PGA Grand Slam of Golf Pre-Event Notes

Monday, October 18, 2010

• GET TO KNOW YOUR COURSE: Port Royal Golf Course’s yardage is 3,473 on the front and 3,372 on the back for a total of 6,845 yards. The 18th hole was lengthened 21 yards from its maiden 2009 appearance as the host course for the PGA Grand Slam of Golf. Port Royal Golf Course was designed by Robert Trent Jones and opened in 1970.  It was modified in 2008/2009.

• ON THE AIR: The PGA Grand Slam of Golf will be broadcasted to more than 100 countries and territories.  The two-day telecast will broadcast in High Definition (HD). The TNT announcers are Verne Lundquist, Ian Baker-Finch, Jim Huber and Billy Kratzert. Both the first and second rounds will be aired on primetime television: First round:   Tuesday, Oct. 19   TNT  4-7 p.m. EDT/PDTSecond Round:   Wednesday, Oct. 20  TNT     5-9 p.m. EDT/PDT

• YOUR PURSE: The PGA Grand Slam of Golf purse is $1.35 million, with the winner receiving $600,000; second place $300,000; third place $250,000; and fourth place $200,000.

• YEAH, HE OWNS THIS RECORD, TOO: Most PGA Grand Slam of Golf wins: 7 Tiger Woods (1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2005, 2006)

• KILLING TIME WITH A LITTLE CRICKET: Waiting for the 16th hole to clear during Monday’s pro-am, three-time major champion Ernie Els engaged in an impromptu cricket game with a couple of equally distinguished guests. Bowling (pitching) to Els was Dr. The Honorable Ewart Brown, Premier of Bermuda, while keeping wicket was legendary cricket player Brian Lara. A 5 handicap on the course and recognized as one of the greatest batsmen in the history of cricket, Lara was invited to the pro-am by Premier Brown.

 • ELS AT THE BAT: It’s not common knowledge, but Els grew up playing cricket in his native South Africa before venturing off on a Hall-of-Fame golf career. He was elated when he learned Lara was in the PGA Grand Slam of Golf pro-am field.

He's a golf freak, I'm a cricket freak, Els said. You know, it's easy to keep both of us happy.  He actually came to my wife and my wedding.  That's how good a friend he is of ours. It was nice seeing him on the strip. Actually caught me by surprise. I haven't played cricket in 24 years or whatever it is.  Last time I think I hit a cricket shot was in Jamaica in '94.  At least I made contact.  Brian, as you can see, is amused.

• THE MICHAEL JORDAN OF CRICKET DOES GOLF:  Els dismissed any talk of exchanging batting tips with Lara: "He's just a different class. Obviously with golf, he's a lot better player now than he was. Obviously he's got a lot more time on his hands now that he's kind of retired.  He's got a very good golf game. I’d like to try to get him in some of those celebrity tournaments in the States, because I think he could do some damage there with his game. Lara plays to a 5 handicap."

• BREED-ING A SPECIAL GOLF FIX: Golf Fix Host Michael Breed hosted four clinic segments to be aired on Golf Channel. Air times are Monday, October 18 at 7 p.m. ET and 10 p.m. ET; and it will be re-aired Tuesday, Oct. 19 at Noon ET, 1:30 p.m. ET and Friday, Oct. 22 at 8 a.m. ET. 

 • LIVE VIA SATELLITE RADIO: In addition, Sirius/XM will have a special show Tuesday and Wednesday from 2:00 - 4:00pm ET. Tune into SIRIUS 209 or XM 146 to listen.

 • TRACKING THE ACTION IN CYBERSPACE: Want to follow matters in real time? PGA.com, the official site of The PGA of America will offer comprehensive online coverage of the event including a hole-by-hole course tour, player profiles, live scoring, photo galleries and daily on-demand highlights. In addition, PGA.com will offer TJ. Auclair’s Live Blog on Tuesday and Wednesday, providing an inside-the-ropes look at the event while also allowing fans to email questions and comments to T.J., who will answer them in real time.