25, while a two-day general admission ticket is $40. Children ages 16 and under are granted free admittance when accompanied by an adult.
Tickets are available only in advance, and a limited number of tickets will be available to the general public this year. There are also a limited number of corporate badges remaining, as well as teams for “The Saturday Shamble” to be held Saturday, Aug. 9 at Fuzzy’s new golf course, Champions Pointe Golf Club in Henryville.
To date, The Magnolia Health Systems Wolf Challenge has raised over $1.5 million for various children’s charities, and has been affectionately embraced by the Kentuckiana region as “The Last Bash of the Summer at Fuzzy’s Place!”
— From staff reports

Photos

Jack Nicklaus will make his first appearance at The Magnolia Health Systems Wolf Challenge in August.