Golf’s Biggest Stars Share Spotlight With Local Celebs
[gtxvideo vid=”P3eSjV74″ playlist=”” pid=”Bbt3TRDe” thumb=”http://player.gtxcel.com/thumbs/P3eSjV74.jpg” vtitle=”wells fargo previewβ]
CHARLOTTE, NC — Charlotte’s only PGA event tees off Thursday. Β But Wednesday, PGA stars shared the spotlight.
The Wells Fargo Championship golf experience Wednesday sees the starts of the game play with notable names of Charlotte. Β Football coaches Ron Rivera and John Fox, NASCAR driver Michael Waltrip, and even Governor Pat McCrory teed up in Wednesday’s program.
“I don’t get nervous when I give my State of the State speech or talking to 8,000 people, but on that first tee, I’m a wreck,” said Governor McCrory. Β “It’s a hard game, and I admit I’m not that good at it.”
McCrory says he loves the positive buzz the PGA tour brings to the area.
“When the blimp shots of Charlotte and Quail Hollow, a lot of people say, ‘Wow, I want to live there,’ or ‘I want to move my business there,'” said the Governor.
A star-studded celebrity pairing in the afternoon: Panthers player Ryan Kalil was in the gallery to watch his head coach nervously begin his round.
“That first tee shot, without a doubt,” said Rivera. Β “I have played in a Super Bowl, coached a Super Bowl. Β It doesn’t compare to being the only guy up there with all those people watching.”
“Racing is pretty serious,” said Waltrip. Β “I caught on fire once. Β I ain’t ever caught on fire golfing, so, what do I care?”
Players signed autographs and gave away golf balls to kids in a very loose and fun-loving atmosphere. Β But things will turn much more serious Thursday when a $1.27 million first place check is on the line.
