Golf skills contests, why not?

[glebert]

Random thought: does pro golf have any real "skills" contests, similar to some of the big team sports (e.g. slam dunk contest, home run derby, pro bowl quarterback contest). I think they used to have long drive contests where the pros competed; I remember reading about Hogan and Weiskopf and others competing. I don't know of any events like that now, though.

I think that would be fun to watch, to see how far they could hit it if they don't have to play the second shot. They could also have some trick holes setup, like 300 yard blind doglegs and see who could get closest to the pin working a big cut or hook. Also would need the spinback contest on a par3 where the pin is covered by a canopy that you would have to hit over and spin the ball back to the hole.

I don't follow pro golf much, but I would watch something like that.

greg

[Smallville]

Yes golf has (or has had) a 'Skills Challenge," though it's been a while since I have watched it. I remember one year watching Phil Mickelson face away from the green, hit a shot behind himself onto the green, several feet from the hole.

I don't remember all of the challenges, only that it was fun and interesting watching the pros having fun with it.

[Stacey_E]

There were long drives, bunker shots, 50 yard pitches and closest to the pin on a par 3 (I think). And some other skills I can't remember. But I may have been watching a different competition. This had players from the Champions Tour, PGA, LPGA and other sports. I remember Paula Creamer and Trevor Immelman won something and Roger Clemens threw a softball closer to the pin than the best shot on the 50 yard pitch. Then he went on to....well you know the rest.

[Q.Q.Quillume]

FWIW click here for an article on the 15th annual ADT Golf Skills Challenge from 2006.

[dragonflyin]

I remember watching Vijay in a contest for mid-range iron shots to a green, and he stuffed one to about 2 feet. Then, took a lefty's club (don't remember who), and flushed it to about 3 feet. Closer than anyone else with their own clubs... it was bada$$...

[Alex1]

That's a great idea Glebert. Hope someone from the Golf Channel reads your post.

[Eore]

I remember watching Vijay in a contest for mid-range iron shots to a green, and he stuffed one to about 2 feet. Then, took a lefty's club (don't remember who), and flushed it to about 3 feet. Closer than anyone else with their own clubs... it was bada$$...

yeah, i think it was weir's club.

[Andy_Mac]

I would definitely tune in to watch golf HORSE. Watch the PGA guys pull out their best trick shots and see if their fellow competitors can match it.

[Franco!]

I remember watching Vijay in a contest for mid-range iron shots to a green, and he stuffed one to about 2 feet. Then, took a lefty's club (don't remember who), and flushed it to about 3 feet. Closer than anyone else with their own clubs... it was bada$$...

Not surprised, the dude is scratch from the other side, I think.

[Borf]

There is one in the Grand Slam of Golf (All the major winners from the previous year) They have some skills competitions, although they dont really keep score formally

[extremeld]

pretty sure they have a 4 day contest most weeks, they are called pga tour events.

the measure drives, score, chipping putting etc

[Uthinkso]

Not surprised, the dude is scratch from the other side, I think.

Butch Harmon's son is the same way. I just want to be that good right handed, here they have the gift both ways.